A Stotz nipper

A. Stotz Nipper

A nicely plated Adams handcuff with the June 17, 1862 patent date only.

A standard Adams with both patent dates, April 24, 1862 and June 17, 1862.

This Adams shows a common fault. One bow was made with inadequate grooves cut into the metal. New deeper grooves were cut across the bow to make the cuff work.

A standard Adams with the Patent Applied For marking.

This Adams handcuff was likely damaged and then made into a cut-away to reveal the simple mechanism of the cuff.

This is a rare example of a Adams leg iron.

This is a rare version of an Adams with a chain similar to a Phelps instead of the more familiar three rings. There are no markings.

A rare Adams cuff mounted on a swivel instead of the familiar three rings. No markings.

The most common of the 20th century nippers.

This cuff has only one of the two patent numbers.

This is the early model with the exposed sharp edges.

This is a standard Darby from an otherwise unknown company. Another example is shown in the Nichols book.

This cuff is marked B. H. G Ld. The cuff looks like a standard Hiatt. B. H. G Ld. may be the Irish seller.

William Baker of New Town Row, Birmingham is listed in an 1816 Birmingham Directory. A rare cuff.

These are Tower Bean handcuffs, but they are marked Barnard. Barnard is likely a police supply house.

This is an earlier model with a raised lock.

This early model has a raised lock with an unusual circular tradmark.

This is likely a very early version of the Bean Cobb. It lacks the dimple that normally surrounds the lock button.

This is not a handcuff, at least not yet. It is brass prototype or model of a standard Bean Cobb. There are no locks and no grooves cut in the bows.

A nicely plated example of a standard Bean Cobb.

This early model has a raised lock with an unusual circular patent date

The Bean Cobb leg iron is much less common than the handcuff. It shares the same removable lock mechanism.

The Bean Giant was patented in 1887 by E. D. Bean. It was a very secure cuff, difficult to open even if the prisoner was holding the key.

This Bean Giant is marked with the Nov, 1, 1887 patent date.

The Bean hook was patented in 1883.

The Bean leg iron is a larger version of the popular Bean prison handcuff.

These are a larger version of a Bean Prison handcuff.

This is a rare neck collar with attached handcuffs.

This is a single Bean Patrolman on short leader chain.

This is a nicely plated example of a Bean Patrolman.

A standard Bean Patrolman

This Bean Patrolman has a strange linkage with two small links.

This Bean Patrolman has been modified with a short chain taking the place of the normal swivel.

This is the heave Bean model.

A nice example of a Bean Prison handcuff.

A nice plate Bean Prison

Blakely nipper patented in 1891.

Blakely nipper patented in 1891. This one is made of brass.

A standard Darby marked for R. Blunn & Co. Nothing is know about this company.

The Bockin was patented in 1924. It is an early swing through handcuff. This model has the swivel held to the cuffs with chain loops.

The Bockin was patented in 1924. It is an early swing through handcuff. This model has the swivel held to the cuffs with swivels.

This is the Burdick chain handcuff, patented in 1903.

The Carberry is an revised version of the Cummings handcuff made by the Dawson Machine Co. Patented in 1912.

The Cavenay bottleneck was a 20th century copy of the Marlin bottleneck.

This is a beautiful plated example of a Caveney Bottleneck handcuff. Patented in 1912 it was essentially a copy of the Marlin Bottleneck.

This Darby is marked Charlton's Warranted Wrought.

This Darby has a replacement chain instead of a standard swivel. Nothing is known about this company.

This cuff is marked J. COWDY & Co London. Jeremiah Cowdy was a lamp maker located at 40a Queen Street in London. This is the only known example of a Cowdy handcuff.

This Irish 8 has a oval trademark W. Cowen over the date 1883.

This Irish 8 has a oval trademark W. Cowen over the date 1883.

The Cummings handcuff was patented in 1899. It was made by the Dawson Machine Co.

This is a single Delestatius handcuff

The Delestatius was the second handcuff to be patented in the US, back in 1861.

The Delestatius leg iron is the leg iron version of the Delestatius handcuffs patented in 1861.

The so-called Dollar Handcuff has a unknown origin. It is likely an early 20th century German cuff.

A standard Darby with a curved W. Dowler mark.

