Are these genuine Darby's or replicas?

Hello Handcuff collectors! Could I get an opinion on the authenticity of these Darby's? They have markings: "Thompson", "51" on one cuff and "Hard" "Wrought" on the other. The Key is marked "62". They look very similar to the 19th century pair in the gallery titled "Thompson Darby" with description "This is a nice example of Thompson Darby".

I collect handcuffs, but this is only my 2nd pair of Darby's. My other pair is Reuben Craddock & Sons 1956. My RCS pair is made of a much harder steel than these Thompson's. These Thompson's appear almost identical in size and maybe slightly lighter in weight. They have some pitting, and unfortunately someone has removed most of the rust. My first thought was "Indian knockoff", but as I looked closer at the various attributes, I'm thinking they are genuine.

I hope these images appear on this post. If not I'll try and update them.







Thank you for any information you can provide. I'm mainly interested to know if they are actually Thompson Darby's or copies.

They are a fine example of a Thompson Darby.

Quality is the rule here. Modern reproductions are of poor quality and rather crude. Genuine Darby cuffs from the 19th and early 20th century are of general high quality.

Joe

Hello Handcuff collectors! Could I get an opinion on the authenticity of these Darby's? They have markings: "Thompson", "51" on one cuff and "Hard" "Wrought" on the other. The Key is marked "62". They look very similar to the 19th century pair in the gallery titled "Thompson Darby" with description "This is a nice example of Thompson Darby".

I collect handcuffs, but this is only my 2nd pair of Darby's. My other pair is Reuben Craddock & Sons 1956. My RCS pair is made of a much harder steel than these Thompson's. These Thompson's appear almost identical in size and maybe slightly lighter in weight. They have some pitting, and unfortunately someone has removed most of the rust. My first thought was "Indian knockoff", but as I looked closer at the various attributes, I'm thinking they are genuine.

I hope these images appear on this post. If not I'll try and update them.







Thank you for any information you can provide. I'm mainly interested to know if they are actually Thompson Darby's or copies.

Click to expand...

Thanks Joe. That's a relief to know they are truly Thompson's. Much of the original Rust has been removed. Does this impact the value?

Hello Handcuff collectors! Could I get an opinion on the authenticity of these Darby's? They have markings: "Thompson", "51" on one cuff and "Hard" "Wrought" on the other. The Key is marked "62". They look very similar to the 19th century pair in the gallery titled "Thompson Darby" with description "This is a nice example of Thompson Darby".

I collect handcuffs, but this is only my 2nd pair of Darby's. My other pair is Reuben Craddock & Sons 1956. My RCS pair is made of a much harder steel than these Thompson's. These Thompson's appear almost identical in size and maybe slightly lighter in weight. They have some pitting, and unfortunately someone has removed most of the rust. My first thought was "Indian knockoff", but as I looked closer at the various attributes, I'm thinking they are genuine.

I hope these images appear on this post. If not I'll try and update them.







Thank you for any information you can provide. I'm mainly interested to know if they are actually Thompson Darby's or copies.

Click to expand...

Removing rust will not impact the value very much as long as there has been no obvious damage.

Hello Handcuff collectors! Could I get an opinion on the authenticity of these Darby's? They have markings: "Thompson", "51" on one cuff and "Hard" "Wrought" on the other. The Key is marked "62". They look very similar to the 19th century pair in the gallery titled "Thompson Darby" with description "This is a nice example of Thompson Darby".

I collect handcuffs, but this is only my 2nd pair of Darby's. My other pair is Reuben Craddock & Sons 1956. My RCS pair is made of a much harder steel than these Thompson's. These Thompson's appear almost identical in size and maybe slightly lighter in weight. They have some pitting, and unfortunately someone has removed most of the rust. My first thought was "Indian knockoff", but as I looked closer at the various attributes, I'm thinking they are genuine.

I hope these images appear on this post. If not I'll try and update them.







Thank you for any information you can provide. I'm mainly interested to know if they are actually Thompson Darby's or copies.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the response Joe!