Marlin Firearms Handcuff Models and Variations Part 1

In searching any and all blogs and replies on Handcuffs.org, there are many discussions about these desirable and beautiful cuffs.  Unfortunately, most of the discussion is about keys, its shape, availability and other aspects about these.  Unless I missed a discussion or two about the variations in the multitudes of blogs in my search, I will attempt to list the various models and history of these cuffs, which are often named the "most beautiful cuffs" manufactured by a major manufacturer.

                                      

These cuffs and a similar brand were known as "Bottle Necks" as they do resemble a wine or Coke bottle.  The Caveney Invention Company made a very similar looking cuff but used a screw key with double locking capability whereas the Marlins always used a double pronged key that inserts into an "S" shaped cam that spreads a very strong spring apart to release the locking bow.  The Caveney has notches on only one surface while the Marlin springs grip both sides of the bow.

Before I show what I believe is the progression of cuffs made by Marlin Firearms Co., I would like to thank Steve Santini for working out a deal with me so that I could add this pair to my collection. 
This sparked my interest in learning more about the inventor, the factory and time on of when these cuffs were produced and sold.

At the time I saw these for sale, I wasn't feeling so great and passed them up.  I captured a pic of them and wished I had bought them after I was feeling better.  As it must have been my destiny, Steve wrote to me a short time later asking if I was interested in them and of course I was.   With a little back and forth dealing, these became mine and they arrived very quickly.   

I hope you enjoy what I learned about Marlin cuffs as much as I enjoy presenting them to you.  It took some time to prepare the photos I show here and to gather references that I could find online.
As far as I know, this blog is the most comprehensive report on the subject.


This newest addition to my collection is an important one and I am convinced that this is a pre-patent model even though this cuff has NO markings or stamps with the name Marlin anywhere on it.  In another pic (Part 2) I will show a similar pic of the actual patent model lock for the leg iron version.  It looks quite the same as the lock on this cuff.
It has the same 8 notches as the 1st model (Very Rare) version (below), similar key design, lock system (with screw so the lock can be removed and/or repaired) and swivel. (slightly different size and shape)
The key is probably not original but is made very well and fits the lock perfectly.  It could be an original but does NOT have the side bumps that holds the key in the lock when opening.  (more on these keys later) 
This key which came with these cuffs is marked "Bi-Metallic" which is the same marking that appears with other patented Marlin keys. 
The keyhole on this cuff is slightly larger than all the other Marlins that I own and none of the Marlin keys I have will even fit on the post, let alone, turn.




This Marlin is the "Real" Model 1.  
I say real because many collectors are unaware of this early version as they are very rare.  This model is rarely mentioned in any articles, and I can't recall even seeing one in any of the fine books.
I have only seen 5 of these cuffs in my lifetime.
The larger or robust body is used and the subsequent models 3 and 4 were retooled to be slightly smaller or slender.
This model is the only version to use the large, rounded chain links.
The known versions or any write ups of any Marlin cuffs have always been documented as Models 1, 2 and 3 ONLY.   This early model is never mentioned.
Even though it was patented in 1879, it was not sold until 1885.  Perhaps Daley had to spend some time to find a factory to contract with and get a contract written.
Marlin Firearms was a great choice to take on its manufacturing!

In this blog, I wish to introduce a new timeline of these cuffs, by adding this version since it truly is the actual 1st patented model. 
With the new addition of the above Pre-Patent Model, there are now 5 body style models which are known. 
Only 4 patented models are known which were made in great or limited quantities.  
Variations exist within these 4 models, but the body styles remain the same.  I will name them Model 1, 2, 3 and the addition of #4.
The model known as "Model 1", in my opinion is really Model 2.

To begin discussing the various models designed by Daley and made by Marlin Firearms, it should be noted that model numbers were never assigned to the cuffs (ie H&R Super 123 or S&W Model 90) by the factory.
The names Model 1, 2, 3, etc. were given by collectors.  Marlin rifles were identified by the date they were produced and sold (ie Model 1898) and they just named their cuffs as "chain or swivel".

The photo above shows the earliest patented cuff.  It clearly shows the December 1879 patent date and should rightfully be labeled as the "1st Model".
The cuff formerly identified as Model 1 should now be labeled as "Model 2".  This model along with my pre-patent cuff does not have the "Marlin" name on them.
The key for these will fit all my others, minus the pre patent one.
The patent info is stamped on the top of the lock case, whereas all the rest have the stamping on the sides.