This is a nicely plated standard Darby by Dowler.

Dowler nipper, likely made by Hiatt.

The Dowler Superintendent model is a quality light weight cuff.

The Eisaman & Rome Nipper was patented in 1906.

Elijah Rickard was a member of family of locksmiths from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He is credited with making the first branded handcuffs in America.

This is a single ER shackle. It matches the cuff found on the ER leg iron.

These Darby cuffs have an unusual design. There is a collar around the bolt similar to the one in a Rankan handcuff. The company is otherwise unknown.

Fenn & Co. Limited of 105 Newgate Street, London was a mid 19th century toolmaker known for lathes.

A back strap Darby marked for the County of Kent.

This Field Darby is from Bearsted in Kent.

This Field backstrap Darby was used in Seven Oaks in Kent.

This Field backstrap Darby has been heavily plated.

A standard Darby from Field.

A nice example of a standard Field Darby.

This leg iron is marked for Field of Holborn Street, London. It was likely made by Hiatt.

Field Nipper. Likely made by Hiatt.

Richard Firman was a well known seller of military medals and uniforms.

The S.A. French nipper was patented in 1892.

This is an unusual nipper of the Phillips design. It has a patent date, but it is for the S.A. French 1892 patent.

This Froggatt combination has two leg irons and one handcuff.

A standard Froggatt Darby.

This Frogatt cuff is a Darby from Derby.

A standard Froggatt Darby.

Another Frogatt Darby

A classic Froggatt Darby

This Irish 8 is marked Froggatt

This is a standard Froggatt leg iron.

This Froggatt leg iron has the long chain and central ring common to many early 19th century irons.

Frogatt plug 8 with an interesting home made key.

This a a late model Froggatt Plug 8, nicely plated.

This cuff is marked FWS, missing the normal M.

This is a typical FWSM Darby. Most of them have the swivel attached off center.

This FWSM Darby is of higher than normal quality.

Fitzwilliam & Sons Manufacturing plug chain handcuff

Gill patented his unique cuff in 1930. The thumb cuff version of the cuff was much better known. Later versions of the Gill Cuff were know as the Flash Action Manacle.

The second version of the Gill Cuff was turned upside down. Patented in 1930.

Griffin & Hiatt plug 8 handcuff

Griffin & Nichols plug 8 handcuff

This is an early Darby larger in size than most Darbies to follow. Likely to be one of the earliest cuffs made by James Nichols.

Griffin bar handcuff from the early 19th century. This is a very nicely constructed cuff made by the founder of the British handcuff industry. A rare and valuable handcuff.

This is a classic Griffin plug 8 handcuff from the early 19th century.

Griffin plug 8 with a belt loop. This is the only known example of this very unusual cuff.

This is the first model of the H& R Super.

This is the original model of the H&R Super.

This is the second model of the H&R Super. It has grooved cut into the bow.

This is blackened version of the H&R Super.

This version of the H&R Super has extra links in its chain.

Two blackened H&R Super connected with a long chain.

This is the last model of the Bean Cobb. It was made my Harrington & Richardson and has two chain loops instead of the usual since loop.

This is an H&R Super on a long chain leader.

The H&R Super handcuff is pretty common, but the leg iron is a rare item.

Harrison nipper, patented in 1901.

The Harvard handcuffs were cheap cuffs from the WWII era.

Most Harvard handcuffs are black.

This is a Harvad handcuff has a long swivel and a wider than normal cheek plates. This has the effect of making the cuff smaller.

This Harvard cuff has an extra long swivel.

This is the second and final model of the Harvard handcuff. It was made in the early 1950s and was not a big seller.

The Harvard leg irons were produced in huge quantities for the military in WWII.

Ferdinand Hauser nipper from Switzerland.

This is the rare solid key version of the Hiatt 1960 cuff. Most take a round barrel key.

The Hiatt 1970 cuff followed the 1960 model

The Hiatt 1970 model is a rather ugly cuff, thin with sharp edges. It double locks through a hole in the face.

This is the Hiatt 1970 model in black.

This is the Hiatt 1970 model in black.

Backstrap darby with M&C mark. Dated 1901

This Hiatt backstrap Darby is marked M&C 1862.

This Hiatt backstrap Darby is marked M&C 1885.

