Smith and Wesson model 938 handcuffs

A have a pair of Smith and Wesson Model 938 handcuffs in the factory blue box that were given to me by a family member.  Can anyone provide me with any info on this model

Thanks

The Model 938 is a handcuff made from stainless steel that was introduced by S&W in 1961. They weigh about 8.5 oz. The Model 938 is the standard finish version, while the 936 is the polished finish version. They were produced up into the 1970s. An original set in good shape with original box and keys will usually get about $100 to $125 at auction. Of course, condition is everything. If the box were in perfect condition and the cuffs themselves were in an almost unused condition, you may be able to get a little more for the set.
-Richard Knip-

Thanks Richard.   The box is in very good/excellent condition and the handcuffs were not used.   Also, I have 2 keys.   

S &W circular, back page introducing the Stainless Steel Models 936 & 938.
Dave

Thanks for the info Dave

Since I’m not a collector, I plan to sell them

Here is some info I have on these.
I don't recall the source, but I believe the info is correct.

The Smith & Wesson Model 936 handcuffs hold a fascinating history. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Introduction and Variants:
   
   • Introduced in 1961, these handcuffs were part of S&W’s stainless steel lineup.
   • They came in two models:
     
     • Model 936: Polished stainless steel.
     • Model 938: Regular (dull) stainless steel finish.
   • Both models featured a push-pin double lock system.
   • The Model 936 was polished, while the Model 938 had a more subdued finish.
2. Construction and Features:
   
   • These cuffs were constructed entirely from stainless steel.
   • The lock case design included exposed rivets for added strength.
   • They had a self-locking single lock and a manual double slot lock accessible from both sides.
   • To double lock, you inserted a small peg on the top of the key into the double lock slot and slid it to the center of the cuff to prevent further tightening.
   • The Model 936 had a small “S” stamped on the right cuff front jaw near the pivot hinge.
   • Weight: Approximately 8.5 ounces.
3. Evolution and Changes:
   
   • In 2011, S&W transitioned to rivets for joining the lock case instead of the old brazing method.
   • As a result, the Model 103 became the Model 103-1, and the Model 936 became the Model 936-1.
   • The Model 936 was eventually phased out from product brochures between 1971 and 1974.
4. Identification Tip:
   
   • If your handcuffs have the small “S” stamp on the right front jaw, they are likely the stainless steel Model 936 or 936-1.
   • If not, they might be an all-steel constructed Model 90 with a nickel finish.

Mark,
This part of your post is for the Stainless Steel Model 103 not the Model 936 or 938, except; 
“The Model 936 had a small “S” stamped on the right cuff front jaw near the pivot hinge.”

• Construction and Features:

[ul]
1. These cuffs were constructed entirely from stainless steel.
2. The lock case design included exposed rivets for added strength.
3. They had a self-locking single lock and a manual double slot lock accessible from both sides.
4. To double lock, you inserted a small peg on the top of the key into the double lock slot and slid it to the center of the cuff to prevent further tightening.
5. The Model 936 had a small “S” stamped on the right cuff front jaw near the pivot hinge.
6. Weight: Approximately 8.5 ounces
[/ul]

Also this is not correct “and the Model 936 became the Model 936-1.” Under Evolution and Changes. 

Note in the product brochure I posted above, that the Model 936 Bright Polished were (Special order only) in the beginning.

Dave

dltvette wrote: ↑

Mar 10, 2024

Mark,
This part of your post is for the Stainless Steel Model 103 not the Model 936 or 938, except; 
“The Model 936 had a small “S” stamped on the right cuff front jaw near the pivot hinge.”

• Construction and Features:

[ul]
1. These cuffs were constructed entirely from stainless steel.
2. The lock case design included exposed rivets for added strength.
3. They had a self-locking single lock and a manual double slot lock accessible from both sides.
4. To double lock, you inserted a small peg on the top of the key into the double lock slot and slid it to the center of the cuff to prevent further tightening.
5. The Model 936 had a small “S” stamped on the right cuff front jaw near the pivot hinge.
6. Weight: Approximately 8.5 ounces
[/ul]

Also this is not correct “and the Model 936 became the Model 936-1.” Under Evolution and Changes. 

Note in the product brochure I posted above, that the Model 936 Bright Polished were (Special order only) in the beginning.

Dave

Click to expand...

Dave,

Yes, I agree.
I am not sure where I copied this article from, but the 103 is included in it and the author could have written this a bit better to clarify the differences between the models.

Have you ever seen a S&W box that had "936"printed on it?
I was looking for one for a LOOOOOOOONG time and never even seen a picture of one. (unless your book has it and I missed it)
They all seem to be regular 938 boxes with a handwritten 936 on it if at all.

Here is a link that has some range of the timeline of these cuffs.  I assume that you are the same Dave that commented at the bottom.    https://www.collectorsweekly.com/storie ... -handcuffs


If this is you, your display is awesome!  
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/storie ... ction-2764



I am finally getting a 104-P with the side deadlocking pin versus the current model (like the model 103) which has the deadlocking oval on front and back sides.
I do not know when they discontinued that version, but it is very hard to find these days.

Here are the Smith & Wesson Model 938 Regular Finish handcuffs that I acquired.  They appear to be in very good condition as well as the factory box.  

I would like to sell them for $125 to someone who actually collects; however, I am not for sure if there is another section on this forum for that.

Mark,
I have never seen a Model 936 marked box.
The 103P and the 104P (push-pin double lock) first appeared in a Smith & Wesson Academy (Handcuff) Price List Effective May 1, 2005. The 2008 Product Guide did not have the 103P or 104P option listed, just the standard slot double lock option. Starting in 2009, the Product Guides Law Enforcement Handcuff section directed you to see their full line of handcuffs at smith-Wesson.com.
and they were offered in 2009 and 2010, no mention of the push-pin option that I know of after this.
Dave

Sk2159,
It could be the lighting, but your photos look like a polished M-936 in a M-938 box. I have never come across a M-936 box, just the M-936 handcuffs without a box or in a M-938 box.
Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the input.  They appear to me to be a regular finish and not
highly polished.  Can the serial number indicate the exact model?

Scott