American Handcuff Company

American Handcuff Company 

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA 

Purchased by Tobin Machining (established 1923) in 1962 as American Munitions Co.

After Tobin Machining purchased American Munitions, they began to redesign their products and bring a new high quality handcuff line to the Law Enforcement and Security markets, while American Munitions had primary provided restraints to the military. 

Above, an example of the standard N-100 chain link handcuffs from the authors own collection. Domed rivets, ditched jaws, integrated swivels. Note too the unique key design which is otherwise the same as a standard handcuff key. These were likely once black finished but it has worn away almost completely. 

I paid $40 for these in 2019. 

Above, note the signature italic makers mark stamp "American Handcuff Co. Fond du Lac, Wis.

Below, from the authors own collection, the American Handcuff Company A-105 lightweight aluminum chain link handcuffs. Note the contrasting color domed rivets and chain links. 

I got these for $100 in 2019 with the original box and the warranty registration card. 

Above, "American Handcuff Co. Fond du Lac, Wis.

Below, the AHC A-105 with its original box in good condition with warranty registration card.

Below, A-105 Ultralite™ and reverse of warranty registration card. I got a great deal on this. 

Below, the A-550 aluminum hinged handcuff from American Handcuff Company. This is a very ergonomic design with elliptical shaped wrist openings which have a slight angle in relation to one another, so that these are fairly "comfortable" for a hinged handcuff. They were also made in steel as the N-550. 

I got this pair for $244.50 in 2020. 

Below, the N-500 hinged handcuffs. These are a more strict and traditional hinged handcuff design. I got these for $275 in 2020 with th original box. 

Below, close up detail of the hinge, keyholes, and original box for the N-500 nickel plated hinged handcuffs.

Below, this is the L-100 which is the standard American Handcuff Company leg iron. 

I got these for $99.99 in 2019. 

Below, note the smooth radiused edges which are present on American Handcuff Company restraints other than the L-600 oversized boot cuff. 

Below, this is the N-200 oversized long chain handcuffs or short chain leg iron. It was also used in their Auto Restraint combination. 

I got these for $79.95 in 2024. 

Below, this is the N-520 oversized hinged handcuff or hinged ankle cuffs. These are leg irons with a hinge.

I don't recall how much I paid for these. If I can find out I will update. 

Above and below, the authors own AHC N-520 freshly polished. Also shown, Chicago Handcuff Company reproduction Twister key. 

Despite having closed down many years ago, the company website remains fully viewable. This is an interesting archival view into their catalog and branding. 

It's also sort of a teaser, as the price list and fully functional website makes it seem like you could just up and order a new pair of the A-550 hinged handcuffs for less than $70, or the JN-105 for less than $50. Examples of the JN-105 sold recently at $356 and $720 with original box. 

Link to American Handcuff Company website