Rankin Leg Irons

Here is a recent auction for a pair of Rankin Leg Irons. Seems that prices are drifting down...

Leg irons from the US Civil War era, manufactured by Andrew Rankin of Philadelphia about 1861: the correct historical stampings are present on both shackles, but are only partially and very faintly visible, as shown in the photos. Condition and dimensions shown in photos. Both locks are in full and correct working order, with no evidence of the damage sometimes seen from old escape attempts. The key is a modern Hiatt key which has been re-machined to fit. Instructions can be provided on proper lock operation, which is essential to know. On Sep-23-13 at 07:39:41 PDT, seller added the following information: On further testing, I find the internal spring on one lock is weaker than it should be, but the lock still appears to function. Also the key has to be used carefully as it is not a perfect fit. - eBay (29 Sept 2013)

This set of Leg Irons had a high bid of $305 (Plus $12.35 Shipping).
-----

Bean Leg Irons

Here is a beautiful set of Bean Leg Irons.

Up for auction is a beautiful pair of rare antique Bean Legirons.

This is by far one of the nicest I have seen in condition of these type of legirons that I have seen and they are the short variation and a rare variety.

Would make a great addition to anyone's collection, works perfectly and comes with replacement key. - eBay (25 March 2013)

This padlock had a high bid of $371.66 (Plus $13.98 Shipping).
-----

Mühlenfeld Findings

Here are some recent findings of German Mühlenfeld restraints as shared by my friend Lars over at the Lars Holst Restraint Collection.

These items are extremely rare.

See more of his amazing collection here.

Pinkerton Leg Irons

These are rare enough to say that they don't come around very often, or ever! So I guess the selling price is very fair.

A super pair of early Handcuffs / Leg Irons in excellent condition with minor wear from use. The cuffs work well with the original key. - eBay (25 June 2012)

This set of leg irons had a high bid of $770.67 (Plus $8.15 Shipping).
-----

ROMER LEG IRONS

Here is a great example of a set of Romer Leg Irons.

Up for sale is a rare pair of Romer Leg Irons! This pair is in great condition and operate perfectly with the included key. Measurements are: Cuffs: 3.75"x3.25" approximately Chain: 16" long Inscription reads: Romer & Co Newark NJ PAT. APR. 27 - eBay (14 Mar 2012)

This padlock had a high bid of $1,300 (Plus $14.25 Shipping).
-----

My Bean Collar

Here is a photo of my bean collar attached to chain with bean handcuffs and leg irons.

One key operates all of the locks.

-----

HANDCUFF BAR COMPLETE WITH 2 LEGCUFFS

Here is something you don't see every day, or perhaps even ever again...

ORIGINAL ANTIQUE HANDCUFF BAR COMPLETE WITH 2 LEGCUFFS AND CHAIN AROUND 1800 FROM THE CASTLE OF GLATZ IN POLAND EUROPE

VERY REMARKABLE PIECE OF CRUEL HISTORY IN MUSEUMS QUALITY

FABOLOUS COLLECTABLE OF LASTING VALUE AND ABSOLUTELY AN EYE CATCHER

INTACT WITH ORIGINAL KEY - ONLY THE FIXATION SCREW OF THE HANDCUFF BAR IS MISSING

ALL FORGED IRON IN ORIGINAL CONDITION

100 % AUTHENTIC

11 Kilogramm weight of forged iron ! ( about 24,2 LBS)

MEASUREMENT CENTIMETER TO METER IS : 1 inch = 2,55 cm - eBay (4 Feb 2012)

This set of irons had a high bid of $1,450 (Plus $75 Shipping).
-----

Rankin Leg Irons

A very nice set of Rankin Leg Irons.

A. Rankin leg irons, civil war era. Both locks open and lock with original key. Great condition! - eBay (3 Feb 2012)

This set of Rankin Leg Irons had a 'Buy-it-Now' price of $500 (Plus $15 Shipping).
-----

PRISON SHACKLES - LEG & WRIST IRONS - 19TH CENTURY

What an interesting set of shackles. I'm not surprised that these went for the final price.

