Bean Leg Irons

This is the first set of Bean leg irons that I have seen come up for auction on eBay. Next time I will bid more, if I happen to have the cash at the time.

Cuffs are marked:

T PAT NOV 28 82

Dont know for sure but figure the T is for Tower...I'm sure you people will know that collect cuffs.

Chain is 12 1/2" long

Inned diameter of cuff 3 1/2"

I dont have the key

Nickel plated.

You can see in the pics the nickel has worn in some places.

Very Good or Better Condition

Item's in picture's are what is in auction.

Most of the items I sell are used or pre owned. So even if an item is mint I will still mark the eBay button as used. - eBay (20 June 2010)

This set of leg irons had a high bid of $456 (Plus $7.85 Shipping).
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Old Towers Ball & Chain

A couple ball and chains were listed on eBay recently. Sure, there are always the cheap fake ones, but these definately appeared to be authentic, or at least made from authentic items.

Nice old original Towers Ball & Chain. Functions nice with key, old pitting but good condition overall, chain aprox 7 ft. Very Heavy. - eBay (8 June 2010)

This set of ball and chain had an opening bid of $650 (Plus $35 Shipping) but received no bidders.
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Georgia State Pen. Chain Gang Handcuffs

Now this is a neat prison item.

Old set of Towers Chaingang cuffs. Very Nice original. (one cuff missing). No key. Some cuffs faintly show towers name and a few patent dates. - eBay (8 June 2010)

This set of prisoner chains had an opening bid of $850 (Plus $15 Shipping) but received no bidders. I am a little surprised about that. Then again, the bidding does seem to be pretty scarce for items over $400 except for the most rare items, where the sky is the limit.
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Tower Balco Leg Irons

I like the chains on this set of leg irons.

A nice pair of original 1920's - 1930s vintage leg irons. This pair is very similar to the Tower Leg Irons, but this pair is unmarked and the iron links in the chain are flat rather than bent as are the tower chain links. Flat chain links are a characteristic of Balco leg irons and I assume this to be a pair of Balco leg irons. If someone can positively identify these from the photos as not being Balco leg irons, please let me know. These irons seem to be slightly heavier than a Tower Leg Iron, but I no longer have a pair of Towers to compare. Both locks open with the key that is shown in the photo. I am not certain, but I assume this is the original key. This key seems slightly smaller than a Tower key. As shown in the photos, this pair has a plain iron finish with no plating and there are some minor rust spots. One lock case has deeper rust and pitting, but this does not affect the function of these cuffs. If someone was careful, I think it would be possible to polish these to look quite nice, but all I did was to lightly oil the cuffs and wipe them with a rag. - eBay (30 July 2009)

These leg irons had a high bid of $106.50 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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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).
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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).
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More Handcuff Auctions

Here are some more recent handcuff auctions:
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Antique Smith & Wesson Handcuffs M 94 V3 Restraints Old

Smith and Wesson are the standard handcuffs by which all others are measured. In use by more police departments in America than any other brand. These handcuffs are a very sought after example of the round lock model 94 handcuffs. This is an example of the final evolution of this model with finely smoothed pivots. Rare and valuable, introduced in the 1970's these unusual handcuffs were an early attempt for a high security locking system. The non standard lock is very difficult to pick and will not open with a standard handcuff key.

The cuffs are separated by about 12 inches of twisted chain. It appears that both of the original links were cut and then welded to accomodate the additional chain. My guess is that this was not done at the factory, but the weld looks strong. The action is very smooth and both sides single and double lock. These were very popular with federal officers who felt they needed something special and different from what local law enforcement was using. One original key is provided.

This set is exactly the same setup that jails and prisons use for transporting dangerous prisoners decades ago. So whether you need a set of solid restraints for your line of duty activities or are interested in an addition to your restraint collection, these are quite the item. - eBay (1 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $66 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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VINTAGE ‘HIATT’ FIGURE-OF-8 IRISH HANDCUFFS, EARLY1900s

VINTAGE ‘HIATT’ FIGURE-OF-8 IRISH HANDCUFFS

Most likely Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.), EARLY 1900s

A set of antique vintage metal/cast iron handcuffs still in working order.