This is the first 20th century Hiatt backstrap Darby. Marked M&C 1901.

This backstrap Darby is marked Hiatt BIRM M&C 1904.

This Hiatt Backstrap is dated 1915.

This is an early Hiatt backstrap Darby maked BO for the Board of Ordinance. This means that it is pre-1855.

This backstrap Darby is marked British Made meaning that it is post WWI.

Hiatt bar handcuff from the early 19th century. This handcuff was made by Thomas Hiatt and is similar to the Griffin bar handcuff. A rare and valuable handcuff.

This is the Hiatt version of the popular American Bean handcuff.

This is the Hiatt version of the popular American Bean Patrolman handcuff.

This is rare example of the Hiatt version of the American Bean leg iron.

This Boer War style plug 8 handcuff is closer to the Boer war than most. It is marked ZAR for the South African Republic.

A classic Hiatt Boer War style plug 8 dated 1894 and marked M&C for the British military.

This Hiatt hand to foot combination cuff is complete with key. The key is unique because it is bigger than a standard handcuff key and smaller than a standard leg iron key

This is a rare Hiatt hand to foot combination cuff.

This Hiatt Darby is very small, only 2 and 1/8 tall.

This Hiatt Darby has two cuffs of different size. One is 2 and 5/8 inch and the smaller 2 ans 1/4 inch. The cuff is marked Hiatt BIRM and with the 104 model number. Could it be a salesman's sample?

This is a rare Hiatt flexible. It takes a standard Hiatt key.

This is a standard Irish 8 by Hiatt.

This is a late model Hiatt Irish 8. It is marked British Made, likely from the 1950s or later.

This looks like a conventional Hiatt Darby, but the key is left handed.

This is Hiatt Darby has the unusual marking Masshouse Lane Birm. It is also left-handed.

This is a standard Hiatt leg iron.

This is a long chain version of the Hiatt leg iron.

This is a rare example of a Hiatt locking nipper. To open the cuff the screw must be turned in. It is difficult to operate.

This Hiatt Darby has a factory supplied long chain instead of a swivel.

This is the Hiatt 1970 marked for the Masterlock Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This version of the Hiatt 1970 cuff is marked Miranda Lynxite Inc.

This Hiatt nipper has a decorated hinge.

A heavy Hiatt Nipper marked Hiat Steel.

This cuff is Hiatt model of the Peerless. The cuff double locks from a hole in the rear face of the cuff.

This version of the Hiatt Peerless has a heaver swivel.

This version of Hiatt Peerless is close copy of a real American Peerless. It has the conventional double lock on the edge of the cuff.

This is a late model plug 8 with nice plating.

This is a very rare Hiatt plug 8 leg iron from the 19th century. A rare and valuable item.

This is a Hiatt plug eg iron from the early 19th century.

A nice example of a classic Hiatt Plug 8 handcuff.

A classic Hiatt plug 8 from the early 19th century.

This a Hiatt plug 8 from the late 19th century. It has a more modern rounded appearance when compared to other plug 8s.

The Hiatt Reliant is a rare cuff from the early 1950s. Not many were sold, likely because the wheel mechanism worked so poorly.

This cuff is a super rare version of the Hiatt Reliant. The Reliants were unusual cuffs from the early 50s. They locked with a wheel and cog mechanism.

This is Hiatt's high security Darby. It has a female key. The key has fine thread and is hollow fitting over a central post. Difficult to open without a real key.

This is Hiatt's high security Darby. It has a female key. The key has fine thread and is hollow fitting over a central post. This is early version with the Patent marking.

This is a doubly rare cuff. Sheffield keys are unusual, Flexible cuffs are unusual. This one is both. It has the Patent mark for the key.

HIatt Side snap eight. A rare cuff. This one opens with an unusual screw instead of a key. Screw the key in and the bolt opens. Remove the screw and the cuff is locked.

The first of the modern Hiatt came out in 1982. It has a simple HIATT trademark.

Rare darby made by the whistle company Hudson.

Hugo Stanley was a clock maker.

This a Hyatt and Tankersley restraint belt equipped with a pair of Bean handcuffs. The belt was patented in 1888.

This cuff if marked C.P.I. AGRA. Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal. The cuff is dated 1951. It is only 2 inches across and marked with its size.