This auction is for a superb original antique set of shackles. These are made of very heavy metal (iron) and consist of a pair of handcuffs (for the wrists) and a pair of legcuffs with a joining metal chain (there is no lock or padlock with this set). These shackles date to the late 19th. century or early 1900's and according to the previous owner these came from a prison here in the Netherlands. These shackles are not marked and they are in superb condition. There is wear from age and use as you'd expect (see pictures) but no repairs or damage. The cuffs lock beautifully and fit well around an adult man's wrists and leggs. The inside space (opening) of the wrist cuffs measure 2-3/4" long (7 cm), a fraction under 2-1/8" wide (5,3 cm) and 1-1/2" deep (3,7 cm). The leg irons (the space measured on the inside) measure 3-1/2"across (9 cm) and 1-7/8" deep (4,7 cm). These are genuine antique shackles and cuffs, made from hand wrought iron. They are very heavy and superb quality, wonderful smooth and tight mechanisms with the original chain. The chain is not very long, so I'm not sure whether the chain would have been used just to tie the legcuffs, and then the handcuffs may have been tied together directly with a padlock or had their own chain originally. Or of course the chain could have gone through all the cuffs tying the prisoner's feet and hands close together. The chain measures 23-1/4" long (59 cm). The chain links are approx. 2" long and 5/8" wide. - eBay ()

This set of shackles had a high bid of $1,515 (Plus Free Shipping).
-----

1860 LILLY HANDCUFFS

These Lily Irons don't come up for sale every day.

---- ORIGINAL -- RARE set of LILLY - HAND IRONS - that are approx. - 10 3/4 inchs in lenght and the iron bands are approx. 1 3/4 inch ...........they are in super nice condition with a great dark old patina complete with the original LEAD PLUG at the bottom of the keyway barrel................they have OLD ORIGINAL markings of - l X - on all THREE bars on the underside..... one bar is also marked --- J. H. L. (which i believe stands for the name of the INVENTOR of the LILLY -- JOHN HORACE LILLY -- who it is said that HE died with a set of his own invention on as it is said that he died of the SAINT VITIS disease..........LILLY cuffs were made just before and DURING the civil war by the U.S. NAVAL MILITARY and also at prison camps like ANDERSONVILLE etc etc ..... they are also FAMOUS for being used on the assinators of PRESIDENT LINCOLN ........ . cuffs open & close great........and come with a WORKING KEY - eBay (25 Sept 11)

This set of Lily Irons had a Buy-it-Now price of $2,750 (Plus $20 Shipping) but failed to get any bids. Is this the same set as this one here? If so, the price has been greatly reduced. But what is a fair price for this item?

-----

Photos of a Collector's Collection

I recently received some photos from a reader who would like to shre images of his collection. It is an impressive collection indeed.

You are also welcome to email photos of your collection to share with the greater community.

Prisoner Transport Kit

Here are some photos of a prisoner transport kit. I have no other details, so feel free to share in the comments!

Does anyone know of any others in existence?

Leg Irons - Rankin Style

This is a rare set of leg irons. However, it is in such bad condition that it did not find a buyer at the asking price. Look at it this way, once the prices start getting to $400 and higher, buyers that have that money are also willing to pay more for items in better condition.

Antique leg irons in the style of Rankin. We do not have the screw key, but they are unlocked (they close and will pull open). There are no markings. Overall length is 22 ½”. Cuffs are approximately 4” by 4 ½” by ¾” thick.

Leg irons have patina and marks consistent with use and age. Surface rust. Last link on one end of chain has break. Please see photos for condition. If you have any questions, or would like more photos, please ask before the last day of the auction. - eBay (3 Feb 2011)

This set of leg irons had an opening bid of $400 (Plus $5.20 Shipping) but failed to receive any bids.
-----