Well, it finally happened.... Or "when the key won't work"

 

These were my first Towers Double Lock Leg Irons, which as I've mentioned had a finicky double lock. 

Well, today the double lock decided to stay locked for the rest of time, because although I tried for 20 minutes with four keys, lubricant, patience and "percussive maintenance" the double lock just would not release. 

In the past when this occured I would always have luck trying again or with another key. Not this time.

I remember one collector commenting on a forum that "you should never double lock antique restraints, unless you want to cut them off" or something to that effect. 

So yes, I was wearing these and couldn't resist double locking them, and although I am disappointed, the Towers Double Lock Leg Irons are very heavy and clunky and I couldn't very well drag them around even on one ankle all day. 

With an 18 tpi 10 inch hacksaw it took maybe six minutes to cut through the shackle above the lock case. Note that if I had cut it at the clevis, it wouldn't have released. 

Not sure if I'll keep these or recycle them. It was bound to happen some day!