Gill Handcuff: Repro or ?

Attn: Gill (solid handcuff) Collectors:

I received the attached photos from a (non-handcuff) antique dealer...who claims to have had these "Gill" cuffs in his possession since the 1960's.

I know that Ian McColl, of course, made a Gill reproduction. The Cannon catalog states that his reproductions:

*  Took a modern "Peerless"  barrel-key       .....this cuff takes a solid key.
* Is serial-numbered                                           .....this cuff is void of any markings.
* Stainless - Steel                                                 ....a magnet sticks to 100% of this cuff.
* Laser-Cut                                                           ..this cuff = ?

Of course, Ian could have made variations of his Gill, than what was offered the Cannon catalog.

I personally don't own a Gill - to compare to the one in my photos.

I may have the opportunity to buy them....but I am both intrigued AND suspicious.

Of course it would be wild if this was an unmarked legit Gill handcuff.

May I have your opinions, please?

Hey Joe. It looks to be an authentic Gill cuff to me. I compared Ian's Replica Gill Flash Action Manacle to my Original Gill Flash Action Manacle. Not only do the keys not match, Ian's Replica version has a flare at the hinge pins for the swing arms. The original Gill I have, Does not. The one you are being offered looks right to me and matches what I have as a marked original Gill Cuff.
-Richard Knip-

This is one of Ian's: And this is my Marked Original Gill:

Thank you, Richard.

It is encouraging to hear & see that the unmarked  "mystery Gill" does physically match a known Gill.

It would be great if there was any paperwork/evidence -  stating that an "unmarked" and/or "unfinished" Gill cuff was produced.

Two further questions:
* Can you tell me if my internal "ratchet" (locking dog) - matches your Gill?
*  Does the top edge of my cuff (the 3 layers of construction) - match your Gill?

Thanks again.

Yes, looking at my Gill cuff a little further, mine also has the three layer construction. The locking dog or pawl on mine is also a simple two tooth set up. Everything looks spot on, to me. I cant say for sure if there was an unmarked Gill? Mine is the only Gill cuff I have seen up close. I will look through some of my available materials and see if I can find any reference to an unmarked version.
-Richard Knip-

Hi Joe,  
Hope all is well.

Interesting cuff that seems to be legit.
The only thing that I notice is that the Gill has angular lines at the lock part of the cuff that curve out where the bows are hinged.
The one you posted has the body lines going straight down.
Small detail for a cuff that was mostly handmade.
Hope you get them!

Thanks, Mark.

If I do get them, I hope that we can meet up sometime, and compare them side-by-side.

One cuff doesn't properly lock:  the bow's "teeth" barely make contact with the internal ratchet.
The bow don't appear bent, and the "teeth" and internal ratchet don't appear to be filed.
The internal ratchet moves up & down when the key is used.
....Maybe this was a "reject" Gill, and left unmarked & unfinished?

It would be great to see you before February.

I would imagine that when they stamp the brand name in the cuff, it was done before being assembled, 
Otherwise stamping a hollowed body cuff might bend the metal and not imprint right.

Good luck on acquiring them!

Hi Joe,
If I remember correctly, Ian's version has a serial number on one of the bows. Mine is stored away but I've added a picture.
Peter

Thank you, Peter.

Hi Joe,

Your cuff looks legit to me as well. I compared your photo to my cuff and I can't see no differnce in design.
Ian's cuff takes a barrell key and the Gill takes a solid bit key, big difference.

Lars

Lars:

From your picture, it LOOKS like your Gill Cuff has NO MARKINGS (like mine)....is that true?

And if yours doesn't, then we can conclude that  some Gill (solid) Cuffs were made - without markings.

Some Gill cuffs are marked in the front and some are marked on the back.  I noticed that from Stan's CD. There is also 2 Gill Bean Giant style cuffs. The Flash Action Manacle and the Gill Cuff. The two cuffs look to be identical. So, im guessing they just stamped them with two different names? Not sure if there was a physical difference in them?
-Richard Knip-

Richard, There is no physical difference that I can tell. I believe that the ones marked Gill Cuff are the earlier ones and they were later marked with Flash Action Manacle.

This one is serial number 4.

Thank you to all who have contributed with their comments.

I will now definitely purchase this cuff from the Seller.

I remain curious if my unmarked Gill - was meant to be commercially sold as is.
(i.e  Are there other known examples of unmarked Gills?)

Joe, my cuff is marked on the backside. As a fact, I've never heard of any Gill cuffs without markings. I have an unmarked Gill thumb cuff though.

Lars

An unmarked Gill thumb cuff, with smooth bows. probably a very early version.

Our collecting is a great hobby...it's always fun when a 'strange' cuff makes an appearance - for us to investigate.