Sir if you can’t locate a key let me know. I have a few and could sell and ship you one. However some fine filing may be needed to make the key fit your cuff. Ron JPeaceful Pirate wrote: ↑Jul 15, 2022Recently picked up a great old pair of First Model Tower Bottom Key Handcuffs. Obviously, no key. This fist model has a very small key and keyway, thus having difficulty fabricating a work key. Any thoughts on where, or from whom, we might obtain a key? Many thanks in advance. - G.L.P.
How unusual!Peaceful Pirate wrote: ↑Jul 16, 2022Mark - Funny you should mention the different keys. Looked closely to both cuffs and note a straight key on one, and an offset on the other!
One question I have is, is your set with "E LOCK" stamped on them, shaped like the bottom key cuffs that have been shown or it is shaped more like mine in this pic? If yours is shaped like mine, the "E LOCK" is what is left of the factory stamp that would have read "DOUBLE LOCK." The cuff in my pic is one of Tower's later designed Double Lock Handcuffs. The Bottom Key and the one that immediately followed the Bottom Key model were all single lock. They made this new body style and incorporated th use of a "dead lock" or double lock system. The purpose of the system was to keep the cuff from being closed any further, once the officer had locked them on someone. It froze the shackle of the cuff into place and allowed no movement forward or reverse. The earlier versions of the Double Lock handcuffs had the 3 chain links, like mine. The later versions had the single oval link and two swivels. The Tower Double Lock Handcuff was one of the most popular handcuffs of its time.Divey6363 wrote: ↑Jul 25, 2022I have a set of handcuffs that look almost identical to the old tower ones you have pictured. The only identifying marks I’ve found are “E Lock” over and to the left of one of the keyholes. Can you tell me anything about them?
The oval link and swivel is Towers model made by Union Hardware Company and if I remember right around 1910 or so they started making them. However if the model you have isn’t stamped Tower Double Lock it’s not a Union Hardware model but a Foth model. Foth didn’t mark the Tower copy cuffs that he made I believe around 1940? Ron JDivey6363 wrote: ↑Jul 26, 2022Mine have the oval link with swivels. Do you know about when they were made?
Mark I was referring to the Towers model with the swivel and oval link, no others. This is actually information I have read on the handcuff forum. Ron JMark Lyons O--O Cuffs wrote: ↑Jul 26, 2022I am not sure if all unmarked Towers are made my Foth.
I have a few unmarked cuffs bit have never seen one marked with an "F" that is reportedly a Foth cuff.
E Lock was most likely DOUBLE LOCK now it’s most likely worn down and all you see is E LOCK? Ron JDivey6363 wrote: ↑Jul 26, 2022Mine only have ELock stamped on one but I only see it on one. That is the only mark I can find.
Lane thank you for waiting almost a month on our sloppy US postal service for the delivery of your keys. Nice looking set of cuffs. Ron JPeaceful Pirate wrote: ↑Aug 12, 2022Finally got them open with the expertise in key making from rejones68 (AKA - Ron J)! Many thanks once again for your help!
Foth cuffs seem to be an enigma.rejones68 wrote: ↑Jul 26, 2022The oval link and swivel is Towers model made by Union Hardware Company and if I remember right around 1910 or so they started making them. However if the model you have isn’t stamped Tower Double Lock it’s not a Union Hardware model but a Foth model. Foth didn’t mark the Tower copy cuffs that he made I believe around 1940? Ron JDivey6363 wrote: ↑Jul 26, 2022Mine have the oval link with swivels. Do you know about when they were made?
