Russell & Erwin 4 Lever Pancake Padlock

I really like the decorative work on this padlock. Hope to get one one day.

This is a very nice example of this scarce Russell and Erwin four lever pancake lock. The patina is superb, and the ornate scroll markings are very nicely executed. Little spring to shackle, but opens flawlessly with the included key. This is a valuable lock, and very hard to find in this condition. I will once again put myself out on a limb and offer this as a "no reserve" auction. Good luck. - eBay (24 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $293.89 (Plus $10.17 Shipping).
-----

SOREL LOCK LIMITED Combination Padlock

Here is another Sorel Combination Padlock.

3 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches heavy, brass como padlock marked on the base with SOREL LOCK LIMITED SOREL CANADA, MADE IN CANADA, PATENTED 1921. Case condition is very good. Has typical mild wear of age and use. Unknown combination but the combination wheel functions well. Shackle is mobile in the locked position. A rare lock in the combination catagory. - eBay (30 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $214.49 (Plus $11.65 Shipping).
-----

Manila thumbcuffs

Here is a rare set of thumbcuffs

scarse mint condition set of MANILLA thumcuffs complete with TWO ORIGINAL keys.......... PLEASE CLICK ON SEE SELLERS OTHER ITEMS AT TOP RIGHT TO SEE THE OTHER SIMILIAR ITEMS THAT I HAVE ON EBAY.......... - eBay (6 July 09)

This set of thumbcuffs had a high bid of $126.67 (Plus $7.50 Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price.

Here is a photo I found in the Handcuffs.Org forum (here) of some more Manila hand and thumbcuffs

The handcuffs look interesting but it is the thumbcuffs that are really neat!

-----

Another Nice Set of Stotz Handcuffs

Here is another set of Stotz handcuffs. I thought that these would be coming up more often than they are and they are being sold by the same seller.

This nice and very well made Pair of Handcuffs, Manacles, Restraining Device works with the original screw type Key to lock which must be "pulled" in place to release. Both Cuffs remain in perfect working condition with the original key which is still present. These Manacles have now lightly patined with age nevertheless remain beautiful. (please note other items shown as props are not included in this auction) - eBay (19 June 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $538 (Plus $15.30 Shipping).
-----

Stotz vintage German Handcuffs

I still do not have a set of these. Seems that if I want a set, I'll have to lay out some good money.

Auction is for a set of original working Stotz Handcuffs from Germany, with key. The key is a reproduction, but works fine and is very similar to the original.

The handcuffs work fine and have strong springs. - eBay (9 July 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $535 (Plus $15 Shipping).
-----

Combination Lock - Rochester Safety Lock Co.

Here is an interesting combination lock.

From a very old estate comes this vintage unusual brass combination lock. Measures about 2 inches wide and 2 1/4 long. Very nice condition, my pictures do it no justice. Unusual shape, maybe for a bag of some sort?? Hasp reads Rochester safety lock Co. Rochester indiana--other side reads a761. Top of lock reads Pat. Feb. 18-08 other pats. pend. hard to see in my picyure, but bottom is numbered 1-10--looks to be a fairly simple combination to figure out if you have time. Sold as you see it!! Winning bidder adds 4.00 shipping and adds insurance if desired!

On Jun-22-09 at 16:09:15 PDT, seller added the following information:

I don't want to mislead anybody--bottom is not marked 1-10, as stated, but is marked 0-9, there is a bar sepersting the numbers that made it look like 10 at first glance--hope this helps!! - eBay (28 June 09)

This combination lock had a high bid of $364 (Plus $4 Shipping).
-----

THE NORTH POLE LOCK PADLOCK

Here is a nice commemerative padlock.

VERY NICE OLD PADLOCK. IT IS LISTED AS A "COMMEMORATIVE" LOCK. HAS AN IGLOO AND SUNRISE ON THE FRONT, THE BACK IS PLAIN. THE OFFICIAL NAME LISTED IS THE "NORTH POLE" LOCK (ADMIRAL BYRD'S EXP.) COMES WITH A KEY. THE PADLOCK COLLECTOR BOOK, PAGE 273, #7. MEASURES ABOUT 2 7/8" TALL. - eBay (25 May 2009)

This padlock had a high bid of $114.49 (Plus $5.95 Shipping).

