Restricted E Smith & Wesson Model 94 Version 3

This is my first S&W Model 94 Version 3 handcuffs that are keyed to anything but the standard “N” key.
This set looks like the standard Version 3 with the serial number without a letter prefix, a letter A stamped on the jaw by the smooth / flush pivot pin. It came with a E stamped key which unlocks & double locks the cuffs.
This is the first M-94 V-3 that I have seen that are not keyed to the standard “N” key.
Could these have been sent back to the factory to have a new “E” lock installed ? No evidence of rework visible.
My thought is someone ordered a version 3 with a “E” restricted lock, and they already had the parts for the standard V-3 with the A stamped jaws, a lock case with a serial number already stamped and the installed a “E” Restricted lock, put the “E” stamped keys with it and filled their order.
The Model 94’s were introduced in a October 1, 1969 S&W Product Brochure, regular nickel finish $17.00. 

I have several Model 94’s in my collection
Version 1 ( 2-right hand cuffs joined together with a raised pivot pin) 
Standard N key (2 ea.)
Restricted D key (2 ea.)
Restricted G key
Restricted S key
Salesman Luggage Security Lock (5 ea.) Standard N keys
Factory salesman sample single cuff Standard N key

Version 2 (right & left hand cuffs joined together with raised pivot pin)
Standard N key (2 ea.)
Restricted E key 

Version 3 (right & left hand cuffs joined together with smooth / flush pivot pin)
Standard N key (2 ea.)
So I’m happy to add this Version 3, Restricted E keyed cuff, to my collection.

Dave

What is the 'A' on the bow supposed to represent? 

I have a Model #3 - that takes a "D" Key.   
No "Letter" with the serial number, either.
Matches the characteristics of your handcuff.

The concensus has been that the "A" on the bow - has NO bearing on any of the "key codes"....It may simply be a factory "part number".

Three possibilities:

 * The owner(s) of a standard 3rd model "N"...send it back to the factory - to have it "re-keyed" to a restricted letter.
 * The factory purposely sent out "Unmarked" restricted models...."Upon Request" of Law Enforcement Agencies.
 * The factory simply utilized the "body" of existing "N" models (as per your speculation).

Too bad Smith & Wesson isn't forth-coming with information to collectors (as the Peerless  Handcuff Co. is)

Joe,
I have been a long time member of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association (30+ years) and have had very little success in obtaining any manufacturing information directly from the handcuff facility of S&W. Roy Jinks, long time employee at S&W and S&W Historian has been my best source of information including the contracts & manufacturing orders that I show in my book on Early Peerless Handcuff Company with Smith & Wesson.
I sent a message to Roy about these Model 94 Version 3 being keyed to other than the standard N key & he said when he got them at the factory, he would just walk them over to the Handcuff Department and it was easy for them to do, but did not know what they did & could have just changed the cuffs.
I’m still waiting for an answer on the letter A significance if he has one.
According to the key charts I have seen, it would be feasible to add a cut to a N key to make a G or a R key.
Dave

It is highly unlikely that the factory would  'change combination' of an existing cuff.  It is not economical in a sealed unit like the S&W 94 lock. The lock is riveted in place and not held there by screws or clips like a conventional door lock. No company is going to drill the lock out of a fully functioning new cuff, just to change one or two pins to a new setting.

It would be more probable to just swap the cuff over if someone had either ordered the wrong key code or been given the wrong one.

Here is a new acquisition for me.
My 1st 94 restricted key (D) that does not have serial numbers on it.

Mark,
Nice acquisition. I have 2 restricted D keyed cuffs, both Version 1 & both with just the letter D without serial numbers.
Dave

My Gen 1 Model 94 Restricted "D" key also only has the letter "D", but no serial numbers on it.
-Richard Knip-

This is an odd discovery.
It seems that serial numberless cuffs are all "D" locks and keys unless others come to light.  I have seen other non numbered "D"s in other collections.
Why are all or most other lettered cuffs serial numbered and some "D's are not?  I've never seen a "S" or "G" without serial numbers.  The most common cuff, "N" seems all numbered as well.
What agency was assigned to this series and why did they not want their cuffs traceable to their officers who used them?