This cuff if marked C.P.I. AGRA. Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal. The cuff is dated 1951. I have two of these. each is marked with its size. This one is marked 2 1/4 and the size is indeed 2.25 inches.

What could be more Irish than an Irish 8 marked for John Irish of Dublin, a police supply house. Of course they were likely made by Hiatt of England.

Iver Johnson Bean Handcuff

This is a plated version of the Iver Johnson version of the Bean Prison handcuff

Otherwise unknown plug 8. Ives may be the user or a place reference.

J C & A Lord was a fire arms manufacturer known for their shotguns.

False backstrap darby made for British army. Dated 1943.

False backstrap Darby made for British army. Nicely plated. Dated 1952.

This is a single JGA handcuff with an attached handle. The cuff is marked JGA Germany.

Judd Handcuff by Mattatuck

Judd Handcuff Departmnet of Justice model by Mattatuck

This is Judd leg iron by Mattatuck. It takes a round key.

These are Kakola handcuffs from Finland. They are heavy high quality handcuffs inspired by the German Schwertfeger handcuffs. Unfortunately this example has suffered from near total corrosion.

The Konepaja Voima is a cuff from Helsinki Finland. It is the precursor to the American H&R Super.

The Konepaja Voima is a cuff from Helsinki Finland. This is the solid version. The bow does not swing through.

This is a classic Lilly Iron

A classic Lilly Iron

This is the Lily leg iron.

T.A. Longmore was the successor company to James Nichols.

T.A. Longmore was the successor company to Jame Nichols.

T. A. Longmore purchased the Nichols handcuff company when James Nichols died in the early 1860s.

This is the Lovell version of the popular Bean Prison cuff. This version has been repaired and now has a double loop linkage.

This is the standard Lovell version of the popular Bean Prison handcuff.

This is Lovell version of the Bean legiron.

These well made Japanese handcuffs have been named Luna handcuffs by collectors, because of their half-moon shape. They are heavy well made cuffs.

The Lutz nipper with its wooden handle is one of the most beautiful cuffs ever made.

The Malcolm nipper was patented in 1911.

The Maltby nipper made by Mattatuck is one of the most complicated and least reliable cuffs ever made.

Maltby flat key later model by Mattatuck

Maltby flat key light early model with single row of teeth by Mattatuck

Maltby flat key heavy early model with single row of teeth by Mattatuck

Maltby bar cuff by Mattatuck

Maltby single flat key cuff on a leader by Mattatuck

A rare factory made Maltby three-way cuff.

Maltby flat key patent with double row of teeth model by Mattatuck

Maltby round key by Mattatuck

Maltby round key plated by Mattatuck

Matlby round key by Mattuck

This is the first model of the Marlin Daley bottleneck.

This is the last model of the Marlin Daley Handcuff. It has barrel swivel instead of the more usual three ring linkage.

This Marlin Daley has a very unusual dog bone linkage.

Mattatuck handcuff

Matlby flat key by Mattatuck later model

Mattatuck Leg Iron - A rare item.

Mattatuck handcuff - possible prototype - No part matches a normal set. Only known example.

McHardy & Sons of Aberdeen, Scotland.

False backstrap darby made for British army.

The German Moersch nipper was patented in the USA in 1924.

Nettleford was a hardware manufacturer known primarily for woodscrews. This unusual Darby has a C&M marking.

A standard Darby by James Nichols. Marked J. Nichols.

James Nichols Darby. This one has the curved J. Nichols trademark.

James Nicholes Darby. The Nichols name is in large block letters. Appears to be a later model.

This is the Nichols version of the early 19th century long chain leg iron.

This is a heavy plug leg iron made by Nichols.

The Palmer handcuffs are truly different. The two cuffs had a male and female side that plug together or with a chain. Once plugged together they need a screw key to open them.

The Palmer handcuffs could also be mounted on a chain.

The Palmers came in five sizes. This is a mismatched set of Palmer leg irons.

Backstrap darby from early 19th century. Marked Parker Holborn.

Parker Darby

This is a standard Parker Darby.

This a nice example of Parker Darby. Note the wire key. The cuff was likely made my Nichols.

Another example of a Parker Darby with a wire key.

