Mr. Hilliard of St. Joseph, Missouri

I just stumbled across this YouTube video, which pertains to Mr. Hilliard of St. Joseph, Missouri. While handcuffs are mentioned only in passing, I thought that some of the more historically minded might find this interesting;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpYIX5bPtcA

Many years ago, while doing research, I spoke to Mr. Hilliard's daughter who confirmed what I had learned elsewhere, that her father had been an inveterate inventor and designer, of anything and everything, and speculator in the patents of others, but that he had no particular interest in handcuffs in and of themselves.

Thanks Tom, I always wondered about the Peace Officers Equipment Company. One of the cuff they sold was the Gill Folding cuff. It is very well made and heavy. The one in my collection has the company markings and pat pend. To my knowledge the patent was never issued.

Ron

I just stumbled across this YouTube video, which pertains to Mr. Hilliard of St. Joseph, Missouri. While handcuffs are mentioned only in passing, I thought that some of the more historically minded might find this interesting;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpYIX5bPtcA

Many years ago, while doing research, I spoke to Mr. Hilliard's daughter who confirmed what I had learned elsewhere, that her father had been an inveterate inventor and designer, of anything and everything, and speculator in the patents of others, but that he had no particular interest in handcuffs in and of themselves.

Thanks for the link Tom. Very interested in how many of the Gill Folding Cuffs are known. As Ron has stated they are superbly made, heavy and think the hinge is a unique design. I have been very lucky to get the one from The Stan Willis Collection which is illustrated in Alex Nichols book. Regret I do not have access to it at the moment as we leave France next week but can not return to the UK until March next year so nearly all the collection is in secure storage (it's at times like this that having packed nearly 900 items and being told by Jenny that I have spent far too much time in packing the items I had to simply put he remainder in 3 boxes simply marked not catalogued so have to disagree with you Mark wish I had carried on with my coin collection!).
Chris