Darby Shackles

 

This is a pair of Darby shackles I purchased on eBay recently for $31.01 after 16 bids. I wasn't going to bid at all, because these don't have a key, it's not known who the maker was, and shipping was $20. 

I'm not sure who made these, but I hope it may be Froggatt. This is only based on the similarities in cuff shape to this other set which was for sale on Flying Tiger Antiques for many years before selling. I believe they were asking $795, but I may be wrong. The chain is significantly different but Froggatt Darby irons are rare enough that I can't really jump to conclusions. I will update this post when I have cleaned them. 

However, I was still mourning the fact that I didn't get the Providence Tool Company Darby shackles a few weeks earlier. I want a non-hiatt darby leg iron. I already have 3 Hiatt darby leg irons. Also, this pair and the Providence Tool Co. pair have nice long chains! Which Hiatt typically didn't do, at least not often, and when they did, it was a stupendously long chain with two swivels and a bit O ring in the center to run up and attach to handcuffs. 

So soon I will have the challenge of opening these and hopefully fabricating a key somehow. I know some locksmiths have made Darby keys to fit a cuff, but I wonder if they have specialized equipment, home-made tools, or if they have to open up the lock tube in order to get to the threaded post. 

I ordered the "Darby escape toggle" which is a plastic tube designed to screw onto the post and grip it enough to pull the cuff open. It's primarily sold as an escape and evasion tool and/or novelty prep items. It has two sides, and hopefully one of them will fit these leg irons. 

As far as making a key, I have been thinking about stuff but soft plastic/rubber tubes of the correct diameter for the key. If it can be screwed onto the key post it may cut its own threads. Maybe it can then be used as a mold? Make a positive mold, than a negative mold in high temp silicone? And then mold a metal key out of maybe brass? I don't know. I have very little experience working with metal beyond drilling, filing, polishing and bending. 

I wish I could send it to that amazing locksmith in Australia, Ian, but from what I understand he has boycotted America and will not do business with Americans. 

I will update with another post when I get these. Stay tuned.