This is the Parker version of the early 19th century long chain leg iron.

This plug 8 is marked Parker Holborn. It also has script Winchelsea Gaol inscription.

Pfeil and Stedal was general merchadise company

Pfeil and Stedal was general merchadise company

The Phelps is a high quality heave handcuff from the 1860s. It was the prelude to the popular Tower line.

This is a early Phillips nipper. It is a close match to the original patent.

This version of the Phillips nipper has the 1869 patent date inscribed on the inside.

A late model Phillips nipper.

This is French handcuff from the 1950s. Not much is known about them.

The Powell nipper was patented in 1945.

The Pratt combination nipper acts as a standard nipper, but also unfolds to form a handcuff. Patented in 1916.

The Pratt combination nipper acts as a standard nipper, but unfolds to form a handcuff. This is the 2nd model. Patented in 1932.

This is the only true American Darby. Made by Providence Tool Co of Rhode Island during the Civil War.

The Providence Tool Co of Rhode Island made cuffs during the US Civil War era.

The Rankine handcuffs was patented in 1866.

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army

Reuben Craddock & Sons adjustable Darby made for British army. Dated 1948.

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army. Dated 1956 this was one of the last RCS cuffs. Very nicely made.

Reuben Craddock & Sons darby made for British army

This Reuben Craddock & Sons plug 8 is dated 1944.

This is a polished Reuben Craddock & Sons plug 8 from the 1950s.

The Reuben Craddock & Sons swing through handcuff was a short lived effort in the 1950s.

The Romer handcuff was patented in 1880. It basically is a large padlock on a chain.

The Romer leg iron is just a larger version of the handcuff.

The Round Up Nipper Company was located in Montana. Patented in 1908.

This is a very rare Runquist shackle patented in 1872. This is the original patent model. It fastened with rivet.

S. F. Co. is an unknown firm perhaps related to Security Manufacturing Co.

This Irish 8 by the S.F. Co was likely related to the Security Manufacturing Co.

A backstrap darby from and otherwise unknown company

Security Manufacturing Co. made this early 20th century Darby.

This heavy Boer War style plug 8 made by the Security Manufacturing Co. has an unusual appearance and an unique key. Dated 1917.

Security Manufacturing Co. made this early 20th century Darby.

Security Manufacturing Co. made this early 20th century Darby.

Security Manufacturing Co. made this early 20th century Darby.

This is a high quality Darby from the Security Manufacturing Co.

This is a standard Security Manufacturing Co. Leg Iron.

This entire cuff was covered in green paint at one time.

A S.F. Co. Irish 8

William Sanbrook of Birmingham was a late 19th century handcuff maker. The cuff is marked W. Sanbrook.

The Shear nipper was patented in 1884.

Sir Peter Tait was a merchant and member of Parliament. He sold uniforms and other equipment to the army.

The Stotz is a German handcuff from the late 19th - early 20th century.

This unique nipper serves a dual purpose as a bill club. The cuff is a Peerless. Patented in 1931.

This combination billy club and nipper was patented by Stull and Kennedy in 1931. The cuff is an early model Peerless.

T.E. Thomson of Calcutta was a British Import firm in India.

Thomas Froggatt, son of the William Froggatt, had his own company in the 1860s. The cuffs are marked T. Froggatt.

In the mid 19th century Thomas Froggatt had a company separate from his father William. Marked T. Froggatt.

The T.H.Co. company is otherwise unknown. Only a couple examples of their cuffs are known. The cuffs are dated 1868.

Thewlis & Co was located in Warrington.

Thewlis & Griffith was located in Warrington.

The Thomas and Smith nipper was patented in 1888.

Made Birmingham by John Thompson.

This set of Thompson handcuffs is marked RSA (Republic of South Africa?) on one side. On the other side it has a broad arrow flanked by the initials D G.

This is a nice example of Thompson Darby.

Thompson standard Darby handcuffs are somewhat common, but other items like this leg iron are scarce.

The Tower Bean handcuff was a lightweight handcuff produced in response to the popular Bean-Cobb handcuff.

This is the first Tower leg iron. It takes a bottom key.

This is the earliest Tower handcuff with the keyhole on bottom of the lock case.

An early version of the Tower Bottom Lock.

