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Old Handcuffs from the 1960's

8 visible archived posts · 8 preserved total · topic ID 7890
Original topic ↗Recovered images
dsheriff 27 Mar 2025
#1
My father is a retired Deputy Sheriff.
While cleaning out his garage, I came across a small bag of old handcuffs and a couple keys.  The keys and cuffs are of two styles.  One the more modern small key version, like those used used today.
The other has a round lock and cylindrical key.  I have only been able to open a one of each type with the existing keys.  I am wondering if there could be difference keys or if he simply collected cuffs that were going to be discarded.  I am wondering if there is any value to these if they are not functional.
KruegerKuffs 27 Mar 2025
#2
They're really nice cuffs, S&W 94's. You should be able to get keys for them. There are around 10 different variants, but some of the experts here may know more about them. Might be worth between $90 and $120 each, even without a key.
dltvette 27 Mar 2025
#3
In 1969 S&W® introduced a completely new handcuff design for maximum security. The Model 94 handcuffs has a pin-tumbler lock that can be set to various combinations allowing exclusive keying to each law enforcement agency. Out of 16 possible key cuts, 9 different key cuts were used and the key designations were, D, E, G, H, L, M, N, R & S. The most common key is the N key. The unmarked keys I have seen are the N key variation.
The Model 94 handcuffs were manufactured in three different versions.
The Version 1 was manufactured with 2-right hand cuffs and a protruding pivot hinge.
The Version 2 was manufactured with a right & left hand cuff and a protruding pivot hinge.
The Version 3 was manufactured with a right & left hand cuff and a smooth pivot hinge
Dave
Unknown / guest 27 Mar 2025
#4
From what I can see in your photos, all seem to be the M-94 version 3 with the smooth pivot hinge.
Dave
Key Cut Chart 27 Mar 2025
#5
Here is the chart to show the possible key cuts.
Mark Lyons O--O Cuffs 27 Mar 2025
#6
I have most of the restricted lettered cuffs minus these 3;  "H"," "L", &  "M"
If you can check the serial numbers on that pile of 94 cuffs, some of them may have a letter prefix and if you have a "H"," "L", &  "M", I would be very interested in speaking to you!
The most common letter "N" does not stamp the "N" prefix and just uses a numbered serial number.  There is often an "A" on a different spot on one of the bows.
I have a couple of "D" cuffs with no numbered serial numbers and a pair that does have a numbered Serial number.
PaulJDavies 28 Mar 2025
#7
Zooming in on the photos. Five of them have an 'A' on the bow and none have a prefix to the number (from what I can see).
I have 5 spare keys but I'm in Australia.
dsheriff 28 Mar 2025
#8
I went through the serial numbers.  I don't see any letter prefixes.

> The most common letter "N" does not stamp the "N" prefix and just uses a numbered serial number.  There is often an "A" on a different spot on one of the bows.

I presume they are all "N"'s.

I will try listing a pair on ebay and see what they fetch.

Thanks