Here is a very rare example of a darby handcuff from W P & Co, a manufacturing firm on which I was unable to find much information. The mark stands for Wilson, Pease and Co, which operated a heavy iron foundry in Middlesbrough, UK, as well as the Tees Iron Works which used five blast furnaces to produce everything from railway components to structural bridge parts. They produced a heavy pattern of Darby restraints for the British Colonies, particularly Cape Town, as seen here.
Issac Wilson was a politician and industrialist who partnered with the Pease family to become industrial magnates in the ironwork business, essentially building up the town of Middlesbrough into a factory town for coal and iron.
These rare Darbys with original key were listed for £230 ($313.51) or best offer and an offer was accepted.
Above, close up detail of the makers mark stampings WP&Co Cape Town
Below, note the ornate key, the tight hinges and the beautiful brown patina. What a nice set of Darby handcuffs.
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