Belgian F-N Herstal magnetic handcuffs
These are very rare and just as unique. While the overall shape is similar to some French designs but the locking mechanism is one of a kind and uses a short stout magnetic plug to unlock.
This rare cuff sold for $512 after 26 bids with the original magnet key.
Below, view locked and closed.
I have only seen these on the website of a few very experienced collectors. While most cuffs in my collection are American, English, or Chinese, I think these are one of the most interesting designs from Europe and in fact anywhere. Magnets are amazing.
F-N Herstal, originally Fabrique Nationale d'Arms de Guerre, began in the last decade of the 1800s, in Herstal, Belgium, when a group of Arms Makers joined together to produce Mauser rifles.
Like many manufacturing outfits of this period, F-N Herstal was involved in the making of bicycles, cars, motorcycles and clearly, tried their hand at restraints, the result of which is seen above. They partnered with American firm Browning and invented many iconic firearms which are used worldwide.
Like Harrington & Richardson, F-N Herstal was, and remains, much more well known for their firearms than for their restraints. The company operates to this day under the umbrella of the Waloon Region which purchased the entirety of the company's shares in order to safeguard the financial and employment benefits of the company's continuing operation. They also operate in the USA as FN America, producing small arms and less lethal munitions systems. Sadly, the handcuffs seen here seem to be their only foray into restraints production; the magnetic tumbler design was elegant, if expensive to produce, and didn't use standardized keys. Still, I imagine a leg iron in this design would be a beautifully crafted thing.
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