Stamping locations on Model 1 (above) and other models - 2,3 and 4 (Below)

Pre Patent model on the right compared to the patented model on the left. (Model 1)
Both feature the large body design.  Screw size and location is a major design change between the two.
Both of these models have only 8 notches on the bows.  Models 2, 3, and 4 have 9 notches.
These are all Daley's, but are they all Marlins?
Since both of these earliest models do not have the "Marlin " name on them, it is quite possible that Marlin Firearms were NOT yet contracted when these were produced.
Even though they look similar, the tooling is quite different than the typical Marlins that we have in our collections.
It is possible that since these models were so scarce, they were not yet manufactured by Marlin nor were they available for large orders and distribution when they were made.
Perhaps Marlin only produced models 2, 3 and 4 since they do feature the "Marlin" name.


It is interesting that the pre patent model used the small chain then used the large chain and went back to the small chain in versions 2 and 3.
The keyholes are a bit larger in the pre patent cuffs.

The above cuff, which was the last in the series to be manufactured was always documented as Model 3, but I am now calling this "Model 4".  It was introduced in 1910.
This model with the swivel was available at the same time as the 3-link chain model and at the same price, according to the 1915 Marlin catalog.
It seems that the addition would elevate the price of these cuffs slightly, but they were sold concurrently for the same cost.  The swivel made it easier to apply to the wrists as they won't get kinked up in an arrest situation.
The top cuff shows a rare variation where a chain or other device could be used to lock the prisoner to a long transportation chain, belly chain, leg iron or stationary object.  It was a factory option at a cost of 75 cents.
I have only seen 1 other item in another collection.


The patent was issued on Dec 2, 1879, to Robert (Bob - B.) H. Daley of Napa Valley, California    Pat 222252.

The Marlin line of handcuffs is sometimes known as "Marlin - Daley" since Robert H. Daley invented and patented the design.
He sold the rights or otherwise allowed the Marlin Fire Arms Company to produce and sell them.
It is possible that a contract was written in which he kept a portion of the proceeds for each one sold.


The spring in my pre-patent cuff is a simple "U' shaped metal spring (shown in Part 3) and the spring shown in the patent paper shows an improved design.


I have reached the limit on what photos I can include in this discussion, so I will discuss more in Part 2.
I guess 10 pics at a time is all that is allowed.

With the picture limitation, I will continue with more pics and content in just a bit and will discuss more about Daley and the Marlin history.

Marlin Firearms Handcuff Models and Variations Part 2



Marlin products had 2 different name markings on the sides of the lock cases on Model 3 (formally Model 2) These cuffs were the first "slender" models with 3 chain links.
The earlier version had "Marlin Firearms Co. New Haven, Ct, USA  -  Pat Dec. 2d, 1879.  It is unknown why they eliminated this date and only stamped
"Marlin Firearms Co. New Haven, Ct, USA" in their later production.

The pin on some of these examples protrude above the surface of the lock top and it is my belief that this was an improvement to allow the key to enter the lock case more easily.
I don't believe I have ever seen an extended post on a lock that has the patent date on it, so this improvement came later on.



Leg Irons

This is the actual Patent Model submitted for the Leg Iron patent application. 
It resembles the pre patent cuff in Part 1 of this blog.



This leg iron is at a Sheriff Station in Nevada, and it is an earlier model than mine since it has the more robust lock body.
The chain resembles a Phelps chain.


Marlin Leg Irons are extremely rare, and I am super happy to have one in my collection.  
I actually sold them long ago but managed to get them back a couple years later.






These Marlins are on display in a western museum and are also the early robust model.
These are the only 4 Marlin Leg Irons that I know exist in the world.
Mine are the only later model with small lock body and small links that I have ever seen or known about.



Keys

These are some of the mass-produced keys from various manufacturers.  
I have seen many of these Bi-Metallic keys come with Marlin cuffs, but I don't know if they were actually supplied with the cuffs when originally purchased or not.
The Taylor keys were sold in a pack of other keys such as Tower, H&R Super 123's, Mattituck and others.  These keys generally had to be filed down to fit.  They are brittle and can easily break.
A plausible explanation is that (as locksmith Vince believes) these keys were sold as "blanks" and not cut keys.  This could reduce import tariffs, tax and duty and not a finished product.
The German keys are excellent and always work.  I always wondered why a German manufacturer would produce so many quality keys for an American handcuff that probably was rare in their country.
Were there no key makers in the USA that could produce them equally?



