Unlock History: Rare Antique Handcuffs Now Available at Michael Griffin's Old Handcuffs Shop
A New Treasure Trove: Michael Griffin's Old Handcuffs Shop
Cash Paid For Antique Handcuffs
In the shadowy and thrilling world of escape artistry, few names resonate as profoundly as Michael Griffin's. Known for his Houdini-esque escapes and a profound reverence for the historical underpinnings of his craft, Griffin has long married his passion for performance with an equally intense dedication to historical preservation. For over 30 years, his venture, OldHandcuffs.net, has served as a beacon for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into the art of restraint's storied past. It's a place where the handcuffs and leg irons that once symbolized confinement are transformed into artifacts of intrigue and narratives of resilience.
The Old Handcuffs Shop: A Legacy Continued
The Old Handcuffs Shop (www.oldhandcuffs.net/shop) isn't just a business; it's a curated museum where history is tangible, and every item tells a story. Griffin's expertise and passion breathe life into this unique collection, making it a premier destination for those seeking to own a piece of history. The recent addition of new items to the catalog is a testament to Griffin's ongoing commitment to expanding and sharing this remarkable collection.
Newly Listed Gems
Among the standout pieces newly listed in the shop, the Romer's Leg Irons from 1880 evoke a bygone era, offering a stark glimpse into the methods and materials of restraint used in the late 19th century. The Rankin Civil War Handcuffs not only serve as a reminder of the tumultuous times of the American Civil War but also highlight the craftsmanship and design of restraint devices used during that period.
The Mattatuck WW1 Handcuffs stand out for their historical significance, being the very design from which Houdini himself taught American troops the art of escape. This piece bridges the gap between practical utility and performance art, embodying the strategic use of escape techniques in wartime.
Also featured are exceptional examples of early 1900s British transport handcuffs and leg irons, showcasing the evolution of restraint mechanisms across the pond. These artifacts offer a window into the design preferences and security concerns of British law enforcement agencies during the early 20th century.
A rare addition to the collection is the 1934 FBI Super Handcuffs, manufactured by the renowned H&R Arms. These handcuffs represent a unique intersection of law enforcement needs and industrial ingenuity, reflecting the continuous evolution of security devices.
First Come, First Served: A Unique Opportunity
The listing of these items and more in the Old Handcuffs Shop offers a unique opportunity for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to acquire a piece of history. Given the rarity and historical value of these artifacts, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it imperative for interested parties to act swiftly.
Connecting with History
Michael Griffin's Old Handcuffs Shop goes beyond being a mere commercial venture; it's a portal to the past, offering a tactile connection to the stories, struggles, and innovations that have shaped the art of restraint and escape over the years. For those fascinated by history, craftsmanship, or the allure of escape artistry, the shop offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the past in a deeply personal way.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of historical artifacts, the Old Handcuffs Shop invites you to explore a collection where every item has a tale to tell, offering a unique blend of history, art, and craftsmanship that is as engaging as it is educational.
Rare Houdini Favorite Bean Giant 1887 Handcuffs For Sale
--I'm offering several pair of Rare Vintage Handcuffs-- Please pass this along to anyone who might have an interest thanks!
For Sale: Unknown Czech Flat Key Handcuffs – Excellent / Near Mint Condition
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of Czech-made flat key handcuffs, complete with original split key. These operate very smoothly and feature an interesting internal security design not commonly encountered.
Origin: Czech (unknown maker)
Condition: Excellent to near mint
Key: Includes original split key
Security Feature: Unique split pawl mechanism designed to defeat standard shim attacks
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A great and not very common European cuff variation with a clever anti-shim design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Hiatt Non-Adjustable Darby Style Handcuffs – 1950s – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a pair of Hiatt non-adjustable Darby style handcuffs, likely dating to the 1950s, in excellent mechanical condition and complete with working key.
Maker: Hiatt
Era: Believed 1950s production
Markings: “HIATT” and “BRITISH MADE” stamped on each bow bottom
Finish: Retains approximately 90% original chrome plating
Condition: Excellent mechanical condition
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth rotation and crisp spring tension
A clean mid-century Hiatt example showing the later chrome-plated production period.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: S&W Model M-110 Handcuffs – Excellent Plus Condition
Offered here is a Smith & Wesson Model M-110 handcuff in excellent plus condition, complete with working key. This is a somewhat unusual and purpose-built restraint.
Maker: Smith & Wesson
Model: M-110
Markings: Stamped “PAT’S PENDING” and serial number D20137
Condition: Excellent plus
Key: Includes working key
Use Note: Designed for very oversized wrists, and also used in some cases as a short-chain constricting leg iron
Functionality: Smooth and mechanically correct
A curious and less commonly encountered S&W model with a very specific restraint purpose.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Antique German Transporkette (Transport Chain) – Excellent Condition
Offered here is an antique German Transporkette (transport chain restraint) in excellent condition, a classic continental restraint designed to securely fit virtually any wrist size.
