OLD HANDCUFFS - Formerly International Handcuff Exchange
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Old Handcuffs
Old Handcuffs.net began life in the pre digital late 1980's as the International Handcuff Exchange. Founded by Escape Artist Michael Griffin on a never ending quest to build his collection. Scouring flea markets, antique shops, any place that looked like it might contain the locking treasures that so captivated America's Escape Hero and award winning Magician.
As his collection grew to epic proportions Michael realized he could fill a niche collecting area, Jail Jewelry and started issuing the newsletter IHE. International Handcuff Exchange by mailing out hand assembled paper catalogs offering some of the World's rarest handcuffs.
For Sale: Tower Detective "Pinkerton" Handcuffs — Early 3-Link Model — Ca. 1887 — Lot MD260710-03
The Tower Detective lightweight — known in collector circles as the "Pinkerton" — carries a distinction most handcuffs don't: Houdini himself called it the easiest cuff he ever escaped from. An early 3-link model with sharp edges and 97% grey finish. A piece with real history and real character.
Maker: Tower
Model: Detective Lightweight — "Pinkerton" — early 3-link
Notable: nicknamed the Pinkerton — Houdini called it the easiest cuff to escape
Finish: 97% grey finish — sharp edges
Condition: Excellent
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1887
Lot: MD260710-03
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Original 1890 German Scissor Style Nipper Come-Along — Lot 38
A well preserved German scissor nipper in excellent condition with approximately 85% original finish. The scissor nipper design is one of the more distinctive European come-along configurations — operated by squeezing the handles together to apply controlled pressure. A clean and displayable example of a scarce German type.
Origin: German
Type: Scissor Style Nipper — Come-Along
Finish: Approx 85% original
Condition: Excellent
Era: Ca. 1890
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Phillips Thin Model Come-Along — Near Mint — Ca. 1880 — Lot 29
The later thin model Phillips come-along in near mint condition — genuinely hard to find in this state. The original thick model carried the August 1869 patent but this later thin production variant carries no stamping. Clean, tight, and presenting beautifully.
Maker: Phillips
Model: Thin — later production
Note: No stamping on this variant — original thick model carried Aug 1869 patent
Condition: Near mint
Era: Ca. 1880
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Harrington & Richardson Super HC — Later Model — Near Mint — Lot MD260710-02
Harrington & Richardson — H&R Arms Co, Worcester MA — is one of America's most storied manufacturers and their marked restraints carry that same name recognition and collectibility. This later model Super HC features the milled bow grooves of the updated production run in near mint condition with original key.
Maker: Harrington & Richardson — H&R Arms Co, Worcester MA
Model: Super HC — later production
Feature: Milled bow grooves
Condition: Near mint
Key: Original key included
Era: Ca. 1950
Lot: MD260710-02
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
We are proud to introduce this new iteration of a place to BUY, SELL and TRADE antique handcuffs, leg irons, padlocks and restraints from around the World.
Please let us know what you're looking for, or what you have to sell.
(First 20 items pictured below)
For Sale: Original 1944 SNA Depose Twister — French Sécurité Nationale — WWII Era — Lot 44
A scarce French come-along possibly tied to Sécurité Nationale, France's wartime and postwar national police force. Flat aluminum handles paired with a steel chain running approximately 11 inches — an unusual material combination that sets this apart from the typical all-steel European twisters of the era. Excellent condition throughout.
Origin: France — possibly Sécurité Nationale issue
Marking: "SNA Déposé"
Handles: Flat aluminum
Chain: Steel — approx 11"
Condition: Excellent
Era: Ca. 1944 — WWII
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Detective "Pinkerton" Handcuffs — Early 3-Link Model — Ca. 1887 — Lot MD260710-03
The Tower Detective lightweight — known in collector circles as the "Pinkerton" — carries a distinction most handcuffs don't: Houdini himself called it the easiest cuff he ever escaped from. An early 3-link model with sharp edges and 97% grey finish. A piece with real history and real character.
Maker: Tower
Model: Detective Lightweight — "Pinkerton" — early 3-link
Notable: nicknamed the Pinkerton — Houdini called it the easiest cuff to escape
Finish: 97% grey finish — sharp edges
Condition: Excellent
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1887
Lot: MD260710-03
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Original 1890 German Scissor Style Nipper Come-Along — Lot 38
A well preserved German scissor nipper in excellent condition with approximately 85% original finish. The scissor nipper design is one of the more distinctive European come-along configurations — operated by squeezing the handles together to apply controlled pressure. A clean and displayable example of a scarce German type.
Origin: German
Type: Scissor Style Nipper — Come-Along
Finish: Approx 85% original
Condition: Excellent
Era: Ca. 1890
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Phillips Thin Model Come-Along — Near Mint — Ca. 1880 — Lot 29
The later thin model Phillips come-along in near mint condition — genuinely hard to find in this state. The original thick model carried the August 1869 patent but this later thin production variant carries no stamping. Clean, tight, and presenting beautifully.
