British Colonial Jail Hand Irons c.1750 Ontario

This is a very interesting set of cuffs.

Antique Hand Irons - Old British Colonial Jail from Cayuga, Ontario, c. 1750

This is for a "pair" of antique hand irons, old British colonial jail irons from Cayuga, Ontario and are c.1750. These have the original key - square hole. The key fits in the hole and it opens by the screw being unscrewed and comes out, and opening the irons. The total length is about 3 7/8" from end to end closed. The width at the widest part is 2 3/4", again this is closed. These fit my wrist which is 6 1/4" circumference. The interior circumerence is about 6 1/2-6 3/4".

Note: the key is included as presented in the pictures.

This was collected by Mr. Roy Summers of Stoney Creek, Ontario. He collected this in Cayuga, Ontario in May 1978. My dad collected a lot of things from Mr. Summers, who had a great eye for things and collected a number of items that I've sold here.

Please see the pictures for details.

This, like all of our fur trade and native collectibles, was part of my dad's HBC collection, he was a long-time collector of North West, native, HBC and fur trade items and a historian / archaeologist. Our items have been featured on the Canadian Antiques Roadshow and in December 2009, the prestigious auction house of Bonhams and Butterfields in San Francisco sold some of our native items. We specialize in items from the Plains, Plateau, Sub-Arctic and Arctic people as well as HBC items. - eBay (18 Dec 2011)

This set of irons had a high bid of $567 (Plus $6.45 Shipping).
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1870s Plug 8 Antique Handcuffs

Here is a nice set of plug 8 handcuffs:

This is a super nice set of 1800's Plug 8 Handcuffs. It has the original Key and plug. this set is super collectible and very rare in this condition and this complete. They have the original patina and have never been altered or reconditioned. The cuffs are very tight and barely look used. If you have any questions or need other pictures email me. - eBay (27 Feb 2010).

This set of cuffs had a high bid of $610 (Plus $11.57 Shipping)
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Menotte handcuffs handschellen très rare serre poignets

Here is a very rare set of circles handcuffs. I would have liked to acquire this set, but unfortunately I underestimated what this was going to sell for. Better luck next time....

Ancienne menotte et rare serre poignets de gendarmerie + - 1850 . Parfait etat et belle patine d'epoque. 105x120mm epp. 18mm - eBay (16 March 2010)

This rare set of French handcuffs had a high bid of 605 Euros $819.05 (Plus $ Shipping).
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Nazi German Gestapo Folding Cuffs

Here is an interesting set of WWII Nazi Gestapo folding handcuffs.

Flohmarktfund, gut erhaltene, vorschriftsmässige Handschellen aus dem 3. Reich, voll funktionsfähig, inkl. Schlüssel. Stelleweise leichter Flugrost. Schöne Stempel.

Billigere Versandart möglich, nur nach Absprache, und auf Risiko des Käufers. - Cheaper postage possible, but only to the risk of the buyer. Please ask before auction ends.
- eBay (21 March 2010)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of 1,330 Euros/$1,800.55 (Plus 14.05 Euros Shipping).
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Boer Plug 8 Handcuffs

I still have to get myself a set of these.

Very heavy Boer War Plug (figure of) Eight handcuffs.

Please note that I am neither a collector nor an expert in restraints and I am doing my best to describe these handcuffs in photos and words:

It has a double lock and the key that is used to unlock it has two ends. PLEASE NOTE I DO NOT HAVE THE KEY. I understand the keys are not as scarce as the cuffs and also that one can be made. You must unscrew the plug to gain access to the lock. The plug provides extra security by limiting access to the bolt. One end of the key unscrews the plug and then the other end screws into the lock to open.

The cuffs do not have any visible markings on them.

The handcuffs measure 5-1/8" across and 3-1/4" high. They weigh 1 lb. 4.8 ozs. on my postage scale. - eBay (11 Oct 2009)

This padlock had a high bid of $207.50 (Plus $7.20 Shipping).
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HIATT IRISH-8 HANDCUFFS

Here is a nice set of figure eight handcuffs.

This listing is for

RARE HIATT IRISH-8 HANDCUFFS WITH ORIGINAL KEY

These early 1900's handcuffs are essentially a Figure-8 handcuff except for the locking mechanism, which is atypical Darby spring-backed bolt with external threading that is pulled out with an internally threaded screw key. One side of the cuffs is a little smaller than the other. The "Irish" designation is possibly a refecrence to their being used primarily in Ireland.

