Plillips Nipper Variations.

Having had a Phillips nipper for decades, I knew saw or discussed any variation other than the Patent Model.
This one had a straight "T' handle and not the curved "T" as in later models.

I just bought a collection of cuffs and included was a nice Phillips.  I noticed that it was different than mine so I thought I would share some pics and give a short theory about these.

The top one has a wider spring and is riveted in more securely.  The tab which meets the ratchet is an angular rivet where the bottom example is punched out to make a small claw.
The frame seems to be slightly more robust in the top version. The riveted version has a slightly larger circumference in which to accommodate larger wrists. Detail of the locking tabs.


As the punched locking tab version has only one rivet to hold it in place and the spring is not as wide as the other version, I am going to guess that it is an earlier model as the spring is more prone to separating from the frame or the tap breaks from fatigue.
The rivet tab model must be an improved and later model which addressed the concerns encountered with the earlier model.

I wanted to sell this but now I must include it in the collection.
It came complete with a very cool leather pouch, so it is a keeper!

Mark

Along those same lines I’ve noticed that there seems to be two if not three variations of the S. A. French nipper all of which are covered by the March 1, 1892 patent date with one version being rather robust and the others being thinner.
Spencer