Darby Handcuffs by RCS, Providence Tool Co. and Hiatt

This is a very nice set of Darby handcuffs from Reuben Craddock and Sons in the false back strap style. Originally Darby cuffs were made by folding the "tail" of the cuff back on itself to create a hinge attachment point for the lock tube to pivot on. I don't know if RCS made back strap darby cuffs and can not clearly see it on these photos but I believe this is a false back strap. 

These have two dimple marks on the top edge of the cuffs. This indicates size 2, or medium. 

This pair sold for $98 after 14 bids with one original key. 

Above, note the quality of the swivel and the smooth connection between the cuff and the tang for the O ring. This is quality. 

Below, close up detail of the end caps. Unlike many other makers who used impact based peening to seal the end cap in the lock tube, these are smooth ended and have a makers mark stamp engraved with dates. 

 I have earlier posts about RCS Reuben Craddock and Sons which have more of their history. Please take a look. 

These are a rare example of Darby handcuffs from Providence Tool Company. I have written more about them on earlier posts. I recently got a pair of (keyless) Providence Tool Company Shackles, and these came up for $59.99 yesterday, so obviously I bought them. 

Above, close up detail showing the classic Providence Tool Company key design. These are quite antique, and the surface condition reflects that.

Finally, above we have the classic Hiatt Darby Handcuffs model 104. Note the classic key design here as well and the makers mark Hiatt Best warranted wrought 66. And look at that hinge.

This pair was listed for $215 or best offer and an offer was accepted. 

The key is states to work but the number of the key doesn't match. In my experience this is not uncommon. Hiatt did use multiple thread pitches and sizes for their keys but there is some overlapping. 

Above close up detail of the lock tube end cap. This is the common way to seal the end tube used by most Darby makers in the past. There is also a D marking which may have been internally used to match components during the assembly of handcuffs.