Indian Darby

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Lars,

A very nice cuff!! It is good to know some of the well made Indian cuffs are still out there.

Damon

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Very nice set of cuff with great markings. A few weeks ago I picked up a set of Indian adjustable darbies with the markings GG 23 and the keys had left handed thread (counter clockwise to unlock).

Most of the older Indian cuffs are of the same style as the newer junk but are heavier using better metal.

Ron

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Broad arrow is nice, (English government property) Nice find (this changes the rules)

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Nice cuff.

Many years ago I had a very similiar cuff that I believe went to Joseph Lauher.

The name of the town stamped into the cuff is very interesting as this was a locale that had many small firms making padlocks.

Locksmiths and lock makers were very plentiful in this region.

Cheers, Steve Santini

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Thank you guys for your input!!

I found an old thread from 2005 on a simliar cuff from Atame.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/t ... Darby+%232

As these cuffs are marked "Algarh", they are not from the former part of india that is now Pakistan.
Algarah is very close to New Delhi.

Joe; you are the master of Darby cuffs, please give ust your thoughts.

Lars

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hello Lars,

very nice piece!

It's interesting that your handcuffs are marked with the British Broad Arrow and the number "630" like mine. Maybe a reference to a certain military unit?

Best regards,
Guenter

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

The pair I bought from Steve is marked G.E.W 42 plus a Broad Arrow over I mark that is the mark of British India.

Steve included a picture of the cuff in his book "Devices of Human Restraint" (page 38.) At the time I bought the cuff we had a friendly argument over the century of origin.

They are really nice cuffs. Lars is lucky to have found one in such nice condition.

Joe

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Thanks you Guenter and Joe,

These cuffs are for sure interesting and surprisingly nicely made. The Broad Arrow seem to be one thing in common.
It would be interesting to know what the "630" marking stand for. We probably will never know.

Are you cuffs also this heavy? This set is 800 gram which is extremely heavy for a Darby cuff.

Best wishes,

Lars

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Nice handcuffs Lars.

Thanks for sharing the excellent photos of them.

Best

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hello Lars,

the weight of my pair is "only" about 680g. Their inner diameter is 60mm x 64mm.

Best regards,
Guenter

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hello Guenter,

That's an interesting difference in weight. Would you mind posting some photos of your set?

Best wishes,

Lars

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

My pair also weighs an even 800 grams.
Joe

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Thanks Joe for the information.These must be the heaviest Darby cuffs around.

Lars

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

I have seen 2 pairs of these sold in New Zealand in the last few years, with similar key and markings. I suspect they were brought home by soldiers after WW2 as souveniers. I have a bought a few interesting cuffs at Militaria Fairs.
Paul

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

800g = 1lb 12.219oz

Compare that to the 10 ounce peerless handcuffs for a comparison.

You got some pretty weighty cuffs.

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

bad math anon , dumb ass

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

I have a 4" x 2.5" heavy brass 6 leaver lock from the SHARMA METAL WORKS with ALIGARH marked on it !

Thank you for the info!

LK D~D

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

800g = 1lb 12.219oz

idk, I must have entered the number wrong.

So what's your excuse for being a rude anon troll?

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

I can do what I want as ANON, you do it,

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hello Lars,

pictures can be seen in the old thread:http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/t ... Darby+%232

Do you want me to show a special perspective or a certain close-up?

Best regards,
Guenter

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Thanks Guenter, the photos are just great.
Your cuff looks very similar to mine. What is a little bit strange is the difference in weight. It would have
been great to have both cuffs side by side to compare.

Best wishes,

Lars

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hello Lars,

maybe we'll be able to compare the cuffs at the next Euro Con.

What's the inside diameter of your cuffs? Maybe they are a bit larger?

Your piece is plated, isn't it? That might add another 10 grams .

Best regards,
Guenter

Yesterday I acquired a set of Indian Darby bought here in Sweden. I have to admit my expectations was very low but I'm really surprised by the high quality of manufacture. They are actually more "hand crafted" than Hiatts from the same time. They are
also very sturdy and heavy, 800 gram.

I hope somebody can help and shed some light over them as I have no knowledge in these cuffs. They have a great number of markings:

1. 1944 (probably the year of manufacture)
2. No 2 (probably the size to them)
3. The makers stamping; "SW Din & son" and "Aligarh". Aligarh is a town in Uttar Pradesh in India.
4. No 16 on both cuffs and the key
5. Finally they have a stamping which looks like the British Broad Arrow and the number "630". India belonged to the British commonwealth until 1947 so it make sense.

The key is of "Sheffield pattern" with external threads. Also the end cap differ from other Darby cuffs.

Any information would be grateful. Close-ups below.

Lars

Click to expand...

Hi,

I recently acquired another Indian Darby. This one has a brown satin patina but the shape and key is very similar to the other set.
The keys however have different threads and are not interchangeable. These cuffs only have one marking, the number "045" stamped
to the key and one of the hinges.

I'm still amazed by the high craftmanship to these Indian cuffs. They are extremely well made and very heavy.
Also the springs are very strong. You really need to put considerable power to snap them shut.


Lars

www.holstcollection.com