Posted by Chris Gower (195.93.50.187) on July 14, 2002 at 04:23:49:
In Reply to: Fowler handcuffs posted by Bob Roberts on July 13, 2002 at 16:27:19:
I assume the cuffs you are talking about are Darby pattern? Think they probably read DOWLER an old English Company that was established in 1779 and as far as we can tell were still in business until 1970. They also made grips and a lightweight model. Alex Nichols new book (which is now at the printers and should be ready mid August) states that latter in their history Dowler actually used Hudsons to make and supply their cuffs then stamp their name on them. Ref an earlier comment on Hiatt, records do show they were listed as HIAT with 1 'T' in 1832. I have various adverts of theirs dating from 1860 where their name is spelt with two 'T's.
I would guess that they changed it about 1840. I have never seen any of their products stamped with just 1 'T'(although some of their stampings can be weak and the 2nd T is faint.
Hope this helps
Chris Gower