This is the Caveny Invention Co. product. Patented February 8, 1910 
 It is shown to compare both Bottle Neck models made by them and Marlin.  This model is easier to shim open when not double locked as it has just 1 ratchet or spring to pull back whereas the Marlins have 2 to contend with.
The Caveney's have no connection to Marlin, other than they look similar.  The key is turned to double lock/unlock the cuffs and that is the original key in the photo.
From Matthew Forte Collection/Auction.



L.A. County Sheriff's Transportation Department also liked the Marlin cuffs and used them in the 1970's.
A good alternative to cuffs that could be opened with a standard key.
The use of Marlins was used in Los Angeles law enforcement going back to at least 1915.

Great research Mark. Thank you.

Marlin Firearms Handcuff Models and Variations Part 3


These unusual Model 4's (formerly) Model 3 feature a ring that allows a belly chain, leg irons or a connector to a stationary object.
I believe this is a factory option as there are a few around.  It is quite possible that a prison or metal worked could have added it as well.





John Mahlon Marlin, born in 1836 near Windsor Locks, Connecticut left his job as a machinist and toolmaker at Colt's to open his own gun company in New Haven, CT.  in 1863.
In 1863, he began by manufacturing a line of moderately priced single shot .22 derringers and eventually single action revolvers.  During the 1870s, Marlin manufactured Ballard rifles under contract. 
After Rollin White’s cylinder patents expired, Marlin expanded to revolvers in 1870.  In late 1880, John Marlin debuted the lever action repeater Marlin Model 1881, but required additional funding to produce it.  In January 1881, The Marlin Firearms Company was formed in New Haven, CT, with Charles Daly as its first president.  During 1893, Charles Daly sold his stock in the company.
 
Charles H. Ballard invented the Ballard breechloading rifle, patented in 1861.  Approximately 24,000 sporting and military rifles, carbines, and shotguns were produced between 1862 and 1873, with Civil War sales accounting for half of this total.  Economic depression hit the U.S. in 1873, leading to Ballard’s bankruptcy.

Enter Schoverling and Daly, New York arms dealers. They purchased all patent rights, equipment, parts inventories, and properties related to Ballard rifles.  In a strategic move, they partnered with John Marlin to continue production. This collaboration proved highly successful.  In 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was formed and incorporated.  The Ballard rifles continued under the Marlin banner until around 1891 when repeating rifles gained popularity.
Marlin-Ballard rifles were renowned for their accuracy and craftsmanship.  Fancy-grade long-range rifles remain sought after by collectors.  Marlin expanded further, introducing the Model 1881 lever-action tubular magazine repeating rifle, available in various calibers from .32-40 to 45-70 Government.  
Marlin’s legacy continued through other lever-action designs, including the Model 1897.
John Marlin passed away in 1901, but his sons, Mahlon Henry and John Howard Marlin, carried on the business.  The Marlin Firearms Company remained influential, even expanding to include the Ideal Cartridge Reloading Company.  When John Mahlon Marlin died in 1901, the reins of the company were picked up by his sons, Mahlon Henry Marlin and John Howard Marlin.
In 1915, the company was sold to a New York syndicate with ties to financier J. P. Morgan, becoming the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation.
Charles Daly is a brand of firearms licensed to Chiappa Firearms located in Italy.
 It was a firearms manufacturer and importer located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Charles Daly was born in New York City on October 12, 1839.  Around 1875 in New York City, Charles Daly and August Schoverling began importing firearms into the United States, primarily from the city of Suhl in what was then Prussia.  As stated above, he partnered with Marlin, but this Daly is NOT related to Robert H. Daley that invented the handcuff design used by this firm.
The similarity of these two names seems to be the source for the confusion.






While not a very clear picture, the Broad Arrow marking indicated that this was ordered and owned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. RCMP
It is known that they used this cuff at the beginning of the last century and many known examples are out there.




These Model 3's (formerly Model 2) show the 2 name stamps on the lock cases.
The dated ones do not have the extended key post that I have ever seen.
It appears to only exist on the undated versions. 




