Towers and Balco leg irons

This pair sold for $205.50 after 2 bids. There were no keys. 

Here we see two sets of vintage leg irons. While they appear nearly identical, these are not the same

The key lies in the chain. Look carefully, and you can see that the top set has links that are round but BENT, or twisted. This chain design is a Towers design. I've wondered about it before but never found any answers as to the usage of such a unique chain. 

Note that there is no swivel. This chain will lay flat in one orientation, before beginning to bind up in that direction. Twisting in the other direction causes the links to twist and turn randomly until you reach the opposite end, and then it lies flat once more before further turning in that direction will bind the chain..

The lower (closer to bottom) set has perfectly round chain links, which are not bent or "folded" like the first.  This is a set of shackles from Balco, a less prolific manufacturer as compared to Tower.

Balco leg irons are significantly more rare than the Towers, but don't seem to have a price premium..my Balcos were only $78 with a key in 2021.

 

 The Towers above, however, are the Bottom key hole model.  This was earlier than the Towers double lock, and more rare, with a bit of a price premium from what I've seen. 

At the time of writing, there are about 5 Towers double lock leg irons on eBay, none of which have keys, ranging between $125 to $225 asking price. 

Recently sold Towers double lock shackles have ranged from $175 to $250, all with a key.  One fairly nice set with USMC stamp, no key, sold for a mere 33 or best offer! 

I have two Towers double lock leg irons; a worn, plain steel version with 1 finicky double lock which I got for $150 in 2018, and a near mint set of nickel plated I got for $300 during an estate sale of a very epic collection on eBay facilitated by eRestraint in 2021.