New member

Hello,
I am a new member and wish to say hello. I am a retired state investigator, and collector of authentic old west and law enforcement items.
I have attached some pics of a pair of supposed authentic Tower cuff used in 1876 at the Minnesota State Oen. They are from the King Collection of old west memorabilia. They come with a prisoner log book. I have a problem with these cuffs. The left cuff connector to the chain is different from the right cuff connector to the chain. Can anyone advise me as to whether these are fakes or authentic, but simply repaired at the Pen?

Welcome to the forum! Always good to get new collectors onboard! In my opinion, i would say this is an authentic Tower cuff, but it was repaired using parts from a different cuff. Its wasnt uncommon to repair cuffs, back then. As long as it was solidly connected and still locked, it was usable. You can see on the side with the swivel, that the rivet has been exposed. Meaning this rivet was likely removed at some point, to afix the swivel connector to that cuff. Judging by the picture, it may have been a Bean handcuff that was used for parts to repair this one? Pretty cool piece, as i think it is a period correct repair. We will never know for sure when the repair was made. But, it does look like an older repair. Man, if these cuffs could talk. I bet they could share some stories!
-Richard Knip-

Thanks for all the great information. You have a keen eye. I didn’t notice the rivet. Also didn’t think about the swivel coming from a Bean. Thanks again!

Welcome. Old west and law enforcement collectibles perfect combination. What kind of old west stuff do you collect if you dont mind me asking ?

welcome to the forum!