Weight: 10oz.
Diameters:
Long span = 3 inches
Short span = 2 inches
Condition: Well used with spots of rust but in full working order.

Judging from research and verbal history I gather that they are Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) figure-of-eight standard issue handcuffs, known as ‘HIATT Irish 8’ and date from the early 1900s.

The perfectly functioning lock works by screwing the internal bolt down with the key provided – clockwise to open, anti-clockwise to close. Narrow wrist size gives a good indication of their vintage – many people nowadays would have trouble fitting them on their wrists.

They were made by and are engraved "HIATT" near the key lock and on the key itself.

The figure ‘95’ is engraved on the handcuffs and on the key.
The figure ‘3’ is also engraved on the handcuffs.
The letter ‘Y’ (or possibly a deep ‘V’) is engraved on the base of the lock.

Please Note:
These handcuffs are old and used.
Who knows what stories they might tell if only they could speak?
I have made no attempt to try and clean them up in any way. - eBay (3 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for 104.50 Euros / $146.19 (Plus 5.50 Euros Shipping).
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Bean-Cobb Antique Handcuffs w/ KEY & LEATHER CASE!!

This is a nice pair of antique Bean-Cobb handcuffs. The hinge numbers of this pair are 8441 & 8451. The lock face plate reads: Pat. May 2, 1899. They show some wear but little rust. Comes with ONE KEY and what looks like the original leather case. I am not an expert or collector but these cuffs appear to be in good working condition. - eBay (14 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $130.37 (Plus $10.09 Shipping).
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ANTIQUE, CA. 1899, PAIR OF CAST IRON HANDCUFFS

These are patent dated, "May 1899" They are made of cast iron. No key is with them, but they appear to be in working condition.

Condition: Please check photos. Normal wear. No key. - eBay (7 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $75 (Plus $5.20 Shipping).
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1874 Antique Towers Police Handcuffs

This is a set of police handcuffs manufactured by Towers. The cuffs have these patent dates:

"May 25, 74; Sept 4, 75; Mar. 5, 78; Dec. 16, 79; and Dec. 5, 82"

The cuffs are 8 3/4" in length and are in good condition except for the loss of part of the original finish. They have not been cleaned - and would make an excellent appearance when properly cleaned. The original key is missing. The high postage is due to the heavy weight. - eBay (3 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $76.09 (Plus $6.50 Shipping).
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Vintage Police Handcuffs Harrington & Richardson Arms

This is a nice pair of H & R Arms Handcuffs. Worcester, Mass, U.S.A. Pat. 1,984,877 Made in U.S.A. I think these were patented 1934. They are a Heavy Duty Swing Through Cuff in great condition with minor scratches, marked 192, ( I do not have keys for these) key would go in the hole in the end of the hinge. - eBay (7 April 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $91 (Plus $10 Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price.
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Obsolete Warranted Wrought Hiatt British Made Handcuffs

You are bidding on this terrific original obsolete pair of Police Hiatt handcuffs.

They are stamped Warranted Wrought, Hiatt, 946 and British Made and come complete with the original key.

They measure 9 1/2 inches when fully extended.

The condition is very good.

They have light service wear and scratches, but for the age they are super and a terrific period example.

They would be a nice addition to any collection, super display piece or period prop for re-enactors, film or TV companies. - eBay (2 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for 70.97 British Pounds / $112.69 (Plus 10.95 Pounds Shipping).
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Hiatt darby police handcuffs with original key

Hiatt darby police handcuffs with original key

A very nice pair of Hiatt darby handcuffs from the 1920's. These are a tad smaller in wrist size than the standard model 104 Hiatts. This version would more than likely have been used on juvenals. Works perfectly and comes with original key.

Stamped: Hiatt and Brittish made. - eBay (7 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $88.58 (Plus $5 Shipping).
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VINTAGE HANDCUFFS

HELLO BIDDERS AND COLLECTORS, THIS IS A AUTHENTIC PAIR OF H&R SUPERCUFFS MADE BY THE HARRINGTON AND RICHARDS COMPANY OUT OF WORCHESTER MA.