Maker: Phillips
Model: Thin — later production
Note: No stamping on this variant — original thick model carried Aug 1869 patent
Condition: Near mint
Era: Ca. 1880
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Harrington & Richardson Super HC — Later Model — Near Mint — Lot MD260710-02
Harrington & Richardson — H&R Arms Co, Worcester MA — is one of America's most storied manufacturers and their marked restraints carry that same name recognition and collectibility. This later model Super HC features the milled bow grooves of the updated production run in near mint condition with original key.
Maker: Harrington & Richardson — H&R Arms Co, Worcester MA
Model: Super HC — later production
Feature: Milled bow grooves
Condition: Near mint
Key: Original key included
Era: Ca. 1950
Lot: MD260710-02
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Hiatt Non-Adjustable Darby Handcuffs — Marked "Hiatt Best Warranted Wrought" — Ca. 1880s — Lot 122
A near collector grade example of the Hiatt Non-Adjustable Darby featuring the old style clevis that mounts directly into the lock body — an earlier and more desirable configuration than later production examples. Marked "Hiatt Best Warranted Wrought" with approximately 99% original finish and excellent condition throughout. Hiatt of Birmingham England is one of the most storied names in restraint manufacturing and their Warranted Wrought marked pieces with original clevis configuration are among the most sought after examples for serious collectors. Working key included.
Maker: Hiatt — Birmingham, England
Model: Non-Adjustable Darby — old style clevis mounts into lock body
Markings: "Hiatt Best Warranted Wrought"
Finish: Approx 99% original
Condition: Excellent
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1880s
Lot: 122
Please see pics for overall condition.
For Sale: Tower Double Lock Leg Iron — Exceptional Near Mint — Ca. 1880s
Tower leg irons are considerably harder to find than their handcuff counterparts — fewer were made and fewer survived. This example is exceptional — near mint condition throughout, tight mechanics, and outstanding presentation. No key included but the piece itself more than stands on its own.
Maker: Tower
Type: Leg Iron — Double Lock
Condition: Exceptional — near mint
Key: None included
Era: Ca. 1880s
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Original Chicago Kub Irish 8 Handcuffs — Lot 17
The Chicago Kub Irish 8 is one of the most distinctive American handcuff designs — the figure 8 configuration sets it apart from every standard swing through or ratchet design of its era. This example is essentially unissued at 100% original finish with original key included and near mint condition throughout.
Maker: Chicago Kub
Model: Irish 8
Finish: 100% original
Condition: Near mint
Key: Original key included
Lot: 17
$50.00
Please see pics for overall condition.
$12.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only). International shipping quotes available.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Original 1880 Froggatt Non-Adjustable Darby Handcuffs
Froggatt was an English manufacturer that supplied thousands of handcuffs to America during the Civil War and later became the secret handcuff maker of choice for Houdini himself. This example is stamped "Hard" and "3" with smooth brown patina and very good mechanical condition throughout. Working key included — note: screw key in slightly then pull to open cuff.
Maker: Froggatt — England
Model: Non-Adjustable Darby
Stampings: "Hard," "3"
Finish: Brown patina
Condition: Very good mechanical
Key: Working key included — screw in slightly then pull to open
Era: Ca. 1880
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Original Vintage Prisoner Lead Chain — Lot 14
A unusual and scarce piece of law enforcement history. T-handle twisted steel construction with a large snap on the opposite end and two rings for attaching cuffs. Approximately 4 feet in length — a genuine working prisoner transport lead chain seldom seen in any condition.
Type: Prisoner Lead Chain
Construction: T-handle twisted steel
Features: Large snap one end, 2 cuff rings
Length: Approx 4'
Condition: Very good
Lot: 14
$75.00
Please see pics for overall condition.
$12.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only). International shipping quotes available.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Double Lock Swivel Handcuffs — Marked "Towers Double Lock" — Ca. 1900s — Lot 104
A near collector grade example of the Tower Double Lock in the swivel configuration — at approximately 99% original finish this one presents as essentially unissued. Marked "Towers Double Lock" with excellent mechanics and working key included. The swivel model is a desirable variant and this is as clean an example as you will find.
Maker: Tower
Model: Double Lock — Swivel
Markings: "Towers Double Lock"
Finish: Approx 99% original
Condition: Excellent mechanical
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1900s
Please see pics for overall condition.
If interested or to make offer, please private message me.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Double Lock Handcuffs — Stamped "E.C. JAIL" — Ca. 1880s — Lot 71
Agency marked Tower cuffs are always more desirable than unmarked examples and this one carries the "E.C. JAIL" stamping — a marking that raises an intriguing question of origin. E.C. could stand for Erie County, Eau Claire, or Essex — the exact jurisdiction remains open to collector debate but the stamping is genuine and the provenance is real. 3-link late model marked "Towers Double Lock" with excellent mechanics and approximately 80% original finish. Possible keypost refitting noted — working key included.
Maker: Tower
Model: Double Lock — 3-link late model
Markings: "Towers Double Lock" — stamped "E.C. JAIL"
Note: E.C. possibly Erie County, Eau Claire, or Essex — origin unknown
Finish: Approx 80% original
Condition: Excellent mechanical
Key: Working key included — possible keypost refitting
Era: Ca. 1880s
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Hip Handled Chain Twister — Near Mint — Ca. 1880 — Lot 43
A rare Tower variation on the chain twister form — the distinctive hip profile on the handle and single trough receiving handle set this apart from the standard Tower twister configuration. Near mint condition throughout with approximately 9 inch chain. Tower twisters in any configuration are scarce — this hip handled variant more so.
