Tompkins handcuff

Just a heads up for those who may be interested, the current issue of “The Antique Lock Collector “ which is the journal of the “West Coast Lock Collector’s Association “ has an interesting article by Joe Fox covering the prototypical Tompkins handcuffs.

Spencer

Hey Spencer, how do we get a copy of that issue? Thanks for any help!
-Richard Knip-

Richard

I don’t know that you can get the journal without paying the $20 a year dues and joining the West Coast Lock Collector’s Association but contact Richard Chenovick at 805-962-5556 just to be sure.

Spencer

Thank you, Spencer! I called and left him a message, yesterday. I havent heard back from him yet, though.
-Richard Knip-

Attached is a May 1961 article from Popular Science magazine...it was the only time that the Tompkins handcuff had been photographed.

The handcuff had remained with the Tompkins family for the past 60 years. I acquired it January 2021 (after weeks of negotiations).

The Tompkins handcuff features an "ACE" 7-pin tubular lock, and an anti-shim "star wheel".

The Tompkins handcuff was manufactured in New Jersey - circa 1960.

Most notably, this handcuff is the FIRST Patented American "swing-through" handcuff to feature a Hinge....20 years prior to the 1981 commercial release of the  Peerless hinged handcuff.

The only handcuff reference guide that features the Tompkins handcuff (a page of text, along with the 1961 patent drawing) - is in Carl A. Roper's 1977 "U.S. Handcuffs, Vol. 1" booklet (however, a few statements made are incorrect).

The Tompkins received a 2nd Patent in 1979.

For a Prototype handcuff - it is extremely well-made....on par with 1960's-era Peerless and Smith & Wesson handcuffs. 

Prior to obtaining the handcuffs, I had already acquired from another source - an original 3 page "rough draft" of the proposed "sales flyer" for these Tompkins handcuffs. Interesting, the handcuff is only referred to as the "87" or the "87 Handcuff"...which probably referred to the last two digits of the patent number (2,966,787), as the handcuffs had yet to be officially named or marketed.

I plan to display the Tompkins handcuff at the Los Angeles LAPD Historical Museum later this year - along with a copy of the Patent Papers, the Popular Science article, and a Plaque honoring Mr. Harry A. Tompkins and his unique handcuff.

Note:  Double-Click on each photo above....to see it in full size.

Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Joe! Wow! What an incredible set of cuffs! Do you have any idea why these cuffs never made it to sales? I know it would have been an expensive pair, but these would have surely replaced the H&R Super cuffs that were still being used by different law offices for transports and things like that?
-Richard Knip-

Richard -

  I've been told of a local New Jersey newspaper article that stated that one of the reasons that the NIJ rejected these handcuffs was because they were deemed too heavy (they weigh 12 oz ). 

 I am assuming that this would had been at the time of the 1979 Patent, because the NIJ wasn't involved in quality-testing of handcuffs back in the early 1960's (someone correct me, if I'm mistaken). 
Unfortunately, I've never seen the newspaper article, nor do I know the year it was published. 

The Weight, plus the revolutionary hinge, bulk size & weight, and 7-pin tubular lock...were perhaps just too ahead of it's time...and most certainly would have been cost-prohibitive to manufacture.

A family member recalled that Harry Tompkins approached both Smith & Wesson, and Colt...to no avail.

As a high-risk prisoner "Transport Handcuff" - I think these would be ideal for today. 

Joe
What an extraordinary find and acquisition. I am so pleased to know that the cuffs exist and that they are in good hands.
Thank you for sharing with us all.
Joe

Thanks for sharing, looks like it was a design well ahead of its time. Does it take a regular 7 pin radial lock?

Yes, the keys are stamped "Chicago ACE", and the lock cylinder is stamped "ACE"    (7-pin tubular lock).

Thanks Joe, appreciate the info.

Last week, I was given the opportunity to see these magnificent cuffs in person and even get then snapped on me.
At the West Coast Lock Show, good friends Joe Fox, Jay Leslie and I made up the Handcuff Collectors Committee.
Next year, I hope to see more of us attend.  I will make a plea for more to attend.  Ron Spritz must come!
The virus situation took its toll this year, but it was an interesting show, nevertheless.

Seeing these cuffs was the highlight for me as well as hanging out with Joe and Jay.
The next day, I had to drive over to Palm Springs to open a floor safe that got flooded and made an adventure out of it.  I have not spent very much time there before.  REAL nice!
Stopped off at a nice steakhouse with an appropriate name.
Then I was off to visit Randy Main and see more amazing stuff.  Boatloads of it!

A GREAT time even though some of it was work, but they paid real good!

Thank you Joe, Jay and Randy.  I had a great time!

Joe, I have a guest subscription to googlebooks. Quality is usually better with images and downloads. See attached images

  --Vince 

Thank you, Vince.
I have now "saved" your enhanced images & text, from the Popular Science issue.

Wait, are these not actually manufactured?! 

CuffedUpInIrish wrote: ↑

Oct 21, 2022

Wait, are these not actually manufactured?! 

The only one is this one set that was the prototype for the new design idea. Joe Fox is the proud owner of them. Just an amazing set of cuffs with an amazing history! It would have been great to have seen them make it into production, but it never happened. I dont know any more to the story other than than what is included in this thread about them. A true treasure in the world of cuff collecting!
-Richard Knip-

djhalfdead wrote: ↑

Oct 21, 2022

CuffedUpInIrish wrote: ↑

Oct 21, 2022

Wait, are these not actually manufactured?! 

The only one is this one set that was the prototype for the new design idea. Joe Fox is the proud owner of them. Just an amazing set of cuffs with an amazing history! It would have been great to have seen them make it into production, but it never happened. I dont know any more to the story other than than what is included in this thread about them. A true treasure in the world of cuff collecting!
-Richard Knip-

Oh, man, that's such a pity, they look so darn cool!