UNKNOWN FIGURE 8 CUFFS

I have what the seller called a British Plug 8.  The tag that came with them had the following information, UK-8 DBL (double lock) Board 3.  I think the UK means unknown and after inspecting the cuff I think they may be of French origin.  The double or pre-lock is similar to the old French leg irons pre-lock and then screw the bolt into place.  These have the same function, closing the cuff with the pre-lock and then screwing the bolt to further secure the cuff. There is a button that must be pushed in to undo the pre-lock to open the cuff.  The cuff is quite small measuring 6.5 X 3.8 cm on the inside of each cuff.  Very well made.

The tag referred to board 3.  I checked the Main/Lockman boards and did not find the cuff on the pictures posted on the Forum.  If you have any information or thoughts as to the origin and date please let me know.

Ron

Ron,

I rather believe this is a German cuff. I have handled a few similar cuffs over time. Some 13 years ago I was contacted by a German man (not a collector) who had a great number of rare german cuffs that I helped him to sell to international collectors. Here are a few of them and you clearly see the similarity.

Lars

I agree that they probably German and not British. Photo attached of the one in my collection. I think they may have been part of Ray McKee’s collection - the label and number looks similar to some of the items I got when Damon sold Rays collection. Only thing is Ray was a real expert and it is doubtful if he would have labelled them as British.

Thanks guys.  I agree that the cuff is not British.  The one factor that does not show up in the German cuffs is the pre-lock function.  The only cuffs I have seen that have the pre-lock are the French cuffs.  

I'll have to look into Ray's collection.  Damon was the source of now my cuffs via another collector.

Ron

Just checked Damon's site and all the pictures he has posted on the Ray McKee collection.  Unfortunately, I don't see this cuff.

Ron

Ron, The pre-lock function and the locking bolt itself is very reminiscent of the cuffs of the period from France. I agree with you. This set of French Leg Irons has essentially the same locking bolt configuration, but doesnt have the pre-lock feature. The threads of the bolt and the housing for the bolt, look identical. If I remove the locking bolt from the cuffs, its the same as yours. I believe I sold this square headed locking bolt set and have the same set in my collection, but with a diamond shape bolt head. Michael Griffin bought the one that had the square headed locking bolt.
-Richard Knip-

Thanks Richard.  The only book that has reference to the French leg irons with the pre-lock is Volume ll by Jean-Michel Robin.  He put out a four volume set with great pictures and even thou it is in French, good information can be obtained.

Ron