This is from the Pre-Patent cuff I received a week ago.
Unfortunately, the key post was missing on one side, so I filed down a screw to fit and pounded it into the hole on this nicely machined lock cylinder.
It isn't going anywhere now!
The "S' shaped cam rotates on the pin with the key and the key tips drop into the 2 holes near the center hole.   By flipping the cam over, you can make the lock open clockwise or counterclockwise.
The cam simply spreads the strong spring apart, allowing the ratchet teeth on the bow to pull away.  as shown, the spring is a simple "S" shape and the patent papers show a machined 2-part improved spring that resembles a tuning fork.




This rare variation of a single Model 3 on a leader chain could be a factory option.  It is possible that someone modified it as well, but it looks real enough to me.


Finding any info of the company's involvement with handcuff manufacturing is virtually nonexistent as their gun manufacturing info overtakes anything about cuffs, 
If I find out anything further, I will update.

As far as I know, this is the most complete study on this topic that I am aware of.
Enjoy!

Nicely done, Mark! Thank you for taking the time to amass this information and pictures and sharing it with us!
-Richard Knip-

The Broad Arrow C means it was Government owned. The same markings are on military items, not just RCMP.
Do you know when they ceased making these cuffs??

Mark, Thank you for this post! Very nice photos!

Most of the [cast] keys Taylor sold were either branded for them, or made specifically FOR them by a German manufacturer. This was not just the cuff keys, but "bit" & "barrel" keys in general. If you look closely along the shank of the Taylor key you pictured above, you'll see "Germany" cast into it. 

"DL" (Dominion) from Canada also had many of THEIR cast keys made for them in Germany as well for a time period.

The Taylor cuff keys were not sold as "keys" or "precuts", but rather as BLANKS. I have heard two school of thoughts over the years as to why, but no definitive proof, however. The first idea is that keys were sent out for manufacturing - and they weren't copied exactly. I personally don't believe that. The Germans manufacturing something out of tolerance? Back then? See what I mean? Hard to believe.

The most likely (in my opinion) was them being imported as blanks instead of finished keys was that it was less costly somehow. Taxes, tariffs, import duties have always been much higher for finished products as opposed to a semi-finished or un-finished version of the same item.  Nonetheless, the later years Taylor stuff was extra sloppily made, compared to their earlier offerings.

  --Vince

.

The Broad Arrow C means it was Government owned. The same markings are on military items, not just RCMP.
Do you know when they ceased making these cuffs??

Hi Paul,
Yes the Broad Arrow does cover a lot of territory in all forms of the British government and associated countries, but as far as I know, in Canada only the RCMP bought and used these cuffs.  I tried to find some pics of Marlins with proper RCMP markings as I know that I've seen them.  I never heard of any with any military markings.
In researching Canadian military use, I found a website that states these cuffs were the standard cuff for RCMP for a long time but nothing specific for any other branches in the government.  There was a link in the article for the government to find a modern handcuff solution by 2021.  I don't think they ever got what they were looking for  https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innova ... -handcuffs



Marlin celebrated their 150th Anniversary in 2020 and displayed some of their wares.
Assuming this is accurate, this write up time lists the dates they made their handcuffs 

"During the years 1885-1888 and 1911-1915, Marlin manufactured and sold handcuffs. Many law enforcement agencies purchased them, including the Los Angeles, CA police.   (I think this is an error---Sheriff Dept.)
The bottle (or bottleneck) handcuffs were attached using a swivel or a ring. 
For some time, Marlin manufactured handcuffs that were stamped for use by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  
These models are circa 1910-1916; on loan from Tom Johnson, Marlin Firearms Collectors Association."



The last of the cuffs made were what I now call Model 4 came out in or close to 1910.  Many sources also use this date.  As far as the end of the line, I have to guess that by the 1920's the Peerless style cuffs were favored over the Marlins.  They were cheaper and easier to make.  I have not researched much about Marlin's production of weapons during WWl, but I assume they were involved with gun production for the military and handcuff production, while still important, took a back seat to rifle manufacturing and distribution. 
Tower and Mattatuck were still making their cuffs up to WWll, so Marlins were pretty much out of the picture by then.
Marlin cuffs are and were a great design.  A simple and effective locking system that almost never failed.  I have never seen a pair with a faulty lock (minus my pre-patent model with the pin missing) and even if there was a problem, the lock is removeable for service or replacement.  I have heard of broken keys being a problem (mainly Taylor keys) but they should be easy to resolve.


This 1915 Marlin Catalog has at least 2 pages about their cuffs. 
  


