Purpose of S&W Model 820's

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

To connect with leg irons?

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

S&W Catalog says "Model 820 and 830 lead chain (1965)"

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

Here is a scan of a 1965 S&W Handcuff Product Brochure with the introduction go Belly Chains & Lead Chains.
Lead Chain description states:
For controlled transportation, here is a lead chain worthy of complete confidence.
There is strict adherence to military and police specifications and all elements are made of special heat-treated steel and nickel-plated.
Chain is standard at 5-foot length with hand ring and a pair of Smith & Wesson Model 90 handcuffs.
On specialorder, a single handcuff or optional chain length will be supplied.
Model 830 1 cuff - $14.00
Model 820 2 cuffs - $20.00









Hope this explains it for you,
Dave

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

Thanks for the information about the lead chain, including the pictures from Dave. It just didn't occur to me that you would have or need as long as a 5-foot chain on one set of handcuffs for anything. But now I understand since it's a lead chain. That's just about the amount of room needed between a guard and an inmate. I also have a model 830 with the single handcuff. Both sets look like new with boxes and oil paper.

Again, thanks for the information.

PKI

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

Here are two photos showing one of the many uses of “Control Chains” and/or “Lead Chains”.

The applications of such “chains”are endless.

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

Thanks for posting those 2 pictures, Joe. Now I see how those 5-feet of chain can be put to good use to control a subject. Some experience and some imagination certainly does make various applications of those long chains endless as you said.

I used to read and post on this board fairly often a few years ago. I used a different moniker then. I need to get back on more often and get caught up with what's going on. Lots of good information here.

PKI

Greetings all,

I have a set of S&W model 820's where a pair of model 90 handcuffs are attached together by one round link, and a 5-foot standard handcuff chain is also attached to that link. At the other end of the chain is a 3-inch ring.

Does anyone know why these were made this way, what the purpose of such a design is and how they would be used?

I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

PKI

Click to expand...

Likewise, thanks for all the photos and literature regarding the lead chain handcuffs. I've also seen vintage newspaper photos showing prisoners being led to the courtroom with such.

The ring on the end might also be used to anchor the prisoner in the bullpen during trial.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/t ... on+History

Regards,
Jason