Handcuffs from Iraq

Does anyone know anything about these cuffs/ They are supposed to be from Iraq. They are a crudely made modern version of a Darby cuff. The locks are not spring loaded, but instead screw out like a Hiatt home office model.

Can anyone tell me more about these cuffs?

thanks
joe

Dear Joe, The welds on the cuff appear to me to be arc welds (so not old ) and the left hand hinge has what appears to be a very sharp pionted corner. I am guessing that this is a made up cuff and most likely not any type of multiple production item.

Ian

Just wondering if any more information about these have come to light.
I just bought one and will have it shortly.
I thought it was Iraqi as well.

This does not come with its key, unfortunately.
Joe, can you post a couple pics of your key?
Is it threaded like a darby or does it have a square tip that inserts into the end of the rod inside?
The picture of the key to this cuffs is not very clear.

I also have one. Mine was said to have come from Iraq, as well. I bought mine from the Soldier who took them from an Iraqi prisoner. Mine has the same key as Joe's does. If i knew where it was, I would be more than happy to try to get some pics for you. I dont recall much about it. I want to say that the locking bolt is square, though. With the corresponding cut out in the key. But, dont quote me on that, just yet. I will see if I can locate my cuff, tomorrow.
-Richard Knip-

I have the same problem that Richard mentions.  I am not sure where my cuff is. Somewhere in one of the junk boxes I am pretty sure. I don't think I have looked at it for many years.
I will take a look, but no guarantee.   As I remember the mechanism was very simple
Joe

I got a good look at them this morning. The key is very simple. Mine is a solid piece of rod iron with a square shaped hole in the center of it. No threads. The square hole, just slides over the square locking bolt enough to allow the bolt to be unscrewed. As you unscrew the bolt, it pulls the locking bolt out of the hole in the shackle, similar to a darby. Screw it in, while holding the shackle closed to re-lock it. A very easy key to make. Nothing tricky about them. It appears there are at least 3 of them, now. My guess would be that this is a standard design that would have been used over in Iraq, during modern times. Mine were captured in the mid 2000s.
-Richard knip-

Thanks guys!

I found this on eBay.  5/16 square hole.  2 of them for less than $10 with shipping included.
Richard, if you can, lets see your key at the tip and approximate measurement.

Thanks

Ok, so here is what i get as far as measurements. The key is 9.5mm in diameter and the square in the middle is 4.5mm from side to side. The locking bolt itself is 3.5mm across, at the tip. The locking bolt tapers on the square end,  as you can see. Here are a couple of shots from the locking bolt being removed from the cuff, completely. A very simple, tapered rod. Square on one end, threaded in the center and a round point on the other end.
-Richard Knip-

djhalfdead wrote: ↑

Mar 29, 2021

Ok, so here is what i get as far as measurements. The key is 9.5mm in diameter and the square in the middle is 4.5mm from side to side. The locking bolt itself is 3.5mm across, at the tip. The locking bolt tapers on the square end,  as you can see. Here are a couple of shots from the locking bolt being removed from the cuff, completely. A very simple, tapered rod. Square on one end, threaded in the center and a round point on the other end.
-Richard Knip-IMG_0012.JPGIMG_0013.JPGIMG_0014.JPGIMG_0024.JPG

Measuring in mm.. how very un-american of you :)

james.slips wrote: ↑

Mar 29, 2021

djhalfdead wrote: ↑

Mar 29, 2021

Ok, so here is what i get as far as measurements. The key is 9.5mm in diameter and the square in the middle is 4.5mm from side to side. The locking bolt itself is 3.5mm across, at the tip. The locking bolt tapers on the square end,  as you can see. Here are a couple of shots from the locking bolt being removed from the cuff, completely. A very simple, tapered rod. Square on one end, threaded in the center and a round point on the other end.
-Richard Knip-IMG_0012.JPGIMG_0013.JPGIMG_0014.JPGIMG_0024.JPG

Measuring in mm.. how very un-american of you :)

Click to expand...

LOL! My digital calipers measure in mm and in inches. Besides,Google has a mm to inches translator that is free to use! LOL! Thanks James!
-Richard Knip-

Man, these are so rare ... the could be the new McKenzie Mitts!

Nils, I will glad trade my set for a pair of McKenzie Mitts! LOL! After all, mine are one of three pairs, now known to exist!
-Richard Knip-

I am an official member of the Iraqi Cuff Club!

These are pretty cool as they are so crudely made and is an example of what one can make in the absence of factory equipment and materials.
A nice addition to the collection and I had no idea how rare these are.
They must have made many but getting them here seems to have limitations.

Thank you all the help and hope to have a nice key made soon.
In the interim, I found that a clock key worked perfectly and the cuffs are fully intact and functional.

The cuffs are now complete with a nice (but not original) square tipped vintage key that I found on eBay.

The outside diameter is very close but not exact to the inside diameter of the cuff tube.
The square cutout does fit both internal screw tips perfectly.

Happy to add this cuff to the collection.

That key looks great with the cuffs, Mark! Nice find! I like your key, better than the original tube keys. Yours looks more like an actual key, to be honest.
-Richard Knip-