STILL IN BUSINESS TODAY! THESE ARE IN GREAT SHAPE FOR BEING FROM 30S OR 40S ERA. THEY COME WITH A PERFECTLY WORKING REPLACEMENT KEY THAT OPERATES BOTH THE SINGLE AND DOUBLE LOCK. THE DOUBLE LOCK IS ACTUATED BY INSERTING THE KEY IN THE LOCK CASE AND TURNING COUNTER CLOCKWISE. TO UNLOCK SIMPLY TURN THE OTHER WAY. I WOULD SAY THEY HAVE OVER 80% OF THERE ORIGINAL PLATING, THERE IS SOME FLAKING AND RUST THAT WOULD CLEAN UP NICELY. IN GREAT WORKING ORDER. I HAVE MANY INTERESTS IN ESCAPOLOGY AND THESE CUFFS A NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE OFF WITH THE KEY IN YOUR HAND CUFFED IN FRONT!

I'M NOT SURE WHY LAW ENFORCEMENT EVER VEERED AWAY FROM THESE! ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS YOU HAD A UNCORPATIVE SUSPECT THEY WOULD BE TUFF TO TAKE OFF BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO LINE UP THE KEYHOLE WITH THE KEY IN ONLY TWO AVAILABLE POSITIONS. - eBay (3 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $102.50 (Plus $7.95 Shipping).
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Unusual Pair of Adams Handcuffs Experimental?

Up for auction is this VERY unusual pair of Adams handcuffs. Adams are the first adjustable pair of handcuffs manufactured in the US, and patented in 1862. Although the condition of these cuffs would be considered rough, they are interesting in that they have two different hasp or bows. The one bow is much heavier than the other, and has different style notches. I am unable to see any Patent information on these.

The locks work and the hasp/bows will open. However, both hinges are cracked.

NOTE: I am offering these leg irons as is without a key. - eBay (19 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $51 (Plus $6 Shipping).
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1800's Vintage handcuffs with original key

1800's vintage handcuffs in working condition with the original key, this pair is marked with the following patent dates:

May 25
Sept 4
Mar 5,7?
Dec 16,79
Dec 5,82

These handcuffs are in very good condition cosidering they are over 110 years old. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I was told this is a tower double lock set of hand cuffs but i am not shure of it - eBay (17 April 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $159 (Plus $5.20 Shipping).
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Unusual Early Handcuffs Patent May 2 1899

Early handcuffs, marked near keyhole "Pat. May 2 1899". Inside wrist openings measure 2-3/16"x1-7/8". In closed position; no key. There is movement to the parts. As shown.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND ~ ITEMS I LIST ARE ANTIQUE, COLLECTIBLE, AND/OR PREVIOUSLY OWNED, AND THEY WILL SHOW EXPECTABLE SIGNS OF AGE OR WEAR. - eBay (29 March 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $100 (Plus $8 Shipping).
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VINTAGE POLICE HAND CUFFS

UP FOR BID IS A VINTAGE POLICE HAND CUFFS . I COULD NOT FIND A MANUFACTURING MARK ON THE CUFFS BUT THEY ARE VERY OLD. I GOT THEM AT AN ESTATE AUCTION IN ADA, OKLAHOMA. I DO NOT HAVE A KEY FOR THEM AND THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF RUST ON THEM. I THINK THEY WILL CLEAN UP NICELY BUT I HAVEN'T TOUCHED THEM. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO RESTORE THINGS THEIR OWN WAY. THEY WILL MAKE A GREAT DISPLAY ITEM. - eBay (9 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $36 (Plus $4.95 Shipping).
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American Handcuff Co Handcuffs & Leg Irons Black Finish

Offered is a used Set of Black Finish Handcuffs & Leg Irons By the American Handcuff Company of Fon Du Lac Wisconsin. This company is long out of business and their products are getting harder to find. And to Find a Set of Leg Irons in the Black /Blued Finish is MUCH Harder than to find a set of that style Handcuffs. These Two Items would be a great addition to anyone's collection. Item comes with Two keys (not pictured). There is NO box or Paperwork offered. These single and double lock correctly. The Leg irons have some areas of corrosion which have been cleaned and aren't that noticable. Corrosion on these blued/black finish is not Unusual ! This item is described to the best of my ability and is sold "as is". - eBay (12 May 09)

