Posted by Steve Santini on October 06, 2000 at 00:47:09:
In Reply to: Re: Unknown 19th Century Handcuffs posted by J. Lauher on September 24, 2000 at 08:08:58:
Dear Chris and Joe,
I happen to own an exact match to the ones on Joe's site. I do believe the name "Luna" is based
upon the shape of the cuffs which does resemble a crescent moon. I am aware of Joe Tanner's pair, but they
had a very unique locking mechanism while the one's I have (and Joe) have a simple barrel key with only one
ward. I am talking to a friend of mine in Finland about these cuffs and he is of the opinion that they are
Russian in origin. Given the techniques used in thier manufacture, combined with the simple lock mechanism they house,
I am inclined to agree with him. It is of interest to note that the chain links of these cuffs are joined by brass "sweating".
This technique of melting thin brass "shims" between two pieces of metal to be joined is the same way the lock tubes are fastened
to the mainframe on the light weight "plug 8" handcuffs. This is certainly an older form of "welding" or "braizing". The ward in the keyhole
of this cuff is also fixed in place by this method as a very thin line of brass in a circle shape appears around the keyway.
: Thanks for the note. It is the first reference
: anyone has given me to an identical pair of
: handcuffs. Joe Tanner has sent me a picture of a
: related unknown pair similar in appearance, but
: also quite a bit different with a much more
: complicated lock mechanism. His looks like it
: might have been made by the same company.
: I suppose the "luna" designation might
: refer to the crescent shape of the body of the
: handcuff. But who knows? Perhaps someone else will
: be able to tell us.
: thanks again
: Joe