Maker: Tower
Type: Hip Handled Chain Twister — rare Tower variation
Feature: Distinctive hips on handle, single trough receiving handle
Chain: Approx 9"
Condition: Near mint
Era: Ca. 1880
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Bean Cobb Handcuffs — Ca. 1899 — Lot MD260710-04
The Bean Cobb is a distinct and desirable variant in the Bean family of American handcuffs — no markings on this example but the construction and profile speak for themselves. Very good plus condition with approximately 80% original finish and original key included.
Maker: Bean
Model: Cobb
Markings: None
Finish: Approx 80% original
Condition: Very good plus
Key: Original key included
Era: Ca. 1899
Lot: MD260710-04
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Bean Patrolman Handcuffs — Stamped "T" on Clevis — Nov 1884 Patent — Lot MD260710-05
A well marked Bean Patrolman carrying the November 1884 patent dates and stamped "T" on the clevis — agency or departmental markings like this add genuine provenance and collector interest. Approximately 80% original finish with very good plus working condition and working key included.
Maker: Bean
Model: Patrolman
Stampings: "T" on clevis — Nov 1884 patent dates
Finish: Approx 80% original
Condition: Very good plus working condition
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1884
Lot: MD260710-05
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Bean Leg Iron — Stamped "T" on Clevis — Ca. 1884 — Lot MD260710-06
Bean leg irons are considerably harder to find than their handcuff counterparts and this example carries the same "T" clevis stamping as the Bean Patrolman in this batch — suggesting possible matched departmental issuance. Approximately 85% original finish with very good plus condition and working key included.
Maker: Bean
Type: Leg Iron
Stampings: "T" on clevis
Finish: Approx 85% original
Condition: Very good plus
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1884
Lot: MD260710-06
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
Thank you,
For Sale: Judd Handcuffs — Mattatuck Manufacture — Ca. 1904 — Lot MD260710-01
The Judd was manufactured by Mattatuck — a company with a well earned reputation in collector circles for producing some of the most mechanically interesting and often over-engineered handcuffs in American history. Mattatuck was known for complicated lock designs and a long history of peculiar prototypes that pushed the boundaries of restraint engineering. The Judd is a cleaner example of their output but carries that same DNA. This example presents beautifully at approximately 97% original finish with excellent condition throughout and working key included.
Maker: Mattatuck — marketed as Judd
Condition: Excellent — approx 97% original finish
Key: Included
Era: Ca. 1904
Lot: MD260710-01
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Single Lock Bottom Keyhole Leg Irons — Ca. 1874 — Lot 87
An early Tower Single Lock leg iron with the distinctive bottom keyhole configuration. At approximately 50% original finish with very good mechanics and working key this is a genuine early Tower example in honest condition. Tower leg irons of any configuration are scarce — the bottom keyhole variant more so.
Maker: Tower
Type: Leg Irons — Single Lock, bottom keyhole
Finish: Approx 50% original
Condition: Very good mechanical
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1874
Lot: 87
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Bean Chain Twister — Marked "Pat'd May 1884" — Lot 74
A well marked Bean chain twister carrying the May 1884 patent date — the kind of specific stamping that puts a piece in its exact historical moment. Approximately 8.5 inch chain with approximately 85% original finish remaining. A clean and well presenting example of one of the more collected American twister designs.
Maker: Bean
Marking: "Pat'd May 1884"
Chain: Approx 8.5"
Finish: Approx 85% original
Condition: Very good
Era: 1884
Lot: 74
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
For Sale: Tower Double Lock Leg Irons — Multiple Patent Dates — Ca. 1888 — Lot 56
Tower leg irons are considerably harder to find than their handcuff counterparts — fewer were made and fewer survived. This example carries multiple patent dates with excellent mechanics and working key. At approximately 60% original finish this is a legitimate working example of a scarce piece.
Maker: Tower
Type: Leg Irons — Double Lock
Markings: Multiple patent dates
Finish: Approx 60% original
Condition: Excellent mechanical
Key: Working key included
Era: Ca. 1888
Lot: 56
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.
Thank you,
For Sale: Original 1944 SNA Depose Twister — French Sécurité Nationale — WWII Era — Lot 44
A scarce French come-along possibly tied to Sécurité Nationale, France's wartime and postwar national police force. Flat aluminum handles paired with a steel chain running approximately 11 inches — an unusual material combination that sets this apart from the typical all-steel European twisters of the era. Excellent condition throughout.
Origin: France — possibly Sécurité Nationale issue
Marking: "SNA Déposé"
Handles: Flat aluminum
Chain: Steel — approx 11"
Condition: Excellent
Era: Ca. 1944 — WWII
Please see pics for overall condition.
I'm always interested in purchasing individual items or complete collections, and I usually have more cuffs and other items not pictured — please inquire.