ER Handcuffs

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Hi John, great information on the Rickard history. If you are going to the Lancaster lock show, please take the double ended ER key to try out in other ER cuff, or even padlocks which might be there.

Ian

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

John
What an interesting pair of cuffs! Congratulations to the lucky buyer and to you for helping out.

I am looking forward to Lancaster as well. Hope to see a good turnout.

Joe

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the information John!

I just couldn't figure out the key function from the eBay listing but now it make sense.

It was kind of a smart solution to make a "sheffield key pattern" when the original key was missing.

The E.R. cuffs are unfortunateley not that scarse anymore as a few of them have surfaced in recent time but they are still one of my favorite cuffs.


Ron, have you updated the owners list with these cuffs?


Today we are celebrating "Midsummer" here in Sweden. Happy Midsummer to all of you!


Lars





www.holstcollection.com

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

Hi Lars, The list has been updated with these and several other changes of ownership. There is a project underway to add some additional information. As soon as this is complete the updated list will be available.

Ron

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

Hi Ron,

Sound just great!

Thanks,

Lars

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

John,
Thank you for posting the photo.
I was visualizing all of this when you described this on the phone to me the other day.
The cuff is a nice addition to the list of ERs.
As you know I also picked one up about a month ago.
I may send them to you so that you can put a notch in each of the bolts. With a corresponding notch in the key, we can create a Home Office Pattern ER.

The key you made looks great!


mark
O--O

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

Hello friends,
Find a photo of another ER, now in my collection. This one was VERY pitted, and both the locking bolt and hinges totally corroded and I thought it might be a wallhanger. Well, nothing to lose, and lots to gain. I put a very small hole in the top cap, tapped it, and used a screw with a wingnut soldered on to screw through the hole and onto the bolt, depressing the bolt until the bolt was deep enough to open the cuff. Of course, the cuff would not open. After soaking it quite a while I gently hammered the first side open. It took an hour to then loosen up the hinges. I repeated with the second side. I plugged the holes, and added a nice patina to cover my work, so you can hardly tell any work was ever done. Now I have a nice pair of operational ER handcuffs, both open and with hinges working freely. Now, to get a working key! Thank you Ian McColl, who has been sent a key to duplicate which I believe will operate these ER handcuffs and the pair pictured higher up on this thread. The key worked the other pair perfectly. I will hope for some luck and that it will work mine as well. Thanks also to the prior owner of these for the good deal on what I thought might be a wallhanger, but will turn out to be a nice working pair of ER handcuffs. Another piece brought back to life made originally by Elijah Rickard somewhere probably between 1820 and 1855. No visible stamping, except what looks like an "M" and possible a "B" or "R". WAIT--could these be the first restraints made by Elijah's father, Michael Rickard??? OK, wishful thinking.... Hopfully see many of you at Lancaster Lock show. A Large Romer display will be there, as well as the only known Palmer neck collar, a RARE early English leg iron, and many other items. Lots to sell, and much more to buy! Best, John Bushey

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

John
You never fail to amaze us all.

What a nice story.

Joe

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

By "bolt and hinges totally corroded" I think he means they were stuck, not non-existing.
Nice work.

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

corrode
kəˈrəʊd/Submit
verb
past tense: corroded; past participle: corroded
1.
destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action.
"acid rain poisons fish and corrodes buildings"
synonyms: wear away, wear down, eat away (at), gnaw away (at), bite into, burn into, burn through, erode, abrade, consume, dissolve; More
2.
destroy or weaken (something) gradually.
"the self-centred climate corrodes ideals and concerns about social justice"
...................
therefore damaged

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

totally?

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

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Hi John,

thanks a lot for sharing the stories and the pictures! It would be great to join in at Lancaster and finally see you all again, unluckily I will not be able to come.

Please take lots of pics and post them here.

Take care,

Michael

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

yeah totally wicked man!

Here is a pair of ER handcuffs I was asked to make a key for. They recently sold on ebay with the rod on the right in the keyway. When I got the cuffs in the mail I discovered it's a "Sheffield" style key, or externally threaded key. I made the key on the left, and still have a little finishing work to do like finish the patina and drill a hole in the head of the key. I was shocked to see the externally threaded key. Upon close examination of this beautiful pair of Elijah Rickard handcuffs I found it is a normal pair. Sometime in the very distant past someone must have been asked to make a key. Not knowing the thread pitch they must have stabilized the bolt with a tube and drilled right down the center of each bolt. They threaded it to 6-32 and built the rod with the threaded piece brazed in. Since it is a left-hand thread this may account for why the seller thought the key was stuck in the cuffs. If you turn it left to unscrew you actually tighten the "key" in the cuffs. I made the key on the left in the photo and when done will match the patina and age of the cuff. Ian McColl will make a regular ER key which will fit and operate the handcuff as well. The current owner of these wonderful handcuffs will have one key of each style to use. I would like to thank the current owner of these rare restraints for allowing me both the chance to work with them, and post this photo.

Elijah Rickard married Elizabeth Levick in 1827, and one year later their son James was born. James continued the Rickard locksmithing to it's third generation. The Rickards; Michael, Elijah, and James, were German artisans and trained locksmiths who lived and worked in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their locks were stamped MR, ER, or JRR.
They were also probably the first to stamp the name of a Railroad on the lock itself, and made a lot of locks for the B & O Railroad. Michael Rickard's will was probated in October of 1821 and he must have died that year. Elijah Rickard was born on March 27th, 1795. It is thought that he worked well into his 60's, although at this time the date of his death is unknown.

If anyone has any information on the Rickards, their locks or restraints, please notify me by email. I thank you for any help anyone can give.

Best to all, John Bushey

PS--I hope to see some of you at the July 15th & 16th Lancaster, PA padlock show. At least 6-8 restraint collectors will be going. Where else will you get to see 9 different Romer Restraints??? Hope to see some of you there!

Click to expand...

Hello all,

See attached photo. Both my pitted ER cuff and my friends ER cuff with the externally threaded key are done. I made the externally threaded key, and had Ian McColl make the two ER keys for the two cuffs. I sent him a key that worked one, but not the other. He made two keys, which work both cuffs perfectly! Another GREAT JOB Ian. Long story, but Ian and I had a GREAT laugh over something that happened while he made the keys. He did an excellent job, and even the patina closely matches the cuffs. I was amazed that by simply supplying Ian a broken non-original key he was able to quickly send back to me two working keys. Ian---THANK YOU!! I'll return my friends cuff and keys back to him tomorrow and now have a perfectly operational ER cuff in my collection. It took a lot of work to first open it, and then to free up the frozen hinges. When I tried Ian's key the cuff opened like it was brand new. Hey, an ER is an ER, and even though this one is quite pitted I would like to thank the seller for giving me such a great price. I paid too much if it turned out to be a wallhanger, but now realize I got a great price since it is working and operates fine.