These handcuffs are stamped 'Hiatt 3". The key is also stamped with "Hiatt" and "1"

Very Fine condition with beautiful patina - eBay (10 June 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $250 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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Old Iron Figure Eight Style Handcuffs

Here is what appears to be an old set of figure eight handcufs.

Old Pair Of Iron Figure Eight Style Handcuffs

Please see pics with tape measure for the measurements - Weight is 11.7 Ounces

There is some pitting to the metal and it looks like they may have been painted black, but I am unsure when.

I can see no markings of any kind

There is no lock, key, screw or whatever was used to lock these.

One side where they would lock has a small hole that is threaded and the other side where they come together has a larger hole with worn threading - the metal has cracks on either side of this larger hole as if someone tightened it alot or too tightly

Please see all the pics and ask any questions about description - Please don't ask questions about the age, history or origin as I do not know - eBay (28 May 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $282 (Plus $6 Shipping).
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HIATT - BOER CIVIL WAR - FIGURE 8 HANDCUFFS 1800'S

I still have yet to get myself a set like this:

THIS IS A GREAT ITEM. FOR AUCTION ONE PAIR OF HIATT BOER MODEL AMERICAN FIGURE 8 HANDCUFFS FROM THE 1800'S. THESE HANDCUFFS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AND OPPERATIONAL WITH THE KEY. THE CUFFS ARE IN GREAT WORKING SHAPE A TAD TIGHT TO OPEN BUT I DID NOT GREASE OR CLEAN ONE BIT. THIS IS A GREAT BUY FOR ANY COLLECTOR OR JUST A HOBBYIST. THESE CUFFS ARE SURRE TO IMPRESS. - eBay (26 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $261.50 (With Free Shipping).
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Recent Handcuff Auctions

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Antique Bean Patrolman Handcuffs w/Original Key 1884

Great condition Bean Patrolman cuffs with original key. These were actually made by Iver Johnson for Bean. These cuffs have a nice patina, no pitting, a very light coating of surface rust except where I rubbed one small area of the hinge pin which shows the letter T and the words Nov.10 '84 PAT. Key does operate cuffs however I wouldn't recommend using too much because the key is quite small and thin. In fact I believe this indicates it is one of the earlier models by Iver Johnson. The two pins on the key are slightly bent; I did not want to bend them back for fear of breaking them off. I will leave that for the buyer to decide. No cracks or other damage. Overall a nice working pair of cuffs that would display nicely. Just imagine what scoundrels wrists these have been around in the hundred odd years or so - eBay (28 Feb 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $102.50 (Plus $10 Shipping).
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OLD WEST HR ARMS HANDCUFFS-BUTTE MONTANA POLICE 1900

date to circa 1900 and were bought in an old estate in Butte Montana. - eBay (27 Feb 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $76 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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Harrington & Richardson Handcuffs and Original Box

This is a very nice pair of Harrington and Richardson Arms Co. "Super" Handcuffs. The nickel plated handcuffs show little wear. They have their key and are fine working. The original box is complete and solid. The instruction sheet is inside the lid and their inspection slip is loose in the box. - eBay (26 Feb 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $100.66 (Plus $8.85 Shipping).
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VINTAGE OLD FASHIONED CIRCLE T HAND CUFFS (3.18D)

VINTAGE OLD FASHIONED CIRCLE T HANDCUFFS

* MADE OF CHROME PLATED STEEL - SOME OF THE PLATING IS WORN OFF
* 9" L.
* NO KEY
* MARKED WITH A CIRCLE T, PAT'D NOV. 28 '82 - eBay (28 March 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $76 (Plus $10.15 Shipping).
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Police Handcuffs pat. dtd 1884

The handcuffs are marked: Pat. Nov 28 '82, Nov 18 '84. This was part of the items that belonging to a Chicago Police Patrol Sergent. I have listed his other set of cuffs, a badge and a whistle as separate auctions. When I was given these items many years ago I was told they belonged to Beakler (may not be the correct spelling). He was a Chicago Policeman.