Here is another lock that was put up for auction recently:

COMMEMORATIVE PADLOCK, NORTH POLE LOCK WITH KEY

A beautiful, solid brass warded - lever commemorative padlock made by Slaymaker. This lock commemorates Admiral Byrd's expedition to the North Pole. There are three locks in the commemorative series. The CQD, THE NORTH POLE and THE SKY KING (increasing order of difficulty to obtain). The lock is in excellent condition and works well with its operating key. SIZE: 2.0"w x 2.75"h x 0.5"d. 4.7oz - eBay (18 June 2009)

This padlock had a high bid of $19.95 but failed to meet the reserve price of $100 (Plus $5 Shipping).
-----

H&R Super LEG IRONS - Sold

These have come up for auction before without selling (here and here). They have finally found a buyer.

Up for auction is a set of H&R Super Leg Irons in like new and unused condition. They retain 100% of their original bright nickel plating and has their original keys. The leg iron chains are un-scuffed or scratched, which would indicate that they were never used.

I do not believe that you will be able to find a finer set of H&R Supers leg irons! This is a unique opportunity for someone to acquire this set in unused condition. - eBay (4 July 09)

This set of leg irons sold for $850 (Plus $7 Shipping) via 'Buy-it-Now'.
-----

OLD TOWER LEG IRONS

Here is another nice set of Tower Leg Irons.

Up for bids is this old pair of ' LEG IRONS ' maker stamped 'Tower Double Lock'. Not really sure how to date these...? Out of my area, so email questions. Steel construction - I can't say if nickle plate..? No key. Some rust when I first got them - cleaned up readily with 0000 steel wool - still some minor rust on the inside of the chain. I would rate the condition as very good / excellent. No damage or abuse. Nice set for the law enforcement collector... - eBay (22 May 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $140 (Plus $10.50 Shipping).
-----

Hiatt 19th Century Female Handcuffs

These look like a miniature set of handcuffs.

A Pair of very old solid HIATT antique handcuffs . Stamped Hiatt 1 on sides and stamped 511 HIATT on key ends.Made of wrought iron and they came to light from an elderly relation who had them from her parents. Guessing at date of turn of the century as not an expert although have seen some Victorian Cuffs on Ebay which had similar design although must more modern in appearance.These are stamped British Made warranted wrought [I presume iron/steel]

They are small and measure 2 1/2 " across They Fit a woman or Child but not a Mans wrist.Not sure if Hiatt 1 signifies the smallest size.They unlock with the key turned in a clockwise direction.The key can be removed when in locked position.They are in very good condition and keys and locks on both cuffs are in full working order . - eBay (5 July 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of 335.67 British Pounds / $543.90 (Plus 3.95 Pounds Shipping).
-----

Maltby Detective Handcuffs

Here is a nice set of Maltby handcuffs:

Offering for auction vintage set of handcuffs with original leather case.

Handcuffs are marked The Maltby with a patent date of Nov.12, 01. Mfg by the Mattatuck Mfg Co., Waterbury, Conn. U.S.A.

Shows some discoloration and wear on the finish.

Leather case is also marked The Maltby Detective and has a snap closure. Shows signs of wear too.

Good early set. However, there is NO key. - eBay (23 June 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $354 (Plus $7.10 Shipping).
-----

Manila Handcuffs

I knew that there were 'Manila' thumbcuffs out there, but I never thought that there were handcuffs of a similar style, until I ran across this auction.

Mint set of MANILLA handcuffs complete with TWO original keys. - eBay (7 July 2009)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $229.17 (Plus $8.50 Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price.
-----

Tower's Double lock Leg Irons Circa 1904

Here is a nice set of Tower Leg Irons.

Offered for sale a nice pair of Tower's Double Locking Leg Irons Circa 1904. I have cleaned the locking mechanisms and tested thier operation with the included key(reproduction key). during testing these cuffs worked as they were designed to(read description below for details on the operation of the double locking mechanisms). The Tower's Double Locking mechanism was patented in Aug of 1879. In Sept of 1882 there was a subsequent patent. This pair of leg Irons do not contain either of these patent stamps but do contain the words "Tower's Double lock". This attribute indicates to me a production date after 1904 when John Tower's company became part of Union Hardware Company of Torrington, Connecticut. These Leg Irons are in excellent condition and still retain most of the original plating. However, years of use have created scratches, dings and plating loss(please see the pictures provided). These Leg Irons also have a 12 link chain between the cuffs. This is an excellent pair of working antique Leg Irons that would compliment any handcuff collection. There is a single key provided with this sale. Reproduction keys are available on-line but it appears to be a violation of Ebay policies for me to tell you where these keys are available. If you send me a message I will give you the information on where additional reproduction keys are available. I will ship the cuffs in an open unlocked condition.

