The Forum at Handcuffs.Org

Need help ID'ing these very old shackles/handcuffs!

5 visible archived posts · 5 preserved total · topic ID 6853

sfgerl 17 Jan 2020

Hi all,

I purchased these a few yeas ago, the seller told me they were from an old estate in Richmond, VA. I've collected CW and antiques for many years, so I did not "buy the story" - but got them because to me, they looked very, very old and probably hand forged. I cannot find any markings, except for some large "dots" impressed along one of the cuffs.. There is no key and I have no idea who they were opened.
I think it is very possible that they were indeed from the Middle Passage era, but am curious to hear your thoughts.

I am a huge fan of forums, since it is a wonderful place to ask people who really know and love the subject for information!

I anyone can anyone help tell me more about these, and what they might be worth, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance!

Unknown / guest 17 Jan 2020

I just remembered, I inquired about these on this forum back in 2016!! I was just looking back through old posts, my username at the time was "grrrldoc".
I see that Steve Santini commented that they were indeed authentic, and c. 1800's, and possibly American made.
Or maybe they were Moroccan cuffs?

Is that still the prevailing opinion Steve, or do others have any comments?

Much appreciated.

Mark Lyons O--O Cuffs 17 Jan 2020

While I am giving only a semi-educated guess, I would safely say these are not American.
They look Tibetan to me and most likely mid 20th century.
As far as I know, no sizable American manufacturer of restraints ever made a puzzle lock leg iron.
For those not familiar with puzzle locks, they are leg irons with only 1 lock. As the lock portion is much more labor intensive (and expensive), so one side is locked by sliding the rest of the cuff thru the overlapping link to secure that side. Then the locking side is placed upon the ankle.
This design seems to be prominent in Europe and Eur-asia areas.
The lock is not very sophisticated. It is locked with a separate lock bar with usually 2 or more springs that get compressed as it is inserted into the lock body. They spring out once inserted and the key simply recompresses the spring to pull out and release.

Spencer 17 Jan 2020

I think Mark’s assessment of these irons is spot on. Many years ago I had the opportunity to handle and buy a set of these but I passed on it, the irons had that Asian look and feel to them and didn’t seem to be that well made but that’s just my impression of them.

Spencer

BornToEscape 20 Jan 2020

thank you all for sharing this ! Just today I purchased this one, any thread in your opinion?