This set of handcuffs and leg irons sold for $108.27 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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Tower Detctive Union Hardware

Tower Detective made by Union Hardware about 1910. These are in perfect working condition,These have been in my collection for over 20 years.There will be NO KEY with these but i can send then open or closed.I only have one key and they fit my other pair that i got.The key is easy to get.These are a must in a collection.Not seen to often on ebay. - eBay (13 May 09)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $159.17 (Plus $18 Shipping) but failed to meet the reserve price.
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Antique Smith & Wesson Handcuffs M 94 V3 Restraints Old

Smith and Wesson Model 94 Version 3 Handcuffs

Smith and Wesson are the standard handcuffs by which all others are measured. In use by more police departments in America than any other brand. These handcuffs are a very sought after example of the round lock model 94 handcuffs. This is an example of the final evolution of this model with finely smoothed pivots. Rare and valuable, introduced in the 1970's these unusual handcuffs were an early attempt for a high security locking system. The non standard lock is very difficult to pick and will not open with a standard handcuff key.

Really nice condition! We don't see any marks or scratches on these at all. The only imperfections are tiny oxidation spots, but considering thier age these cuffs are in great condition and work well. The action is very smooth and both sides single and double lock. These were very popular with federal officers who felt they needed something special and different from what local law enforcement was using. Two original keys are provided.

This set is exactly the same setup that jails and prisons use for transporting dangerous prisoners decades ago. So whether you need a set of solid restraints for your line of duty activities or are interested in an addition to your restraint collection, these are quite the item. - eBay (14 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $123.50 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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Antique Tower Handcuffs & Key

Antique Tower Handcuffs this is the last model that Tower made they have a spring stop built into the shackle to prevent it from locking untill you had the prisoner you didn't have to worry about getting the handcuff unlocked they were already unlocked untill you puched the spring stop!! This spring loaded lever in the shackel prevent the handcuff from locking untill you press the release! Handcuff are in good working order with factory key! Both double lock are in good working order also! This is you chance to get one of the last Tower Handcuff with shackel stop on them! Handcuffs are marked Pat.May 26, Sept. 4, March 5, Dec. 16, & Dec. 5, - eBay (17 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $430.50 (Plus $7.50 Shipping).
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1899 PAT. ANTIQUE OLD BEAN / COBB HANDCUFFS HAND CUFFS

1899 PAT. BEAN/COBB HANDCUFFS

Features :

*
Bean / Cobb 1899 Pat. Handcuffs
*
Very light used wear and tear
*
Fully functional
*
No engravings
*
Item pictured is the actual item up for auction
* With pictured key - eBay (18 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $131.39 (Plus $5.99 Shipping).
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HIATT IRISH-8 HANDCUFFS WITH ORIG KEY, EARLY 1900'S

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 (18 May 09)

This set of handcuffs had an opening price of $250 (Plus $9 Shipping) but failed to attract any bids.
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BEAN PATROLMAN HANDCUFFS WITH KEY, RARE

This listing is for

RARE BEAN PATROLMAN HANDCUFFS WITH KEY

Once unlocked, the bow slides in and out (but not through) the lock case which is on the outside of each cuff. To actuate, the button on the lock case is pressed, which engages the latch mechanism. The key has two bits.

Very Fine condition with some exposure wear - eBay (18 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $209.17 (Plus $9 Shipping).
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H&R "Super" Handcuffs and Key No 123 Nickel Excellent

Fully functional, beautiful condition, no rust or major scratches. Comes with pictured key and box. No international sales - eBay (19 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $146.50 (Plus $5.95 Shipping).
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Old H&R Arms Company Handcuffs and Key

Fully functional, comes with pictured key. No international sales - eBay (19 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $77.87 (Plus $5.95 Shipping).
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Early Steel Handcuffs pat. date 1899

Early Nickel over steel handcuffs. The cuffs are marked pat May 1899. They are in working order with the key.The handcuffs were purchased from an estate in La Grange Kentucky near the State Reformatory. Satisfaction Guaranteed Please Email with any questions - eBay (20 May 09)

This set of handcuffs sold for $53.56 (Plus $7.10 Shipping).
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