For Sale: Towers Chain Nipper with Belt Holder – ca. 1880s – Excellent Condition
Offered here is an original Towers Chain Nipper dating from the 1880s, complete with its leather belt holder — a rare and highly desirable example of early American police restraint equipment.
Maker: Towers, ca. 1880s
Condition: Excellent, retaining approximately 90% of the original nickel plating
Accessories: Includes leather belt clip, snap marked “John Jovino, N.Y.”, one of the oldest and most respected police supply houses in the U.S.
Functionality: Fully operational, smooth spring tension, and tight chain action
Use & History: Police carried these alongside their handcuffs because they could be applied in a blink of an eye — no lock required — yet the officer maintained full control of the prisoner. Over time, these devices were phased out as they were considered too inhumane due to the pain they could inflict.
An authentic and well-preserved piece of 19th-century police history, rarely found complete with its original belt clip.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$10.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
Contact us today to secure this piece of restraint history!
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections of jail jewelry — reach out if you’ve got something!
For Sale: Towers Chain Nipper with Belt Holder – ca. 1880s – Excellent Condition
Offered here is an original Towers Chain Nipper dating from the 1880s, complete with its leather belt holder — a rare and highly desirable example of early American police restraint equipment.
Maker: Towers, ca. 1880s
Condition: Excellent, retaining approximately 90% of the original nickel plating
Accessories: Includes leather belt clip, snap marked “John Jovino, N.Y.”, one of the oldest and most respected police supply houses in the U.S.
Functionality: Fully operational, smooth spring tension, and tight chain action
Use & History: Police carried these alongside their handcuffs because they could be applied in a blink of an eye — no lock required — yet the officer maintained full control of the prisoner. Over time, these devices were phased out as they were considered too inhumane due to the pain they could inflict.
An authentic and well-preserved piece of 19th-century police history, rarely found complete with its original belt clip.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$10.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
Contact us today to secure this piece of restraint history!
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections of jail jewelry — reach out if you’ve got something!
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