History of the Towers Double Lock Handcuff. The introduction of the adjustable ratchet principle by Adams and later Phelps solved one major problem in handcuff design, but it introduced another. For the ratchet to work the locking bolt or catch had to be spring loaded. This allowed the bow to be freely closed to suitable setting to fit the prisoner's wrist. The problem was that the spring loaded bolt was susceptible to shimming. To shim a handcuff one inserts a watch spring or other fine bit of metal down the inside of the bow until it rest against the bolt or catch. One then closes the cuff one on additional notch catching the watch spring between the catch and the ratchet notches. This prevents the catch from engaging and the bow can be sprung open. Tower realized this problem from the beginning. Indeed the main claim of his 1874 patent for the round bow was that a round or oval bow would be harder to shim open than a square bow.

Despite the round bow the Tower bottom key and single lock models could be shimmed by a determined prisoner with a proper bit of metal. To permanently solve the problem Tower introduced the Tower "Double Lock" handcuff. Patented on August 19, 1879 this handcuff has a much more sophisticated lock mechanism. The lock had two settings. In the single lock mode it acted just like the single lock model. To open the lock the key was inserted an rotated one half turn to the left, counter-clockwise. However, if the key was turned instead to the right, a full turn clockwise, then the lock was put into a double locked setting. The catch or bolt was now frozen, the handcuff bow could not be opened, but it also could not be further closed. This prevented one from shimming open the cuff. To remove the double lock the key had to be reinserted and turned a full turn to the left, counter-clockwise. Another half turn to the left would then open the cuff completely.

The earliest Tower double lock handcuffs are marvels of engineering. They were manufactured to very high tolerances. The key hole has a very tight opening requiring a key with a very thin wall. The bow also fits into the lock case with a very close fit. Indeed there is so little gap it is hard to imagine any prisoner successfully shimming open the cuff even without the double lock. One could reasonably argue that these handcuffs are the finest handcuffs ever made in America, at least in terms of adherence to quality standards of manufacturing. Unfortunately these comments apply only to the earliest double lock models. Double lock Tower hand cuffs were manufactured for over fifty years. Later models were not manufactured to such high standards. - eBay (9 June 09)

This padlock had a 'Buy-it-Now' price of $325 and sold with a best offer of $250 (Plus $9 Shipping).
-----

Titan Handcuffs

Here is an interesting set of custom-made handcuffs

Titan Handcuffs made by escape artist Steve Santini. These handcuffs are made with very thick steel and are some of the most heavy duty handcuffs ever made. This pair is marked: TITAN .T. and P.P.1996 on the body. One swing bow is stamped .0001.B. There is a piece of paper with the number 10 taped to the other side. I don't know what that means. Comes complete with special lock as shown. Here is the description from Yossie's Handcuff Collection website:

Constructed of 1/4" laser cut hardened plate steel riveted together with stainless steel rivets which are welded to the frame on the underside to prevent punching them out. The latch mechanism is spring-backed. The finger actuated levers are used to release the ratchet. A padlock through the hole in the middle of the cuffs prevents the levers from being moved. These must be the strongest pair of handcuffs I have ever seen. The advanced materials and processing used in their construction, coupled with the fact that a high security padlock can (and should) be used to lock them, and finally, the fact that they are a rigid handcuff makes them as close to escapeproof as anything. The one drawback I have found is that the edges on this early model are somewhat sharp and will likely injure the wearer's wrists. These are designed and manufatured by Securitech.

On Jun-24-09 at 16:02:00 PDT, seller added the following information:

There are 2 stainless steel pairs and 9 pairs in black. Here is a note from Steve Santini:

It was brought to my attention that you are auctioning one of my 2 original stainless steel Titan handcuffs on Ebay.

The pair you are selling is my own original pair.

There were only 2 ever made in stainless and the first pair, .0001 my partner kept and assembled and his had flush surface rivets.

The pair on ebay is the set I first made myself and I wanted it to have raised rivets for increased strength. It was .0001B

I believe the flush rivet set is currently in the hands of a German cuff collector.

The black ones, like the one on Yossie's site were made with hard steel (black colour) but we only ever made 2 in stainless. They were just too expensive to produce so we stopped. - eBay (28 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of $346 (Plus $9 Shipping).
-----

MINIATURE HIATT DARBY HANDCUFF

Here is a Hiatt lock.

An old hiatt handcuff / leg iron with length of chain very small size stamped hiatt on cuff & key. internal cuff size at it`s widest is 1 1/4 inch. - eBay (26 June 09)

This padlock had a high bid of 265 British Pounds / $436.75 (Plus 8 GBP Shipping).
-----