Miscellanea, Et Alii, Et Cetera

Above and below, Harrington and Richardson Super Leg Irons from the authors own collection. Poor condition nickel plating with splotchy patina, otherwise functional. 

The matching set to the Super Handcuffs, these rare shackles use the same hidden keyway in the clevis which can only be accessed when the clevis is positioned at a 90 degree angle. 

These are fairly oversized cuffs. The chain is made of heavy flat link chain. The double lock is applied via the keyway. The clevises have built in swivels. There is only one pawl in the lock mechanism. 

Below, H & R Arms Company, Worcester, Mass, USA, and patent number.

Below, the keyway becomes accessible. 

Above and below, the matching H & R Super Handcuffs from the authors own collection.

This is a highly secure double locking restraint which work the same as the leg irons above. 

Note the swivelling clevises which are actual clevises with a U shaped bow linked to the opposite. This close connection combined with the hidden keyway creates a restraint that is physically very difficult for the wearer to unlock with the key; the clevis must be positioned at a ninety degree angle, which naturally interferes with the positioning of the hands while manipulating the key into the keyhole, as any outward pressure on the cuffs will tend to pull the clevises into the hidden position. 

This design was copied by China, and originated in Finland see This Post  for more information on the multiple iterations of this classic design. 

Above and below, an early example of modern Darby production from the authors own collection. These are entirely unmarked, but came with a key marked CHICAGO. I'm unsure if the key is original; these could also be from KUB or Victorworks, possibly. 

These stainless steel adjustable Darby Shackles have four locking positions, and a fairly short flat link chain with no swivels. 

These shackles have a unique round cross section; while it clearly tapers to a point at the ratchet end, the shackle itself is made of perfectly round stock. The only other design I have seen with this profile is some modern Chinese designs and a few rare antique Darbies. 

These are relatively small shackles that fit snugly. 

Below, note the relatively low quality hinge, reminiscent of modern fakes from India. It's still a bit nicer though, instead of just being folded over and the overall construction is much better. 

Below, another example of this interesting Darby design.