Origin: Germany
Type: Transport chain restraint (“Transporkette”)
Condition: Excellent overall
Mechanism: Padlock slides shut, and the shackle locks automatically with the turn of the shackle
Keys: Includes two working keys
Functionality: Mechanically correct and operates exactly as intended
Historical Note: This style of restraint is historically significant — Houdini was famously challenged in Germany and taken to court, where authorities secured a set of Transporketten on his wrists to test his claim that he could escape any handcuffs. He reportedly freed himself within seconds. These restraints can also be seen referenced in Houdini’s 1910 book Handcuff Secrets and in contemporaneous accounts from the era.
A scarce and historically interesting European restraint connected to the golden age of escapology.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Peerless Early Model Double Lock Handcuffs – ca. 1912 – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a Peerless early model double locking handcuff dating to approximately 1912, featuring the earlier internal key-activated double lock system.
Maker: Peerless
Era: ca. 1912
Condition: Excellent overall
Finish: Retains approx. 90% original nickel plating
Model: Single-link version
Double Lock: Activated internally by turning the key inside the keyway
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A clean, well-preserved example from the formative years of Peerless Swingthru development.
$100.00
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
Remember to checkout our Facebook page about handcuffs:
✅ https://www.facebook.com/people/International-Handcuff-Exchange/100063586445311/
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale Rare Antique Civil War Handcuffs And More Shackles
--I'm offering several pair of Rare Antique Handcuffs-- Please pass this along to anyone who might have an interest thanks!
For Sale: STAR Flat Key Handcuffs – Near Mint with Original Red Head Key
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of STAR flat key handcuffs, complete with the original red-head split key and featuring an advanced anti-shim locking design.
Maker: STAR
Condition: Excellent / near mint
Markings: Stamped “9-87” on one bow and “STAR PAT. 186674” on the other
Key: Includes original split key with red head
Security Feature: Three-section locking pawl designed to prevent shimming attacks
Functionality: Smooth, correct mechanical operation
A sharp, well-preserved example of STAR’s distinctive flat key security design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Unknown Czech Flat Key Handcuffs – Excellent / Near Mint Condition
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of Czech-made flat key handcuffs, complete with original split key. These operate very smoothly and feature an interesting internal security design not commonly encountered.
Origin: Czech (unknown maker)
Condition: Excellent to near mint
Key: Includes original split key
Security Feature: Unique split pawl mechanism designed to defeat standard shim attacks
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A great and not very common European cuff variation with a clever anti-shim design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Hiatt Non-Adjustable Darby Style Handcuffs – 1950s – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a pair of Hiatt non-adjustable Darby style handcuffs, likely dating to the 1950s, in excellent mechanical condition and complete with working key.
Maker: Hiatt
Era: Believed 1950s production
Markings: “HIATT” and “BRITISH MADE” stamped on each bow bottom
Finish: Retains approximately 90% original chrome plating
Condition: Excellent mechanical condition
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth rotation and crisp spring tension
A clean mid-century Hiatt example showing the later chrome-plated production period.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: S&W Model M-110 Handcuffs – Excellent Plus Condition
Offered here is a Smith & Wesson Model M-110 handcuff in excellent plus condition, complete with working key. This is a somewhat unusual and purpose-built restraint.
Maker: Smith & Wesson
Model: M-110
Markings: Stamped “PAT’S PENDING” and serial number D20137
Condition: Excellent plus
Key: Includes working key
Use Note: Designed for very oversized wrists, and also used in some cases as a short-chain constricting leg iron
Functionality: Smooth and mechanically correct
A curious and less commonly encountered S&W model with a very specific restraint purpose.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Antique German Transporkette (Transport Chain) – Excellent Condition
Offered here is an antique German Transporkette (transport chain restraint) in excellent condition, a classic continental restraint designed to securely fit virtually any wrist size.
Origin: Germany
Type: Transport chain restraint (“Transporkette”)
Condition: Excellent overall
Mechanism: Padlock slides shut, and the shackle locks automatically with the turn of the shackle
Keys: Includes two working keys
Functionality: Mechanically correct and operates exactly as intended
Historical Note: This style of restraint is historically significant — Houdini was famously challenged in Germany and taken to court, where authorities secured a set of Transporketten on his wrists to test his claim that he could escape any handcuffs. He reportedly freed himself within seconds. These restraints can also be seen referenced in Houdini’s 1910 book Handcuff Secrets and in contemporaneous accounts from the era.
A scarce and historically interesting European restraint connected to the golden age of escapology.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Peerless Early Model Double Lock Handcuffs – ca. 1912 – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a Peerless early model double locking handcuff dating to approximately 1912, featuring the earlier internal key-activated double lock system.
Maker: Peerless
Era: ca. 1912
Condition: Excellent overall
Finish: Retains approx. 90% original nickel plating
Model: Single-link version
Double Lock: Activated internally by turning the key inside the keyway
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A clean, well-preserved example from the formative years of Peerless Swingthru development.
