History of handcuffs

Hello guys,

I would like to know the difference and or the history of American Munition Co and American Handcuff Co. They are the same company or what?

Thank for your time

Mo
MMD Restraints

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Hi,
I have found some old threads on this site that detailed the history of these two companies, and from what I recall, yes, they started out as American Munitions Company and made military supplies as well as handcuffs, and during a reorganization of the company (they were never all that well established, from what I can gather) they changed the name due to increasing negative sentiment surrounding the war at the time.  The American Handcuff Co cuffs in  my collection are of the extremely well rounded variety, while there are others that are more typical in profile, some of which are "Fond du lac" in cursive script on the bow, others which had a poor quality nickel plating that flaked off easily.    You should be able to locate further info by searching the forum history.  I paid 100 dollars for a pair of L-100 and have seen them go for as much as 150; I like them a lot, and also have the N-100 and A-100 handcuffs.

Thank for information my friend

Mo

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I bought few year ago a pair of l-100 brand new in box old stock for 30us $ i was lucky and later found a pair of n-105 brand new in box old stock for like 20us $. Im so lucky.



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From a Google Search of American Handcuff Co  - "American Handcuff Co. was purchased by Tobin Machining as American Munitions in 1962. American Munitions Co. had supplied handcuffs to the military from the 1940´s until the acquisition in 1962 by Tobin. As American Handcuff Co., the primary customer for over 30 years continued to be the United States Defense Dept., supplying from 15-30,000 pairs of handcuffs/leg irons a year. 

In 1992, major product design was initiated in order to compete in the civilian law enforcement market. A national system of manufacturer´s representatives set up distribution outlets throughout the country. American Handcuff also has a contract with the U.S. General Services Administration under which we supply various government agencies."  

 The original American Munitions Company was in Chicago, IL and early cuffs are so marked.   Early Cuffs made in Wisc. were marked "American Munitions" in block letters, and then this changed to "American Handcuff Co" in  cursive letters. 

 Hope this helps,   

As a side note, I would note that the L-100, A-105, and N-100 are practically works of art, in my opinion, in that the extreme rounding of all edges, beyond what would be considered necessary to prevent injury, is almost art deco in it's presentation.  Far beyond a mere tool to restrain mischief makers or criminals, these seem to proclaim "I may be a mere implement, but I will fulfill my duty above and beyond.,"  insofar as they are made to such a standard.