1882 Bean Leg Irons Shackles $405.00 Patented November 28, 1882 by E.D. Bean. These nickle plated Leg Irons have 98% or more of the plating remaining and are in great mechanical condition but the key is missing. One swivel has "PAT'D NOV. 28, 82" and also has the letter "T" stamped on it.
 

Lyman H. Cobb handcuffs $229.50 with key patented May 2, 1899, patent number 623,984. This is a very unique pair of handcuffs in very good condition. The finish was blue but is mostly worn off and they have a nice patina, see photos. The only markings on the cuffs are the numbe 2 and 10 on each cuff near the hinge.
 

Marlins

Romers

Romer $1301.00 Value.  Pat. 1880- This handcuff was manufactured by Walton, Romer & Company., of Newrk, New Jersey, and the cuffs are so marked.Famous for looking like two padlocks held together connected together.

PALMER- $898.00 Patented 1876 - The Palmer family of manacles is among the most interesting and bizarre of all the older shackles produced in this country. You see Houdini photos with type of cuffs on him. Each shackle consists of three stamped metal sections, which are hinged together and which can be closed to form a circle.

Mattatuck Handcuffs Value $256.00 -  Pat. 1901? The Mattatuck Manufacturing Company, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was a very prolific producer of handcuffs and leg Irons between 1901 and the end of World War 2. During that time period this company manufactured 3 different brands: Maltby, Judd and Mattatuck.
 

Bean Giant Handcuffs Value $860.00,  Late 1800's,  Just over 6 inches in length, No Patent Markings,  Nickel plating is about 80% to 85%

Mckenzie Mitts, which are handcuffs designed by Jacob Oliver McKenzie. These restraints were patented March 10, 1925. In his book "Modern Handcuff Secrets for Magicians" the 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."
 

This style restraint sold at auction on March 22, 2005 for $1214.00.  E.C.J. probably stands for Erie county jail.

The Eisaman & Rome Police Nipper "The officer's friend

Testimonial on box reads:  Pittsburgh, Pa., April 13th 1891. To Whom it may concern:  This cut represents one of the best and most effectual and easily adjusted Police Nippers ever invented. Having had them on trial on the Pittsburgh Police Force, I do hereby recommend their adoption by all officers.  Gamble Weir Chief of Police

Allegheny Co. Chartiers, PA. Pat'd Dec. 11'88.  "Is always open and ready for use"

The first handcuff to be manufactured in the United States was this handcuff made by Elias Richards. While it is known to be used in 1859, it is believed to have been made 5 to 10 years previous to that date. The maker resided in Philadelphia between the years of 1793 and 1879 and made padlocks and other hardware at his shop. Larger sized leg iron versions of this restraint also exist. Approximately 6 pairs of these cuffs are known to have survived to the present day.
 
Historical Note: On, October 16, 1859, John Brown led 21 men on a raid of the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in a mission to abolish slavery. He attempted to arm slaves with the weapons seized but was met with resistance from Robert E. Lee and his militia. John Brown got wounded and captured during the siege.  He was wearing one of these cuffs while he was being transported to Charlestown, Virginia, where he was tried and convicted of treason.  He was hanged on December 2, 1859.

Mark Lyons Collection, photo courtesy of Michael Griffin

New Collector Book on Badges
With Price Guide
Available Now!

To view this page correctly make sure your browser text size is set to Medium.  To adjust the size click on View and then Text Size, then select Medium.

To view this page correctly make sure your browser text size is set to Medium.  To adjust the size click on View and then Text Size, then select Medium.