The page (133) of the catalog mentions the use of a double lock, but it is not to be confused by what a double lock generally indicates.
The bow can NOT be locked to prevent the bow from tightening like a modern cuff or a Tower.




This page (134) in the 1915 catalog shows prices for each individual part including a swivel ring which I discussed in the beginning of the discussion. (and shown below)





Apparently, in 1915, one could purchase either the chain OR the swivel model and at the same price.
It was generally accepted that the swivel model was an improvement and superseded the chain model in later years.
Another interesting fact is that the chain model could be used as a Come-a-long as well.




This 75 cent ring made this cuff a very rare variety worth much more than 75 cents.





While not exactly a scarce handcuff, prices are usually in the $250 on up range due to demand from both handcuff and gun collectors.

There were a few 3 handed Marlins out in the wild, but I've never had one.  I can't even find a picture of one to share.  The best I could do is this ad from a police supply catalog.

This ad is interesting in that they offer Marlin or Tower in either polished or plated models for the same pricing.  
They also offer leg irons in both Tower and Marlin models.
I wonder why Tower leg irons are bought and sold everyday from eBay and Marlins are so unbelievably rare!
Other than a sheriff office and a museum display, I only know of my leg iron example.


Vince, 
I will look for the "Germany" stamp on the few Taylor keys I have.  I don't recall seeing that before.  
Your take on taxes, tariffs and duties is a plausible explanation on these keys.
I wish they sold them both ways, cheap (with cutting) and finished (cost more but ready to go).

Thanks!

Here is an odd Marlin Model 3 or 4 with Dog Bone connector.



This sold on eBay in April 2019
It could be a factory prototype or option OR it could be a replacement for a cut/broken chain or a faulty swivel

Marlins used in escapes or belonging to escape artists




No discussion about Marlin cuffs would be complete without mentioning their possible use in an episode of I Love Lucy, properly titled "The Handcuffs"
Lucy was under the wrong assumption that Fred's Marlins were Bridge Jumpers!

The plot starts off with Lucy wanting Ricky to take her out for dinner and a movie since it's his night off, but Ricky has lots of work to do in preparation for a television performance the next day. Having been inspired by Fred's boring magic tricks, Lucy borrows what she thinks is Fred's pair of trick handcuffs and uses them on Ricky as a joke, so he can't leave her side. But when the joke's over and Lucy and Ricky attempt to easily slide off the pair of handcuffs, they find that they can't get the handcuffs off. Fred rushes over, trying to warn Lucy about her mistake before she goes ahead with her joke, but it's too late. Lucy accidentally took Fred's old pair of handcuffs while Fred was out entertaining his buddies with the trick pair.
It first aired on CBS-TV on October 6, 1952.

I noticed that when the couple were in the living room, they were what appears to be Pinkerton cuffs, but when it was time to go to bed, they changed to Marlins (or possibly Caveneys).  
I believe they rehearsed this bit a few times and found the Marlins to be more comfortable.  In fact, if you freeze frame one of the scenes, you can see that they were wearing ace bandages under their sleeves. 



This episode of Lucy is depicted in a postage stamp from Mali and features the Marlin handcuff.



Of course, Houdini's use of Marlins can't go unnoticed.  These cuffs were necessary in his publicity photos such as this one.


 Modern-day Houdini, Dave Cox also likes the Marlin to escape from. 
How does he do it?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_MJTM--WYik

Escape artist and cuff collector Mike Griffin picked up these beautiful Marlin model 4 Presentation cuffs engraved by a talented engraving artist.
A beautiful cuff made even more beautiful!


And our friend Matthew Forte had a few references about the Marlin cuff in his book, American Police Equipment.
Here he refines the dates of production and sales.  
I also agree that these were made and sold starting in 1885 and ending in 1915.
The model 4 with swivel first appeared in 1910 and was sold along with the chain version (model 3)

Watch Kirk Douglas and Bruce Dern in “The Posse” because all the deputy marshals are issued heavily plated and I’m quite sure gaffed Marlin cuffs which are stunningly beautiful. I don’t recall seeing anything that resembled a key however.

Spencer

Not Marlin related but handcuffs in film

Here is one that I've never heard of.

I am not sure if this is a factory item or made at the Kingston, Ontario, Canada Corrections Prison which is now a museum.

A nice Model 1 with unusual, twisted chain from the collection of Peter Van Dijk (below) compared to the round link Model 1 that is more common in the hard-to-find cuffs. (top)