Any way of dating an Argus Iron Claw by it's Serial # ?

As the title asks, can the Argus Iron Claw serial number be a way of finding out the year it was made?
Thanks in advance ☺

Btw, I am asking because I went ahead and ordered one from a website online. The pics of it show the one side stamped Argus Mfg Co., Chicago ill USA, and the two patent numbers. The other side is stamped Iron Claw and a serial number in the 94000 range. With that high of a number, it's far from being near the start of the two patent numbers being stamped in, but obviously old enough to be a pre "Jay Pee" made in Taiwan version.
I have no clue how high the numbers went before Argus stopped making them, but would like to have an idea of maybe the year this incoming Iron Claw was made.
I was looking to get a nice condition specimen, and of the ones I saw online, this one seemed like it was at least in "very good" condition. Based on the pics, I did not see any rust, but just a wee bit of plating rubbed off on the edges near the areas left & right of the info stamps. This slight wear to that plating seems to have come from it's leather case (likely while drawing and inserting it in it). This black leather case was part of the offering, and I may even decide to display the Iron Claw with it, since it too seems to be in "very good" condition, with only a tiny few spots where it's black finish wore off.
Some of the other Argus Iron Claw specimens I was looking at online, were either much more worn of their original plating, or even pretty rusty on the claws themselves. The prices on the 5 or 6 that I was looking at, ranged from 50'ish to 200'ish dollars, but the conditions varied quite a bit too. I finally decided to bite the bullet on the one that was being sold for about $110 (+ shipping & tax). It was not the least priced, nor was it the most expensive, but based on the photos, it seemed like the best condition of them.
Would have loved to have found one in mint in the box condition at a fantastic price, but if this one turns out to be as good as it looks in the photos, I'll be content to see it added into my collection ☺

Another question I'd like to ask concerning these "Iron Claws", is if anybody here knows what these things sold for, (the USA made specimens), back when they were being made and sold. My understanding is that they made them here in the US from the 1930's to maybe around 1960 or so, so I know that their price ranges must have varied over thise years.
Any insight you may be able to share with me, will greatly be appreciated ☺

Here is a picture of it from the online site it was being sold on.
It is obviously a used specimen, but it does not seem to be an abused one, and likely was stored in some kind of decent air quality controlled environment.

Having done some more research on these Argus Iron Claws, their story is intriguing.
But, it seems like a complete history is still pretty lacking out there. It's entire story would greatly benefit from maybe someone acquiring the Argus Company records, in which case one would likely be able to ascertain what serial numbers were produced during what years. Also, one may then be able to know how many were made during any given year, and maybe the final date and total numbers of the Argus in Chicago company before it ceased operations in USA, and what date Jay Pee purchased the rights for it's continued manufacturing.
I continue in trying to scoop up and learn more info on this company and their "Iron Claw", but it seems that it may forever have a lot of holes, without seemingly nobody having the records of this company.
This is one of my favorite components of my hobby in collecting "Things", as the search, uncovering, and learning, never stops. It's this facination and hunger to learn more about their histories, that keeps me ever vigilant on finding interesting "Things" to add into my collection ☺

This is a link for the most information, i have ever found, for the Iron Claw. This was put together by a collector, no longer active on this board, by the name of Damon Shields. http://ushandcuffs.com/AugusIronClaw.html  At the bottom, he shows that there are 6 versions of the claw. I have to challenge that idea. I have a "7th" version. It has the body of a Taiwan made Iron claw, but isnt maked as "Made in Taiwan", like the other Taiwanese examples are. It also doesnt have the bright chrome finish like the Taiwan Claws do. It seems to be a hybrid of the Taiwan Claw and the Claws made in America. An interesting piece I grabbed at an auction a few years back. 

-Richard Knip-

Other side of my unmarked Taiwan style claw.
-Richard Knip-

Yes, thank you, that was one of the readings I had found about them. And, it was very imformative.
I do wonder if all of the Iron Claws made after Jay Pee purchased the rights for the design and model's trademarks/tradenames, were in fact made in Taiwan. They do seem to have subtle visual differences.
I know some are stated to have "Made in Taiwan" markings, but wonder if all of the Jay Pee's Iron Claws were made there?
Well, as we discussed earlier about the Winchester branded cuffs having been made in Taiwan as well, but only having that fact printed on the box, and not on the cuffs themselves, it may be something similar here with some of Jay Pee' Iron Claws.
Interesting stuff, for sure!

Oh, and I forgot to put another question up about these that had come to mind for me...
I had read somewhere that much of the Iron claw, (besides the steel claws themselves), is made up of some sort of an non steel alloy? For some reason I remember it being stated somewhere that this alloy was of aluminum and copper?... Or, something in those lines.
The The Iron Claw had supposedly earned a reputation for being a reliable, dependable, and robust tool, so I wonder what this material was, and if there are any special care considerations for it, (beyond what one would do for the nickel plated steel portions of it)?

I dont think that all Jay-Pee Iron Claws were made in Taiwan. This one, has the same shape and body style as the ones just made by Argus in the United States. But, its marked with both manufacturers names. Its possible that the ones with the U.S. shape were made right after Jay-Pee took on the manufacturing and distributing of the Iron Claws. Maybe, like the last of their inventory, kind of thing? I would imagine that the Claw manufacturing was moved to Taiwan to save some money. Although, the Taiwan Claw is still well made and has a crisp ratchet to it. It locks easily and does its job. Interesting questions though. I just dont know of any other sources that would have information concerning the claws. I have never found any in any of my searches.
-Richard Knip-

I stumbled on this forum while researching Iron Claws after finding one while going through my deceased brothers belongings recently.  In New condition in original box with purchase receipt and hand written ordering letter, dated Jan 30, 1984 and 06-03-83 respectfully.  Purchased from the Courtlandt Boot Jack Co., Inc. 270 Lafayette Street, NY NY 10012 for $42.00 + 2.50 shipping through UPS.  My brother was a meticulous record keeper and police item collector. I have good pics of all but no way to post here.  I would love this Item to go to someone that truly appreciates this collectible. I remember my brothers excitement when he received it. This is a Taiwan model serial #00287.  Bright chrome finish and unused condition. The receipt says IRON CLAW- FAIR EXCHANGE    NO CHARGE  and the ordering letter states $42.00 and ck# so with the date gap I assume he must have returned a first item sent.  Anyway I hope this info helps in your cataloging, if you would like pics or perhaps purchase you can contact me a  kenprivacypro@gmail.com

Email sent your way, Ken.
-Richard Knip-