McKenzie Mitts - Rare Antique Handcuffs

Here is a rare auction for a set of McKenzie Mitts.

Excellent condition, dark blue/black finish, all locks work. No belly chain. Key is an older replacement.

History: This particular pair of McKenzie Mitts originally came from Holyoke, CO. The Sheriff decided to throw them away one day. The Deputy Sheriff went out to the dump the following day and dug them up to put in his collection. They remained in his family for more than 80 years.

Mckenzie Mitts were designed by Jacob Oliver McKenzie. These handcuffs were patented March 10, 1925. In the book "Modern Handcuff Secrets for Magicians" author Dick Norman describes them as follows: "...the mitts were designed to completely enclose the prisoner's hands, which were, in turn, fastened to a belly chain to prevent these unusual cuffs from being used as a weapon. The theory behind this particular pattern was that in the event the guard fell asleep while transporting a prisoner on a long train journey, the prisoner could neither make use of the keys or be able to handle a gun. However, production of this item was stopped after only several dozen pairs were manufactured. The reason...was that these cuffs proved to be too good, making the wearer completely helpless to a point where personal needs could not be taken care of, and accompanying guards highly objected and refused to cooperate to this degree. Since railroads have strict rules about unshackling prisoners during transit, the cuff was used no further, and became the only locking device to be discontinued because it was too good." - eBay (12 Feb 2010)

This set of McKenzie Mitts had a high bid of $5,277 (Plus $35 Shipping). This is the same set that did not sell here.
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French Presto Lyon handcuffs

A very nice and interesting set of handcuffs.

Presto Lyon

Up for auction is a very rare and beautiful set of the French Lyon Presto handcuffs. They were patented in February 22, 1922 in Lyon by M. Oscar Mussilier, patent # 547.991. They are made of aluminium alloy. The stampings read “Lyon", "Presto", "Brevete" and " Déposé " on the moving and stationary bows.

The shape is really unusual and no other handcuffs look like these. They also have a very special and unusal feature. When the handcuff is closed and opened by the key the movable bow spring open when putting some light pressure to them. The springs on the few handcuffs around in collections are always so fainted that this function has stopped working. Not many collectors are even aware of this original feature. This set is professionally “upgraded” with new springs in the hinge and work perfectly. On the bottom of the hinges is a release button that allows the handcuffs to be stored in a case in unlocked position without closing. To close them, just open the bow to the widest position and the bow is released and ready for closing. Both locks also work perfectly with very smooth action.

Click on the link to see how these handcuffs work; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScQY3iNecnI

Don’t miss the opportunity to add these beauties to your handcuff collection. They don’t come around very often. –Especially not in perfectly working condition with tense to the bows.

The shipping cost is $25 worldwide, insurance included.

Happy bidding!

- eBay (8 Feb 2010)

This set of handcuffs had an opening bid of $450 and a 'Buy-it-Now' price of $750 (Plus $25 Shipping) but for some reason had no bidders.
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Vintage Adams 1862 handcuffs

Here is a recent example of a rare set of Adams Handcuffs. Note that at least one side appears to not be functional:

For sale: A vintage pair of Adams handcuffs that are in very good condition. They have been in my mothers junk drawer for as long as I can remember and she got them from her grandfather. First, the only thing that tells me that they are Adams, are photos I have seen on the web, because the only thing on them is PAT. JUNE 17 1862.

There is a word before PAT, that I assume is Adams but I can't read it. We never had the key so I got one on ebay, and one side opened right up while the other side remains stuck. I can feel the nub of the key lift the lock, but the arm will not swing away with just me pulling. The metal has a brown patina on it, the swivels both move freely and there are a few light marks and digs, but is in overall great shape.I am also selling a vintage pair of Peerless-Smith&Wesson cuffs, so check them out. I have been told I need to add that the arms have 8 notches, thanks for the help. - eBay (17 Jan 2010)

This set of handcuffs had a high bid of $228.50 (Plus $6.20 Shipping).
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Brass Edwards No-Key Combination Padlock

Here is another nice example of a No-Key padlock.

Antique brass Edwards No-Key working combination lock/padlock. Press correct buttons and lock pops open. Combination will be provided to winning bidder. Front is marked, “No-Key, Trade Mark”. Hasp is marked, “The Edwards Mfg. Co. Cinn. O. Pat 9-17-07 4-27-09”. Lock measures 2 5/8” high by 1 7/8” in diameter by ½” thick (not including buttons).

Lock has patina and marks consistent with use and age. Please see photos for condition. - eBay (26 Jan 2010)

This padlock had a high bid of $150 (Plus $4.95 Shipping). I was the high bidder.
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Police Nippers W. Shear 1884

Here is a nice set of nippers. This is the first time that I have seem a set of this type. the price reflects it's rarity.

You are bidding on Vintage W. H. Shear Police Nippers, from Morrison, IL, Patent August 19, 1884. They are in very good condition and are still operable. I have presented 4 pictures showing nippers closed completely, medium opened locked position and full open locked position. I also have two sets of vintage handcuffs on ebay to auction if you are interested. I accept Paypal payment only and I do not ship outside the USA. I really don't know anything else about this item, I learned all I know from researching the internet. Thank you for looking and good luck with your bidding. Have a nice day. - eBay (26 Jan 2010)

This set of nippers had a high bid of $1,850 (Plus $12 Shipping).
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1915 Panama California Exposition Padlock

A very nice padlock.

A very expensive padlock!

Wonderful Vintage Padlock from the Panama California Exposition in 1915. This is a rare, all brass padlock. On one side it reads: "Panama California Exposition 1915 Division of Works". On the other side in an elaborate shield surrounded by scrolls and a shell there is a ship going through a lock on the Panama Canal. Various sections of the scrolls commemorate "The Completion of the Panama Canal, 1915 " and "Panama California Exposition, San Diego". I believe that this lock was made and used only at the exposition for the buildings and gates. This is a very hard to find lock and is in excellent condition with the original key. A Great Find!! Lock Size: 2 " x 3." - eBay (26 January 2010)

This padlock had a high bid of $2,225 (Plus $10 Shipping).
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Horst Stein Handcuffs

Thankfully, this type of handcuff is not on my search list because I can't see paying this much for this handcuff. At least with a Bean Giant, that is a piece of art.

Handschellen Horst Stein München/Germany Handcuffs1930-

Marke / Modell: ?
Hersteller: Horst Stein
Land: Deutschland
Gewicht: 705 g

Sehr seltene und ungewöhnliche Handschellen, hergestellt von der Firma Horst Stein aus München. Dieses Model wurde zwischen 1930-1940 produziert.

Sie ist mit "D.R.P.a." auf der einen und "D.R.G.M.a." auf der anderen Seite beschriftet. Ersteres steht für "Deutsches Reichs Patent", letzteres für "Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchsmuster", das "a." bedeutet wahrscheinlich "angefordert. Zusäzlich "vorne" steht noch eine Nummer und zwar "140"

Diese Handschellen haben an beiden Bügeln, einen kantigen Einsatz, der soll das Rausziehen schmaler Hände zu verhindern. - eBay (31 Jan 2010

This handcuff had a high bid of 2,690 Euros / $3,739.10 (Plus 36 Euros Shipping).
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