I do not remember any specific information about the man. These handcuffs do not come with a key. - eBay (5 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $222 (Plus $5.75 Shipping).
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Antique H & R Arms Police Handcuffs w/ Key (excellent)

This is a set of antique handcuffs made by H & R (Harrington and Richardson) Arms Company, Worcester, Mass, USA. They have a patent number stamped -1,984,677 - and measure 8 1/2" in length. They are in excellent condition showing little signs of use, and there is no rust or damage. The best recollection I have is that they were issued to military police officers. The key is original and the cuffs have an unusual locking system. They key is inserted at the end of the cuff next to the swivel. - eBay (3 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $128.50 (Plus $6.50 Shipping).
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rare hamberg 8 made in germany handcuffs with out key

vintage handcuff collectors check this out!!! up for auction is a vintage original rare hamberg 8 made in germany nickle plated handcuffs with no key handcuffs has germany on the side has some minor loss of nickle plating we are still searching for the key we know its still in house but as of listing has not been found if found it will go out with the handcuffs - eBay (29 March 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $131.08 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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A+++ Bean Cobb Handcuffs WITH KEY / Billy Soose Boxer

Up for bid is a set of Bean Cobb Handcuffs. This set is in excellent condition with a chrome like finish. Don't be fooled by the lighting in the pictures. These handcuffs are completely finished and have no wear spots. The locks and push button features work exactly as they are designed to. The springs sound and feel good and the handcuffs lock and unlock with the key. There are no markings on these handcuffs except for the Serial Numbers on each hinge. The hinges are marked 728 and 738.

This auction includes an original key with the handcuffs. Key was hard to photograph and is blurry in the pic but is also in very good condition.

I have set a very reasonable reserve on this item and they will be sold to the highest bidder.

I am also offering Free Shipping with Priority Mail and Delivery Confirmation. I accept paypal.

So... If you collect this stuff you will not find a nicer set than these with an original key to go along with them. Good Luck...

BUT THIS MAY BE THE MORE INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THESE HANDCUFFS:

This set of handcuffs was purchased by this seller at the estate sale of Middleweight Champion Boxer Billy Soose in Tafton, PA. I am not quite sure why Billy Soose had these handcuffs but word in the crowd at the auction was that at one time he worked as either a constable or an assistant warden with the PA Game Commission. I could not find much information about that part of his life and cannot confirm exactly what employment he used these handcuffs for.

"After a collegiate boxing career, Soose became a professional boxer in 1938. That same year he met Charley Burley, defeated Soose by a unanimous decision. In 1940 Soose defeated two future middleweight champions, Ken Overlin and Tony Zale. He began 1941 by defeating future heavyweight and light heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello and then, in May of that year, beat old foe Overlin for Overlin's middleweight title. He never defended the title and retired in 1942 after losing a bout to Jimmy Bivins." Soose closed out his professional career with an overall record of 34-6-1 (13 KOs). Champion Billy Soose will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2009.

On Apr-09-09 at 17:54:30 PDT, seller added the following information:

I am not a handcuff collector, but I have done a little research on this set. I have had some questions asking if the handcuffs are nickel plated. They certainly could be so I describe it only as chrome like. In addition, I have added a picture of the key hole side of the cuffs. I am having a heck of a time geting a good clean picture of it with the glare off of the cuffs, but I can assure you this pair does have the half moon recessed indentation around the key holes. I hope you can see that in the pic I just posted. I will continue to try to get a better picture. - eBay (15 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $228.97 (Plus Free Shipping).
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Antique Handcuffs with Key Included Free Shipping !

Winning bidder will recieve One (1) pair of antique handcuffs. These cuffs are in working order and they have the key included. Any questions, comments, or concerns, please call or email me anytime.

Thanks in advance, - eBay (10 April 09)

This set of handcuffs had an opening bid of $300 (Plus Free Shipping) but failed to attract any bids.
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Antique Handcuffs with Key Included Free Shipping !

Winning bidder will recieve One (1) pair of antique handcuffs. These cuffs are in working order and they have the key included. Any questions, comments, or concerns, please call or email me anytime.

Thanks in advance, - eBay (10 April 09)

These appear to be Bean Prison handcuffs. (At least one of the heavier Bean versions.)

This set of handcuffs had an opening bid of $300 (Plus Free Shipping) but failed to attract any bids.
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RARE ANTIQUE DARBY HANDCUFFS MARKED PROV. TOOL CO

This Auction is for a pair of Antique Darby Police Handcuffs / Leg Shackles that are Marked PROV. TOOL CO. Civil War hand cuffs-wrought iron. These are excellent working order with a great patina

The problem, "one size does not fit all." A pair of average size Darby handcuffs that might be too tight for a large man would not restrain a small person at all since a small hand could simply be slipped out of the cuff. - eBay (13 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $338.88 (Plus $10 Shipping).
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