Houdini "Bell" Handcuff

I am pleased to say that I am now the proud owner of a fantastic Houdini "Bell" Handcuff Replica.

What is the Bell handcuff I hear you ask? It is a handcuff that came from the imagination of Houdini himself. The handcuff has a Bell inside that rings loudly as you try to open the lock either with a key or by tampering with the mechanism. It's mentioned in Houdinis "Handcuff Secrets" book when he is discussing his differnt model handcuffs. It's referenced as R.

Where is the original? If I had to guess it's most likely in David Copperfields private collection or completely lost to time itself.

From my very basic research I have found that there have been a few re- imagining versions. The ones that spring to mind are made Chris Gower, Ray Mckee and of course Ian Mccoll.

My version was made by Ian Mccoll and is exceptionally well built, and has 2 screws that allow for easy access to the workings so that maintenance/repairs can be conducted.

Could you escape from this wonderful design without ringing the bell? Houdini could.......

Look forward to seeing them when we meet. I did make a set for Ray McKee in about 1985 which had quite a complex mechanism. Ray subsequently made his own set but his did not have the Bell!
Wonder where they are now????

Chriss is wondering where the Ray McKee Bell Lock is?  I am now the owner.

How loud is the bell on Ray's version?

Thanks Gordon for photo, from my correspondence with Ray his set did not have a bell. The other interesting point is that the model I made and Rays cuff both bows are hinged from the top - this makes them a lot easier to put on rather than Ian’s copy with the bows hinged in the middle.

Chris, where did you place your bell?