I have a handcuff belt which I would like to sell (UK), but first I'd like to make sure it's correct. The belt I believe has a metal lining. The belt has wear and tear, and does have a repair patch on the inner part of the belt. The handcuffs are Hiatt, the small cuff doesn't have an original key and I can't see a makers mark.
Could anyone tell me if it is correct that each cuff is attached by a 'U' bolt, or would they of been welded on with a ring? Also, would it of been locked with a small single cuff, or would it of been a padlock?
Is there a date that it may be from?
Thank you
I would recommend you go on facebook groups for handcuff collectors and ask there. This forum is beyond hope at this point. Over-run by idiots.
Hi,
Your body belt is genuine. This particular example would have been made in the late 1980's onwards, It is fitted with Hiatt 115 adjustable handcuffs. These and the small endlock are both correct for this period as are the "u bolt " / D shackles connectors.
Hiatt & Co. Ltd for many years made these for H M Prisons but subcontracted out the leather work to a saddlery company in Walsall in the West Midlands. Unfortunately the name of the saddlery company has slipped my mind.
It was in the late 1980's that this saddlery company closed down and Hiatt stopped producing body belts or at least the finished articles. Around this time there was also a lot of negative talk and media coverage surrounding the continued use of body belts and suggestions that they should be banned.
Later belts such as your example were actually made in prison workshops. I imagine that only one prison may have produced them as so few would have been needed.
It is really easy to tell original Hiatt supplied belts and later prison made belts apart. The difference in quality of workmanship is very obvious. The quality of leather and neatness of stich lines are notably different as is the use of visible rivets in later belts. These belts are sometimes accompanied with a little leather pouch which contained a couple of spanners to ensure the nuts on the D shackles were tight.
These belts are still available for use however they seldom are. I am aware that in one of the Category A prisons in the North of England a couple of years ago the use of a body belt was authorised on only two occasions in a 12 month period. My neighbour was one of the Governors at the time.
Hope this helps.
That's great, thank you for taking the time to reply with the information, it's much appreciated.
HCuffs wrote:
↑Jul 19, 2025
I have a handcuff belt which I would like to sell (UK), but first I'd like to make sure it's correct. The belt I believe has a metal lining. The belt has wear and tear, and does have a repair patch on the inner part of the belt. The handcuffs are Hiatt, the small cuff doesn't have an original key and I can't see a makers mark.
Could anyone tell me if it is correct that each cuff is attached by a 'U' bolt, or would they of been welded on with a ring? Also, would it of been locked with a small single cuff, or would it of been a padlock?
Is there a date that it may be from?
Thank you
I’d be interested in buying this. Feel free to comment or message me. Thanks, Ron J
Hi Ron, sorry, I'm only looking at selling this in the UK.
HCuffs wrote:
↑Jul 22, 2025
Hi Ron, sorry, I'm only looking at selling this in the UK.
What if I have a UK mailing address for you to ship to? Ron J
Thanks ATP that's very informative. Exactly what this forum is for.
