Can someone help!

Hello,

I am new to this site and wonder if anyone out there can help me? On a whim I just recently purchased a set of handcuffs(I have never purchased a pair before)from a local large antique dealer(supposedly reputable)near my hometown.

The dealer stated they were English dating from the late 1800's-early 1900's. I did have sense enough to ask for and receive a written guarantee and return privilege if discovered to be reproductions. I can attempt to give a description of them and would be grateful for anyone’s assistance in attempting to discover if I actually have a period set or a reproduction set. After looking through the photos posted on this site the are identical to the photo of the "Hiatt Darby's" 1900's except they are not nickel plated, more of a brownish color. However all the components look the same i.e. the chain assembly, cuff style. The key is an oblong design with a hole near the upper portion of the key.

They are marked as follows: "Hiatt" is found on each cuff as well as the key. One cuff is also marked with what looks like "British Made". From what I can tell there are no other markings on them. They seem to be solidly well made and in good shape.

Thanks to anyone with any information about this set!

Zack

Hi Zack, Your cuffs should cause you little concern. Hiatt cuffs are the most common Darby style handcuffs. They are indeed English but similar copies have been manufactured in the U.S. Without seeing a picture of them, it is safe to assume that they are not reproductions. The repros usually have a rusty finish with no markings except for some numbers, which seem to be arbitrary. They usually come with 2 keys. A nice Hiatts will have marking such as yours and a nice brown patina or in mint shiney condition. Value is about $90 - 125 for an item such as yours.
Welcome to the world of cuffs collecting. I hope you find it as interesting as the rest of us who frequent this site.
m

Hello,

I am new to this site and wonder if anyone out there can help me? On a whim I just recently purchased a set of handcuffs(I have never purchased a pair before)from a local large antique dealer(supposedly reputable)near my hometown.

The dealer stated they were English dating from the late 1800's-early 1900's. I did have sense enough to ask for and receive a written guarantee and return privilege if discovered to be reproductions. I can attempt to give a description of them and would be grateful for anyone’s assistance in attempting to discover if I actually have a period set or a reproduction set. After looking through the photos posted on this site the are identical to the photo of the "Hiatt Darby's" 1900's except they are not nickel plated, more of a brownish color. However all the components look the same i.e. the chain assembly, cuff style. The key is an oblong design with a hole near the upper portion of the key.

They are marked as follows: "Hiatt" is found on each cuff as well as the key. One cuff is also marked with what looks like "British Made". From what I can tell there are no other markings on them. They seem to be solidly well made and in good shape.

Thanks to anyone with any information about this set!

Zack

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Hi Zack, welcome to the world of collecting, Joe's book on English cuffs would be a great asset to you and also Chris Gower would be better able to tell you about your cuff. Form memory the britsh made mark would date them to about 1940-50 but Chris would now better.

Ian