Authentic or Counterfeits?

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

I would say they are a modern reproduction. Several years ago I was at the Brimfield antique show and a dealer had crate of these that he said were imported from Central America (El Salvador if I remember correctly.)

Joe

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

I obtained my first pair of this exact style of leg iron back in the early 1980's. I bought it from and antique dealer who imported items from India. He also had both standard and flexiable barbies cuffs (from the same place).

The lock tube is rolled sheet steel and the locking bolt appear to be made of a old style corkscrew instead of a machine threaded locking bolt.

regards

Ian

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

I bought mine in the early 1970's at a Novelty Store on fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. They had barrels of them at $ 3.00 each and there was a sign that said they are made in India. Now we know the same thing has been made for at least 30 years.
Stan

It was so poorly made that I did not keep the one I bought, and there isn't even one on my handcuff CD.

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

Thank you for your replies. I too counted them as fakes but still wanted them for my collection since I have a section of "Modern Reproductions of Antique Restraints" I posted them here to gain some documentation of the opinions of others rather than basing it solely on my limited knowledge.

Rather a funny irony though. They are fakes yet, being over 30 years old they technically qualify as antique! So, when the seller said they were 100% authentic antiques.... guess he had it right in a round about way!

Thanks again!

Clyde

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

I forgot! You know that pair of bovine nose pliars that are on ebay? I hope to win them for that same section my collection. Gee Joe, does that qualify under "Strange or Unusal Restraints"? ....just kidding.

Clyde

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

Hey Stan,
As a kid with my parents back in the 70's down in the same area, I remember someplace that was like a Bazaar with lots of stuff from India and surrounding countries. But my recollection was that they were being sold as horse hobbles, that was what the sign on the box said at the time. I would have bought them but couldn't see why I would pay for something that was oversized and so crude. Unforntunately, there are alot of people selling reproductions and passing them off as antiques. Personally, they should be locked in them and flogged for there misdeeds....

-Dorson

Are these cuffs authentic or counterfeits?


Here is the description:

THESE ARE ORIGINAL LOCAL BLACKSMITH MADE EARLY NON-ADJUSTABLE 1840 TO 1860 COMMON HAND IRONS OR HAND CUFFS AS USED TO RESTRAIN A PERSON BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OR AS A SLAVE IN TRANSIT.

THESE ARE HAND MADE FROM EXISTING BLACKSMITH STOCKED METAL MATERIALS, THE CHAIN LINKS ARE FROM "SCREW-STOCK", THE BANDS SECURING THEM & THE BALANCE OF PARTS FROM "BLACK IRON SHEET BAR LENGTHS" OF VARYING THICKNESS & WIDTHS & LARGE NAILS COMMONLY HELD FOR MULTIPLE USE PURPOSES AT THE SMITHYS FORGE.

THEY CAME INTO MY POSSESION WHEN PURCHASING LEFTOVER ESTATE GROUPINGS DURING A TRIP THROUGH RURAL GEORGIA IN THE 1980'S ENROUTE TO MONTEREY CA.

SEVERAL KNOWLEDGABLE COLLECTORS HAVE COMMENTED ON THESE, AND THEY FALL INTO THE CLASS OF LOCALY MADE FROM BLACKSMITH COMMON STOCK MATERIALS EITHER AS SLAVE TRADE OR SHERIFS HAND CUFFS

ALL AGREE THAT THESE ARE PRE CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIALIZATION MADE WORKING RELICS, WETHER OF THE HORROR DAYS OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTERY BONDAGE, OR OF THE EARLY WORKING GEAR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, BOUNTY HUNTER, MARSHAL, PRISON GUARD, CONSTABLE OR SHERIFF-- TOTALY COLLECTIBLE CURIOS FROM AN INTERESTING PAST !

*****

What's your best guess?

Click to expand...

Clyde

Actually I have been thinking that we should create a web page devoted to fakes and other misrepresented cuffs. I don't think the readers of the Annual would need it, but the general web community does.

For the Annual I can imagine including something like this if the example is outrageous enough to be humorous.

Joe