This later version of the Tower Bottom Lock has the familiar three ring linkage.

This is a nice plated example of a Tower Bottom lock.

This is a rare example of a Tower bottom locking handcuff mounted on a bar instead of the normal chain or three rings.

This is a vintage copy of a Tower Handcuff. It is not know where these cuffs come from. There are two variations.

This is a vintage copy of a Tower Handcuff. It is not know where these cuffs come from. This variation has a chain linkage.

The Tower Detective was a simple light weight cuff that was designed to be carried in ones pocket.

This is a vintage copy of a Tower Detective. These copies of the light weight Tower cuff came in many variations.

A copy of the popular Tower Detective handcuff.

This is crude copy of the light weight Tower Detective with a chain between the cuffs.

This is the leg iron version of the popular Tower Detective handcuff. These are rare items.

This is a nice example of a Tower double locking handcuff from the 1880s.

This is fine example of a Tower Double Locking handcuff. There are very high quality and very secure cuffs.

These are nicely plated Tower Double locking cuffs with a single loop linkage instead of the earlier three linking rings.

This Tower double locking handcuff has a long bar instead of the normal swivel.

This is a rare Tower Double Lock Three-Way handcuff.

This is a Tower Three-Way handcuff.

This Tower double locking handcuff has a set of stops on the bows. These stops need to be depressed for the bows to close.

This Tower Leg iron has a standard chain instead of the normal linked rings.

A nice example of a Tower leg iron.

This version of the Tower leg iron has round rings. Often said to have been made by Balco.

The Tower single locking cuff brought the key hole to the side of the cuff. This version of the cuff has the key hold in a slightly slanted position.

The Tower single locking cuff brought the key hole to the side of the cuff. This version of the cuff has the key hole in an upright position

This Tower single locking handcuff has a set of extra short bows. The normal bows have been expertly shortened to make a smaller than normal cuff.

This is a rare pair of Tower Single Locking handcuff on a short bar.

This is a rare Tower single locking three-way handcuff.

Turner of Warrington Nipper

This unusual brass Darby with a fake backstrap may have been made by RCS.

This unmarked backstrap Darby has a matched number key, but sadly no manufacturer marking.

This unusual Boer War style plug 8 has an unusual shape unlike a standard Hiatt or RCS Boer War. It is dated 1917, but has no maker's mark.

This is a beautiful cuff made of brass.

This is an unusual brass nipper. No markings.

This is a heavy brass nipper of unknown origin.

These rather unique handcuffs are thought to be Italian in origin. They use a simple pin tumbler key to open. Their age is unknown, but the 1930s seems like a good guess.

This crude nipper has no locking mechanism.

This is a unknown nipper that closes with a plunger and opens with a key.

This unknown plug 8 has an unusual shape and a key that is wider, but shorter than normal.

This unknown plug 8 came with a very interesting home made key. It works just fine.

This is an unusual plug 8 with a serrated edge. The maker is unknown and the serrated edge has not been seen before on any other cuff.

These plug 8 leg irons are covered in black paint which cover any possible markings.

This is an unusual leg iron. It adjust to different size my screwing in a screw that take a normal two pronged plug 8 key.

This is a single shackle that opens by removing a recessed plug,

This is another Swiss nipper.

This is an unusual grip that has a pistol grip. Squeezing the lever ratchets the bow closed.

W.D.S may be William Dowler & Sons

This is an odd cuff. It looks like a late 19th century Hiatt Darby, but it is marked W. Parker. Parker cuffs should be pre-1841. The markings are hard to explain.

W.R. Pape Nipper

W.P.Co. Capetown is a South African Company. The cuff was likely made by Hiatt.

The Walden is a very light weight, almost toy like, handcuff patented in 1918.

A rare cuff by James Walley of Great Bridge, Tipton, Staffordshire. Listed in the 1835 Pignot Dirctory. A very rare cuff.

A Darby handcuff by an otherwise unknown company. Just do not call it Wells Fargo.

Wilson is an unknown company from the early 19th century. This is a rare cuff. One is in the Blaise Castle House museum. A couple of others have been seen on eBay.

The Wisner and Hoyt is a rare handcuff patented in 1869.

This is an early model of the Wood chain handcuff.

The Wood chain handcuff was patented in 1913.