Fakes 😡

 

I also see value in this blog for the sake of preventing fraudulent sales of replicas such as this one for collectible item prices. 

These are run of the mill modern replicas from India or sometimes the middle East. They are crudely made, poorly finished, and in some cases barely function. 

The seller claims they are legitimate antiques, as follows: 

"**🔒 RARE CIRCA 1800–1840 BRITISH/AMERICAN SCREW-KEY HANDCUFFS w/ ORIGINAL KEY**

**_Fully Functional • Hand-Forged Iron • Darby/Hiatt Style_**

**ITEM DESCRIPTION**

For your consideration is an **authentic pair of early 19th-century screw-key handcuffs** — a textbook example of the **Darby/Hiatt pattern** used by British constables, early American law enforcement, and during the transatlantic slave trade era.

**KEY FEATURES**

- **Hand-forged iron** construction with original hammer marks and honest surface patina

- **D-shaped bows** with **swivel chain connector** (9" overall chain length)

- **Screw-key locking mechanism** — key threads in to release ratchet (fully functional)

- **Original screw key included** — marked with small “8” (likely batch or jail number)

- **No visible maker’s mark** — consistent with pre-1850 Hiatt, Tower, or Bean copies

**CONDITION**

- **Good antique condition** — expected light pitting and surface rust (see photos)

- **Mechanism works smoothly** — key turns and locks/unlocks both cuffs

- **Never cleaned or restored** — 100% original finish, as preferred by collectors

**DIMENSIONS**

- Cuff opening (closed): ~2.25" x 1.75"

- Total length (cuff to cuff): ~15"

- Weight: 1 lb 2 oz

**HISTORICAL CONTEXT**

This exact style predates modern ratchet handcuffs (Adams 1862, Bean 1879). Used by:

- Bow Street Runners (London)

- Early U.S. marshals and slave patrols

- Convict transport ships to Australia

Similar examples have sold at **Rock Island Auction ($900+)** and **Cowan’s/Hindman ($1,200–$3,600 with provenance)**.

**AUTHENTICITY & SHIPPING**

- **Guaranteed 100% authentic** — no reproductions or alterations

- Ships via **USPS Priority Mail** with tracking & insurance

- **eBay Authenticity Guarantee** eligible (free for buyer)

- Packed in acid-free tissue + rigid box to prevent damage

**TERMS**

- **No returns on antiques** — sold as-shown (12 close-up photos provided)

- Payment due within **48 hours**

- **Serious collectors only** — this is a museum-grade piece

**SEE PHOTOS FOR DETAILS** — what you see is what you get.

Questions? Message me — I respond within 1 hour.

**🔥 DON’T MISS THIS CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY 🔥**"

An incredibly wordy monologue that may well convince a curious new collector to make that $99 starting bid, or even the Buy It Now price or $175, but I hope not. 

These fakes /modern replicas have been detailed in the handcuff forum and on a standalone article at https://www.realorrepro.com/article/New-handcuffs-leg-irons-slave-shackles

 Basically it comes down to the crude finishing, the ANGLE of the key tube, and the hinge. Darby cuffs by all true vintage or antique makers (Hiatt, RCS, Thompson, JG, Froggatt, Providence Tool Company, Croft, Clejuso, even modern day KUB from Pakistan etc) all make well finished, smoothly fitted cuffs with obviously pride of workmanship and quality materials. 

These replicas are the worst of the worst, rusty, stiff, dirty, poorly made. I mean the swivel oftentimes includes A WASHER, in order to help spread the load of the peened over end of one half of the swivel where it connects to the opposite half. 

Close up of the shitty hinge. Not real good work. I will soon post a direct comparison with real antique and vintage Darby cuffs.