Thomas Froggatt

I have just been looking at the 1901 Census that is now available on line. Came across Thomas Froggatt - A Police Handcuff Maker, born in the Parish of Aston, Birmingham and was 36 years old.
I think this census could be quite a useful research tool but it needs time. The basic search is free and further details are available at a cost which I am trying to work out.
Also looked up Nathanial Hart - the blacksmith who suppossedly made the Mirror Challange Handcuffs that Houdini escaped from in 1904. Guess what no such person is listed!
Chris

Thomas Froggatt is my Great Grandmother's eldest brother. Thomas took over the business when his father, also Thomas, died in 1881. The business was originally started by his grandfather, William Froggatt (my great x2 grandfather)in about 1830. If I can be of any further help please ask.

I have just been looking at the 1901 Census that is now available on line. Came across Thomas Froggatt - A Police Handcuff Maker, born in the Parish of Aston, Birmingham and was 36 years old.
I think this census could be quite a useful research tool but it needs time. The basic search is free and further details are available at a cost which I am trying to work out.
Also looked up Nathanial Hart - the blacksmith who suppossedly made the Mirror Challange Handcuffs that Houdini escaped from in 1904. Guess what no such person is listed!
Chris

Dear Duncan

Thank you for visiting our forum. It is an honor to have your comments. We would all really like to know anything more you could tell us about your ancestors Thomas and William Froggatt and their company.

In particular it would be very nice to see pictures of Thomas and William.

thanks again.

Joe

lauher@handcuffs.org

I have just been looking at the 1901 Census that is now available on line. Came across Thomas Froggatt - A Police Handcuff Maker, born in the Parish of Aston, Birmingham and was 36 years old.
I think this census could be quite a useful research tool but it needs time. The basic search is free and further details are available at a cost which I am trying to work out.
Also looked up Nathanial Hart - the blacksmith who suppossedly made the Mirror Challange Handcuffs that Houdini escaped from in 1904. Guess what no such person is listed!
Chris

Dear Duncan
As Joe has already said it is wonderful that you have contacted us at the Forum. Joe has done a tremendous amount of research regarding UK handcuff manufacurers and in a way puts us UK collectors to shame. We do have one picture of Thomas Froggatt. Seems he sold out to Hiatt but carried on working there until he was 84.
Hopefully Joe will be able to add the attached photo. Any other information would be gratefully received, you may think it strange that people collect old handcuffs but you can rest assured that 99% of people who contribute to this Forum are either interested in the escapology side of handcuffs (Houdini fanatics), collectors of Police memorabilia (which includes handcuffs etc) or Lock Collectors who are interested in the mechanisms and how the mechanisms have evolved over the past 500 years.
Once again thanks and we all look forward to hearing from you.
Chris

I have just been looking at the 1901 Census that is now available on line. Came across Thomas Froggatt - A Police Handcuff Maker, born in the Parish of Aston, Birmingham and was 36 years old.
I think this census could be quite a useful research tool but it needs time. The basic search is free and further details are available at a cost which I am trying to work out.
Also looked up Nathanial Hart - the blacksmith who suppossedly made the Mirror Challange Handcuffs that Houdini escaped from in 1904. Guess what no such person is listed!
Chris

Here is the picture that Chris is talking about.



It is taken from an article on the Hiatt company written in 1958.

The full article is shown below.
However, you should read the article with caution. Much of the information it offers is totally false. Go to my article at: http://www.handcuffs.org/hiatt/index.html
for an attempt at a truer picture. In particular the Hiatt with one "T" story is complete nonsense!

Joe

I have just been looking at the 1901 Census that is now available on line. Came across Thomas Froggatt - A Police Handcuff Maker, born in the Parish of Aston, Birmingham and was 36 years old.
I think this census could be quite a useful research tool but it needs time. The basic search is free and further details are available at a cost which I am trying to work out.
Also looked up Nathanial Hart - the blacksmith who suppossedly made the Mirror Challange Handcuffs that Houdini escaped from in 1904. Guess what no such person is listed!
Chris

Welcome and thank you for finding this place. You and people like you are what we need to fill in the gaps and correct mistakes and misconceptions. As it has been pointed out above, seems someone has done some correction of history that is inaccurate which is not surprising. Too bad that woman is not alive, she could be a wonderful source of info. Sometimes the only thing we have left is what gets passed down from parents and relatives. And given the nature of our hobby makes it harder. I am sure alot of collectors would be all ears if and when you decide pass along any information you have.

-Dorson