Recent 1861 Rankin Handcuffs Auctions

Here are a couplesets of Rankin handcuffs that recently came up for auction:

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VINTAGE IRON METAL HAND CUFFS OR SHACKLES - NO KEY

THIS IS A VERY NICE AND VERY OLD PAIR OF HANDCUFFS OR SHACKLES. NOT SURE WHO USED THESE, COULD BE A JAILHOUSE. THEY ARE NOT MARKED AND DO NOT KNOW A YEAR, BUT THEY ARE OLD. MADE OF SOME TYPE OF METAL. Buyer pays 8.00 for shipping. Please email me with any questions.

On Jan-27-09 at 08:07:03 PST, seller added the following information:

When I looked closer at these cuffs I saw A Rankin 1861. These cuffs are in good condition. They are dark in color but no rust. They also swivel nicely. I will also be updating my Pics. - eBay

I suspect that he added the additional pictures and details when he notices the bid go past $300 rather early.

In the end, this set of handcuffs went for $760 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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The following one has been listed twice before.

Rankin Delestatius 1861 Civil War Leg Irons Handcuffs

Up for auction is this VERY desirable pair of RANKIN (aka DELESTATIUS) Leg-Irons patented in 1861. Although somewhat hard to read, each cuff is stamped/marked Rankin. The patent date is mostly visible on one of the cuffs (Patd DEC 10 1861) and the name RANKIN is partly visible. The chain hinges move freely and the cuffs open smoothly in the hinge. The springs that lock the cuffs are strong and you can NOT pull the cuffs apart/open after they have been locked. This is a very nice good working set. SEE ADDITIONAL IMAGES.

The leg irons are in very nice condition, have a smooth brown patina and come with a very well made working key. The leg irons measure approximately 22 inches in length. The inside diameter of the cuffs, measure approximately 3 and 3/8 inch. They are in original condition and have not been cleaned or altered.

NOTE: the keyway (key hole) has the original spring loaded sleeve which protects the threaded screw and prevents someone from attempting to pick the lock. This sleeve is not commonly found intact and working.

This is a unique opportunity for someone to acquire this highly desirable set of Leg-irons, which have become extremely scarce to find! - eBay

The high bid was $437 (Plus $10.50 Shipping) but did not meet the reserve price. Last listing, it did not sell for $1,200. (Here). The previous listing was for $1,800 and did not sell there either. (Here)

Unfortunately, since I knew the listing history, I didn't even bother to make a bid on this item. Seeing the high bid, I guess I should have.

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