Bean Giant Handcuffs, rough

This Bean Giant Handcuff is one of the most rare restraints by Bean, along with the Bean Prison Collar. This item was listed for a number of weeks. The price dropped to $545 or best offer, and an offer was accepted mid January 2025.

While this is an excellent price for such a rare restraint, this item does have a few quirks, as noted here by the seller: 

"We are offering this rare UNMARKED BEAN GIANT handcuff device with key. This device is a nice example with some issues as follows: The key will retract the locking pins inside to allow the bows to open but will not lock in the open position. One bow can be opened by pulling hard without using the key. However, the key will retract the locking pins and allow both bows to open. The locking buttons move smoothly and have good spring but will not trip the locking pins because they are not able to be locked in the open position. The device surface has rust/brown patina, and keyway has been enlarged slightly. It appears the lock case cover "may" have been opened at one time as I can see just a very slight gap as shown in my pics. Overall, a reasonably priced example."

In my opinion there is no shame in including this sort of "quirky" item in even a "serious" (i.e. expensive)  collection, particularly when it's a very rare item. There are such a limited number of examples remaining of some of these cuffs, and many long term collectors have multiple examples of many items, so a newer collector may not ever get a chance to obtain some of these restraints. 

For example, my H & R Super Leg Irons have a VERY degraded nickel plating. So much so that this specific cuff has been the subject of derision on a forum at some point. I didn't even bother looking for the post, because to me, plating condition is of much less consequence than proper function. The super leg irons work perfectly. 

Another example would be my recently acquired Froggatt Darby leg irons. One cuff is essentially "gaffed" for escape, I can shim the other cuff, and there is no key. These cuffs aren't exactly "functional" and their plating is basically gone, but they are EXCEEDINGLY rare. As an aside, although they aren't functional as designed, they are technically "usable" as in they can be put on and then taken off, they're just not secure. For what is essentially a museum artifact, that's still pretty impressive. 

It's also completely possible for someone with metalworking or machining experience to repair broken cuffs, locks, and the right  locksmith can create new keys. There is always a possibility to bring an old restraint back to function, as long as it's not rusted solid.