$100.00
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
Remember to checkout our Facebook page about handcuffs:
✅ https://www.facebook.com/people/International-Handcuff-Exchange/100063586445311/
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
Rare Vintage Handcuffs For Sale Now: American and German Antique Handcuffs
--I'm offering several pair of Rare Vintage Handcuffs-- Please pass this along to anyone who might have an interest thanks!
For Sale: STAR Flat Key Handcuffs – Near Mint with Original Red Head Key
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of STAR flat key handcuffs, complete with the original red-head split key and featuring an advanced anti-shim locking design.
Maker: STAR
Condition: Excellent / near mint
Markings: Stamped “9-87” on one bow and “STAR PAT. 186674” on the other
Key: Includes original split key with red head
Security Feature: Three-section locking pawl designed to prevent shimming attacks
Functionality: Smooth, correct mechanical operation
A sharp, well-preserved example of STAR’s distinctive flat key security design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Unknown Czech Flat Key Handcuffs – Excellent / Near Mint Condition
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of Czech-made flat key handcuffs, complete with original split key. These operate very smoothly and feature an interesting internal security design not commonly encountered.
Origin: Czech (unknown maker)
Condition: Excellent to near mint
Key: Includes original split key
Security Feature: Unique split pawl mechanism designed to defeat standard shim attacks
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A great and not very common European cuff variation with a clever anti-shim design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Hiatt Non-Adjustable Darby Style Handcuffs – 1950s – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a pair of Hiatt non-adjustable Darby style handcuffs, likely dating to the 1950s, in excellent mechanical condition and complete with working key.
Maker: Hiatt
Era: Believed 1950s production
Markings: “HIATT” and “BRITISH MADE” stamped on each bow bottom
Finish: Retains approximately 90% original chrome plating
Condition: Excellent mechanical condition
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth rotation and crisp spring tension
A clean mid-century Hiatt example showing the later chrome-plated production period.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: S&W Model M-110 Handcuffs – Excellent Plus Condition
Offered here is a Smith & Wesson Model M-110 handcuff in excellent plus condition, complete with working key. This is a somewhat unusual and purpose-built restraint.
Maker: Smith & Wesson
Model: M-110
Markings: Stamped “PAT’S PENDING” and serial number D20137
Condition: Excellent plus
Key: Includes working key
Use Note: Designed for very oversized wrists, and also used in some cases as a short-chain constricting leg iron
Functionality: Smooth and mechanically correct
A curious and less commonly encountered S&W model with a very specific restraint purpose.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Antique German Transporkette (Transport Chain) – Excellent Condition
Offered here is an antique German Transporkette (transport chain restraint) in excellent condition, a classic continental restraint designed to securely fit virtually any wrist size.
Origin: Germany
Type: Transport chain restraint (“Transporkette”)
Condition: Excellent overall
Mechanism: Padlock slides shut, and the shackle locks automatically with the turn of the shackle
Keys: Includes two working keys
Functionality: Mechanically correct and operates exactly as intended
Historical Note: This style of restraint is historically significant — Houdini was famously challenged in Germany and taken to court, where authorities secured a set of Transporketten on his wrists to test his claim that he could escape any handcuffs. He reportedly freed himself within seconds. These restraints can also be seen referenced in Houdini’s 1910 book Handcuff Secrets and in contemporaneous accounts from the era.
A scarce and historically interesting European restraint connected to the golden age of escapology.
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: Peerless Early Model Double Lock Handcuffs – ca. 1912 – Excellent Condition
Offered here is a Peerless early model double locking handcuff dating to approximately 1912, featuring the earlier internal key-activated double lock system.
Maker: Peerless
Era: ca. 1912
Condition: Excellent overall
Finish: Retains approx. 90% original nickel plating
Model: Single-link version
Double Lock: Activated internally by turning the key inside the keyway
Key: Includes working key
Functionality: Smooth action and mechanically correct
A clean, well-preserved example from the formative years of Peerless Swingthru development.
$100.00
Please see pics for overall condition.
$11.00 USPS Flat Rate Priority (U.S. only)
International shipping quotes available.
Payment accepted via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay, Venmo, or major credit cards.
Remember to checkout our Facebook page about handcuffs:
✅ https://www.facebook.com/people/International-Handcuff-Exchange/100063586445311/
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.
For Sale: STAR Flat Key Handcuffs – Near Mint with Original Red Head Key
Offered here is an excellent near-mint pair of STAR flat key handcuffs, complete with the original red-head split key and featuring an advanced anti-shim locking design.
Maker: STAR
Condition: Excellent / near mint
Markings: Stamped “9-87” on one bow and “STAR PAT. 186674” on the other
Key: Includes original split key with red head
Security Feature: Three-section locking pawl designed to prevent shimming attacks
Functionality: Smooth, correct mechanical operation
A sharp, well-preserved example of STAR’s distinctive flat key security design.
Please see pics for overall condition.
I’m always interested in purchasing individual handcuffs or complete collections, and I usually have other items not pictured — please inquire.
—
More cuffs and info available.