Oregon Boot Key

I find myself holding an Oregon Boot that is intended for sale.  The problem is that there is no key.  Any ideas on how to get a key for an Oregon Boot?

Shouldn't be a problem for a machinist to mfg. FWIW: The allen head type screw is so easy to "beat", Houdini once on stage, got one open in minutes while the cop who put the boot on him, stood in the audience holding the key in his hand ......

There is no allen head.  Actually there seems to be no head at all.  Looks more like a straight bolt like what is in a Darby handcuff.

"The allen head type screw is so easy to "beat", Houdini once on stage, got one open in minutes while the cop who put the boot on him, stood in the audience holding the key in his hand ......" citation for this BS story please?

I was just reading up on these. The Gardner shackle was a nasty bit of business. It would send inmates to be bedridden for weeks when forced to work in one. The keys looked to have some sort of flag on one side and a darby style. Wish i could find one to see in person and maybe try for a bit. :)

Here you go: http://www.historynet.com/oregon-boot-n ... alking.htm by: By Allen P. Bristow 10/4/2018 • Wild West Magazine

The Great Houdini had an interesting encounter with an Oregon Boot. He appeared at the San Francisco Orpheum Theatre during 1922, and the management offered a $500 reward to anyone who could produce a handcuff from which Houdini could not escape. One evening a policeman in the audience brought an Oregon Boot to the stage. Houdini protested that it was not a handcuff, but the audience chided him to wear it along with a variety of handcuffs. The Great Houdini stepped behind his protective screen, and a few minutes later the removed boot and handcuffs were tossed out to the audience.

BTW: :-P

Another reference: https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2016/0 ... -1899.html

https://www.theatremagic.com/the-handcuff-challenge/

https://books.google.com/books?id=1k6PQ ... ot&f=false

where's the allen key bit?

Definitely not an allen key.
Double threaded (left & right handed) I believe.
These show up on eBay from time to time.
Maybe from Retired-Again or Ian McColl ?

Ian can make the correct key. Its not an alln key. Its a very odd key. Would not be easy to have remade, without understanding how the locking mech works. Get a hold of him at  imccoll@dcsi.net.au
-Richard Knip-

That boot looks odd to me.
Maybe steel and not cast iron?
If steel, then maybe a reproduction?
If reproduction, then may not take a Boot key.

so many questions and speculation. Next you might suggest Chinese or indian manufacture? SMH

Mine, oddly enough, opens with an 8mm socket. I have a reproduction key that I keep with it for show, but it doesn't open the boot.

Nils

There are two type of keys for the Oregon Boot. In your case it looks like you need the threaded tube key. The key has TWO threaded tubes, one side or opening and one for locking.
http://www.holstcollection.com/images/L ... ot_new.jpg

Lars

Nils, I guess you can sell your key as I guess that's the key needed.

Lars

But my key looks nice with it, which is why I will keep it. 

Ok Nils, a nice look is not bad of course.