The restraint belt arrived from London and is in full working order.
As expected the cuffs are very old. The lock tubes are not cast, but entirely hand made, and is more primitive than other back-strap cuffs I own. The top key hole and bottom cap applied to the tube - either brazed or forge welded. The Strap hinge is passed through a slot cut into the key hole cap. The internal bolt is the same as any other British snap-shut handcuff but the springs are weaker. I believe the cuffs to be original to the belt because they are connected with heavy chain links not removable D links, or split links.
I've managed to get the broken off key thread out of one cuff intact by jamming a tube over it and screwing it out without doing any damage, so I may be able to use that thread in making a new key. Out of all my many, many keys only one will fit but it's too long. It is from a very old Hiatt leg iron which is the same size as a handcuff key only longer. That does not mean that this belt was made by Hiatt.
I am going to leave the black paint on to prevent further rusting. You will see the pitting under the paint which is typical of old steel. It is smooth were the chains rub and connect to the cuffs and belt. The belt is adjustable, but somewhat small and the belt hinges are strong and well made.
Based solely on the construction of the handcuffs, which appear more primitive than a pair of Griffin & Nichols from the very early 1800s, I would estimate it to be made around 1800 or earlier.
Paul Davies
