Lockable Grip

Recently picked up two grips from completely different sources. The first one is not lockable and has an unusual centre section. It is not marked and has a smooth action.
The second one is marked Hiatt and has a similar centre but requires a key to open them. It is also marked Saddleworth, I can find no records of a Prison or Police Station there.

chriscuffs6 wrote: ↑

Dec 07, 2022

Recently picked up two grips from completely different sources. The first one is not lockable and has an unusual centre section. It is not marked and has a smooth action.
The second one is marked Hiatt and has a similar centre but requires a key to open them. It is also marked Saddleworth, I can find no records of a Prison or Police Station there.

Very nice! Ron J

Very nice!

I think I own this pair (photo is from the seller as I have never used a pink background).
It is similar to yours only it is believed to be a Thewlis.

I was not aware that Hiatt also used this design.

The lockable grip appears to be factory stamped or engraved Saddleworth, a parish near Manchester. Being a very early one, it probably belonged to the parish beadle. I've seen one or two others.. I doubt there's more than a hand full in existence.

This is my nipper, same markings on both sides. I assume that is the constables name.
 Why the date ? Any opinions ?

Hi Chris, very nice grips.  I have a Thewlis & Griffith that has the screw key which really helps in opening them.  I have also seen the same locking system used but without the key which can be easily added.  I have never been able to identify the C and I stamping.

Ron

Very nice nippers, gentlemen! I have this version which does not use the key to open them. It has the thumb prong release on the back. It is only marked "HIATT." No numbers or places where it may have been used. I have not been able to find out any more information about mine. I dont know if it came after the keyed locking grip, since the versions that came after these only had the thumb release and did not use the keyed release. But that is only a guess on my part.
-Richard Knip-

ronspitz wrote: ↑

Dec 08, 2022

Hi Chris, very nice grips.  I have a Thewlis & Griffith that has the screw key which really helps in opening them.  I have also seen the same locking system used but without the key which can be easily added.  I have never been able to identify the C and I stamping.

Ron

Ron, I think the small O which is at right angles to the large C might be the abbreviation of County (Co). 'I' could be almost anything from infirmary to insane asylum. But I am guessing!

ronspitz wrote: ↑

Dec 08, 2022

Hi Chris, very nice grips.  I have a Thewlis & Griffith that has the screw key which really helps in opening them.  I have also seen the same locking system used but without the key which can be easily added.  I have never been able to identify the C and I stamping.

Ron

Ron, Looking back at this old post, I think C I would be for Channel Islands. I have an original key for the lockable grips, just waiting to find a cuff? 

The piece in my collection has some leather cover stiched in the hinge area in order to prevent getting skin into the mechanism.