Phelps Handcuffs

A very rare set of handcuffs indeed. While they look a lot like Towers, the shackle is rectangular in cross section vs round. There are 3 twist link chain links with no swivel. Apparently, these came between Adams and before Towers, and all were based on the same ratchet patent. 

These are on sale for $1,800 or best offer.

Update: An offer was accepted and these were sold 1/8/26

 

The seller has this information listed for some background.

"The second part of the story [the history of adjustable handcuffs] takes place in 1866 when Orson C. Phelps invented and patented his version, which put the notches for the ratchet on the inside of the square bow and featured a heavier and more secure lock case {see included photo of patent].Phelps handcuffs were also very well made; although the lock wasn’t very secure, it was a vast improvement over any earlier design. It’s unknown if Phelps paid a royalty to Adams, who held the original ratchet patent.”

According to this same article Phelps passed away in the 1870s and his patented was reissued to John J. Tower in 1877. Tower manufactured the more well known and much more common Tower cuffs.

These early Phelps cuffs seem to be pretty rare. I could only find two sets that had been sold in the last 20 years or so. One set sold for over $1500 and the other for $2200. Feel free to shoot me any questions or have more information on these."