Brettmalcolm
#1Apologies, new to the group. I decently acquired a pair of ‘towers’ and I was hoping someone might help me confirm authenticity? I did take a look for a thread that might guide me but was unsuccessful. Thanks. 
The Forum at Handcuffs.Org
Confirmation
5 visible archived posts · 5 preserved total · topic ID 7566
djhalfdead
#2Welcome to the forum! Judging by the clevises, the chain, the location and shape of the keyholes, the size of the key holes, and by the overall construction, Yes, your set is indeed a legitimate set of Tower Double lock Handcuffs. This style of Tower Cuff started to be produced in 1879. You have a nice example, there! Looks to be in good shape as well. Congratulations on your recent find!
-Richard Knip-
-Richard Knip-
Brettmalcolm
#3Thank you for the response. I’m new to collecting but hoping to add more. Glad the first purchase wasn’t a dud. How do you estimate the year of production? Sounds like most Tower double locks were up till early 1900’s.
djhalfdead
#4Youre welcome. The collecting "habit" starts with one cuff. Then, from there...it snowballs! Welcome to your new addiction, as I like to call it! LOL! On the opening page of this website, there is a listing in the gallery for handcuffs. If you click on that and go to where the Tower cuffs are shown (alphabetically), you will see a pic just like your cuffs with the name of the cuffs and the year of the cuffs. 1879 is what is listed for Tower Double locks. You can scroll through and see many different cuffs from many manufacturers. A very helpful tool to use in collecting.
The Tower Double Lock cuffs were bought out by a company name Union Hardware, around 1910. The Union Hardware version is still considered a Tower Handcuff. But, the Union Hardware versions had two swivels, one on each cuff's clevis and a single oblong link between them. This style of Tower cuffs was sold up into the 1930s, i believe. So the style of Double Lock that you have with the 3 chain links were made between 1879 and when Union Hardware bought out Tower (around 1910). A lot of cuff collecting knowledge just comes from experience and going through the information that is out there. This forum is a mountain of information, if you use the search feature and dig through older posts. Though, not all searches are easy to find the information you are looking for. You did your due diligence in trying the search option before posting your question. I commend you for that!
For a beginning collector, I highly recommend buying at least the first volume of the Alex Nichol's books. The first volume can be purchased from the U.K. As far as im aware this book is out of print and I would advise getting one while they have them. A lot of pictures and information in his books. This shop also sells volume 2, though I did not find Vol. 2 as useful as volume 1. Its still nice to have both volumes, but if you can only get one, go with volume 1. I have made several purchases with this shop as they are a reputable seller. I have had zero issues with their shipping or their overall service. https://www.thehandcuffshop.com/index.c ... roduct=101
-Richard Knip-
The Tower Double Lock cuffs were bought out by a company name Union Hardware, around 1910. The Union Hardware version is still considered a Tower Handcuff. But, the Union Hardware versions had two swivels, one on each cuff's clevis and a single oblong link between them. This style of Tower cuffs was sold up into the 1930s, i believe. So the style of Double Lock that you have with the 3 chain links were made between 1879 and when Union Hardware bought out Tower (around 1910). A lot of cuff collecting knowledge just comes from experience and going through the information that is out there. This forum is a mountain of information, if you use the search feature and dig through older posts. Though, not all searches are easy to find the information you are looking for. You did your due diligence in trying the search option before posting your question. I commend you for that!
For a beginning collector, I highly recommend buying at least the first volume of the Alex Nichol's books. The first volume can be purchased from the U.K. As far as im aware this book is out of print and I would advise getting one while they have them. A lot of pictures and information in his books. This shop also sells volume 2, though I did not find Vol. 2 as useful as volume 1. Its still nice to have both volumes, but if you can only get one, go with volume 1. I have made several purchases with this shop as they are a reputable seller. I have had zero issues with their shipping or their overall service. https://www.thehandcuffshop.com/index.c ... roduct=101
-Richard Knip-
Brettmalcolm
#5Excellent advice! I’ll look into the book. Like any other addiction…..ahem, hobby, I’m sure it will take some time to be proficient. Thanks again! Great knowledge and a great group.