Help identify and value cuffs

I found these handcuffs under a home in Charleston SC that I am restoring. They appear to be old western cuffs but would like opinions on this find. I would also like to know if I would devalue them by cleaning using an electrolysis tank.

Hi, your description could be one of many types of cuffs, any chance of a photo?

Ian

I tried to upload a few pics using photobucket.com but couldn't figure it out. I'm sure it's user error.
Try this

I found these handcuffs under a home in Charleston SC that I am restoring. They appear to be old western cuffs but would like opinions on this find. I would also like to know if I would devalue them by cleaning using an electrolysis tank.

Hello,

They appear to be a pair of Towers' handcuffs (did you, by chance, peruse the Gallery on this website yet?) even in great working condition with a key, these type of cuffs sell between $100 - $200 dollars (US). In the condition of the found example they would be nearly impossible to restore to perfect working order. One reason is that the lockcases are peened shut at the factory, even without being fully rusted they are a PITA to disassemble for repair for broken/weak springs. Electrolysis is only harmful to the flaky rusty metal, and will not eat away solid surfaces. The above mentioned rust removal process will turn them at the very least into a nice wall hanger + conversation piece. BTW they are from the late 1800's thru the early 1900's. Tower produced gazillions of these, and they were concidered the mainstay of cuffs in their day.

Hope this helps some,
--Vince

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I found these handcuffs under a home in Charleston SC that I am restoring. They appear to be old western cuffs but would like opinions on this find. I would also like to know if I would devalue them by cleaning using an electrolysis tank.

They are worth as much as as a bucket of dirt...........but really nice dirt.

I found these handcuffs under a home in Charleston SC that I am restoring. They appear to be old western cuffs but would like opinions on this find. I would also like to know if I would devalue them by cleaning using an electrolysis tank.

thanks for the photo. It says so much. A Tower for sure but even if it was a rare Phelps, it seen better days and you cannot turn back the clock.
A great talking point, embedd it in clear acrylic so it doesn't get any worse and use it as a paper weight.