Ian McColl 23 Feb 2025
#1dear experts, there are only two keys types for Gotcha cuff keys.
Mark Lyons O--O Cuffs 23 Feb 2025
#2Richard,
I will answer your question of the Facebook conversation about the 3rd key version, but since it was dragged over here to this site( and for the fact that only 1 pic is allowed at a time on FB) , I will address it here first since this site contains the most information about the short lived and illusive GOTCHA line of cuffs and others can learn a little more about them.
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Years ago, I contacted the owner of Gotcha and placed an order for my sheriff dept. and it took about a year to receive them.
At the time of my order, he was not yet producing these cuffs, and the patent papers showed a key (Fig. 10 and 11) that was similar to the H&R Super Cuff Model 123 with its 2 protruding tips.
The Gotcha clearly showed a 3-tip key with a pure circular center. (308, 310 and 312 in this patent paper) I prefer to call this the "patent style or prototype key."
By the time my order of about a dozen sets of chain, hinged and leg irons arrived, the key changed to the Judd inner 3 lobed style key.
The Hexagon key model was believed to have been made and distributed before I received my order, and I do not believe that they made the hex model for much longer than 6 months or so.
I am convinced that the hex key was the very first type of key which was actually used in all or most of its production in its time.
The patent key in these pics is the 3rd version key that I know of, but not completely sure if they were only used in the patent model or in prototypes.
I recall that someone on the Forum mentioned that he had a key (and maybe a cuff) like the above photo, and I asked him if his key was interchangeable with the lobed internal key or not.
I don't remember who he was or if he answered my question. I've searched the numerous "Gotcha" blogs on this site and now believe that I may have private messaged him as I am not finding anything of our conversation.
I stand with my belief that the Gotch factory did have 3 versions of keys, but only 2 of them were most likely used in mass production.
IF any cuffs are out there with the patent key, it would be the rarest of the rare!
I have never seen a close-up picture of a Gotcha with 3 cut-outs on the cam or lock which should be depicted in this picture, (205) but think there are a very limited amount of them somewhere.
Ian McColl 23 Feb 2025
#3MAGA MARK, that model cuff does not exist ! It is patent idea. That is why you haven't seen one.
This topic was dicussed several months back with the same conclusion, but thanks for replying and caring