Question about S&W 90 cuffs made in 1952?

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

Hi Phil

Assuming I have the correct picture, I would think not 1952. Early S&W cuffs are slightly smaller and the detent is more towards the center.

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

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I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

Hi Graham,

It's been awhile. Good to hear from you. I hope all is well.

As you know, the first picture are the cuffs that I acquired. The picture doesn't do them justice at all. They are beauties. Have a nice shine. If not made in 1952, any idea what year they were made in? The low serial number is why I thought they would have been made in 1952.

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

All I can think is that maybe a special run requiring sequential numbering? But that is just a guess.

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

Something that's interesting is that I have another set just like the ones in the first picture (same swivel, same detent location) that have a serial number of 001776, but they have a matte finish. It's strange that the finish went from polished to matte in such a short time.

It's such a shame that S&W didn't keep records like Peerless has. I did many searches on model 90's and 91's in this forum before I started this thread, and still have more questions than answers. But as they say, if you are happy with what you have, then that's what really counts.

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

Don't use serial numbers as a dating system, it not reliable. I have owed two sets with the same serial number.

I snagged an exceptional set of S&W model 90 handcuffs on eBay last week for a very low price, and they arrived today. They look almost new after a light hand polishing, are extremely shiny (but not quite like a mirror), and have a serial number of 000381 over toward the right side of the lockcase on the back of the cuff with the S&W logo. Have I got a set of cuffs made in 1952 just when S&W started manufacturing handcuffs? I am curious because I did not know that they made polished cuffs in 1952.

I made an error on that last serial number. It should be 001766. I just went and checked the cuffs to be certain. I guess I just got the other serial number in my mind when I typed my last message because it was a very special year.

Anonymous, I imagine it is possible for two different styled, yet similar, sets of S&W cuffs to have the same serial number as many times as S&W changed owners and styles of cuffs. That would make it difficult to tell what year each set was made in.