Modern Restraints

Smith & Wesson

Springfield, Massachusetts, USA 

Established 1856

Initially, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson started the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in Norwich, Connecticut. They produced a lever action rifle, but ultimately they were  unsuccessful and sold the company. Eventually that company became Winchester Repeating Arms Company. 

Smith and Wesson is now one of the largest producers of restraints in the world; in 2009 they had made over six million cuffs. Over this time frame there have been several models and various other restraints. In no particular order:

Above and below, Smith and Wesson model M-100 standard handcuffs from the authors own collection. This is an all around good design with slide activated double lock.

Above and below, Smith and Wesson model M-300-1 hinged handcuffs from the authors own collection. 

These are very solid, but a bit on the small side. Note the slide activated double lock, the one part triple hinge design, domed rivets, and ditched jaw. Very solid cuffs. 

 

Above and below, photo montage credit of the seller on eBay 3glyn, selling this model M-300 for a $25 starting bid.

Below, the early Model 90 which used a push pin double lock activation as opposed to the majority of Smith and Wessons current designs which mainly use the slot mechanism. 

Above, note these were made in Springfield, Massachusetts, as opposed to Houlton, Maine where they are made now. 

Above and below, discontinued model 94 maximum security Smith and Wesson hinged handcuffs with tubular lock. With original box and key, these sold for $1,000 with 1 bid.
Below note the thickness of the cuff body. This is a significantly more complex lock mechanism. 

Above and below, Smith and Wesson waist chain with their early high security handcuffs, the model 104, not to be confused with Hiatt model 104 which is a Darby handcuff. 

These otherwise standard double lock modern handcuffs use a warded keyway and thus require a special key with a notch in the upper part of the key flag, closest to the barrel. 

Above, Smith and Wesson model 1 special security cuffs from the authors own collection. These are essentially the Smith and Wesson model 1900 leg irons, with a handcuff chain, although the 1900 isn't normally available with a black finish. I have only seen it once before, but maybe it was done in past production runs. 

These are meant to be used as handcuffs for extra large wrists. They also work as short chain leg irons for immobilization. 

Below, Smith and Wesson Gold Plated handcuffs, possibly model 90? They have a push pin double lock and sold for $125 with one matching golden plated key. 

These are typically marketed as presentation awards in Law Enforcement for retirement or promotions. This is real 24k gold plating and as a soft metal would be prone to excessive wear if used heavily. 

Smith and Wesson made firearms, ammunition and cartridges for the first 65 years, and didn't make handcuffs until 1921. In 1940 they paused production to focus on arms for the War, in 1952 they reintroduced their restraints line and introduced the model 936 and 938. 

In 1966, they opened a dedicated handcuffs and shackles factory in Houlton, Maine, which in 2022 had made over 10 million pairs. 

Above and below, Smith and Wessons current universal hinged handcuffs, the model 1H from the authors own collection. These are significantly larger than the M-300 model, and have an elliptical design similar to, but smaller than, the 1900 leg iron design. 

As an aside, the first pair of these which I bought new from an online retailer was faulty. Somehow, BOTH double locks would slip under only moderate pressure. The retailer exchanged a new pair and they work fine; I am curious how such a glaring defect on BOTH of the cuffs slipped passed QA. 

Peerless 

Springfield, Massachusetts, USA 

Established 1914

James Gill, police commissioner, bought the patent for swing through handcuffs from George Carney (not to be confused with Caveney). 

Peerless and Smith and Wesson were closely connected, both being based in the industrial mecca of Springfield, where gunsmiths and machinists were pushing the limits of firearms and mechanical machines of all sorts. Precision machining was developing quickly. 

Above and below, the Peerless model 801C (Nickel) and 802C (Black) are the current model of hinged handcuffs. Note the linkage is similar to ASP hinges but also more similar to a machine roller chain. Note also the exposed domed rivets, the sideways pointing keyholes and the contrasting color makers marks. 

Below the Peerless 730C Superlite Aluminum chain link handcuffs. There is a wide range of steel and aluminum handcuffs in nickel or black or several other colors. There are also options for oversized handcuffs, oversized leg irons, and long chain handcuffs. Peerless has really developed a good product line. 

 

Above, the Peerless model 700 chain link handcuffs with golden plating. This pair sold for $156.95 with two matching gold plated keys. 

Above, Peerless model 703C leg irons in black finish from the authors own collection. 

These are high quality restraints. They are a bit on the small side, compared to Smith and Wessons 1900. The edges are a bit "sharper" than Smith and Wesson, too, in my opinion. The contrasting color makers mark is a nice visual addition. Note the sideways keyhole and the fine twist link chain. 

ASP 

Appleton, Wisconsin, USA 

Established 1976

Started making handcuffs in 2004 after many years of making extendable batons, tactical flashlights, and other police gear. 

They didn't want to assume the standard swing through design was to be taken for granted. Rather they decides to completely redesign from the drawing board, which resulted in a high tech, light weight cuff that featured a replaceable lock core, much like the Bean Cobb design from many decades prior. 

Above, the ASP Ultra hinged handcuffs. The Ultra line introduced finger activated double locks (seen in yellow at edge of cuff body). Note the unique double hinging linkage. 

Below, the ASP Sentry chained handcuffs. Sentry is a line of lower cost restraints from ASP which are marketed to security but still carry full DOJ approval. 

Above and below, the ASP model #56040 ankle cuffs from the authors own collection. These are what I would consider "Post-Modern" restraints, upgraded, futuristic looking cuffs made in the modern era after Smith and Wesson/Peerless police style restraints. 

This is the earlier ASP leg iron, and they now have a line of handcuffs and shackles with push button double lock activation. 

These are light weight and secure. The flat link chain has a stout O ring in the middle, perfect for attaching a padlock, chain, or a pair of handcuffs. Note the forged swing arms, and the dual sided keyways. 

Chicago Handcuff Company 

Chicago, Illinois, USA 

Established 2001 

Chris Patzer started Chicago Handcuff Company in order to bring NIJ approved restraints to the security and corrections market while having them made overseas. 

My impression of the Chicago restraints I have varies. The model 1200 hinged handcuff is very nice, while the chain models (1000 and X55) seem a bit thin. The short chain leg iron, model 1400, seemed solid enough. These are very similar to the Taiwanese manufacturers, such as Valor branded examples. 

Above, the Chicago model 1000 in pink. These are fully functional, and again, quality is inline with most of the quality off brand Taiwanese manufacturers, perhaps a bit better as far as the internals. 

Above and below, the nicest of all the CHICAGO restraints, the model 1200 stainless steel hinged handcuff. These are rather large, much larger than Smith and Wessons hinged handcuff, and some people with slim hands can slip out of these. Very well made.

Note the double triple hinge design; two sets of three hinge bars. Very strong design. 

Above and below, Chicago Handcuff Company model 500 thumbcuffs from the authors own collection. 

These are a rigid swing through ratcheting thumb restraint, much like the early Gill Lion Tamer and the larger Flash Action Manacle.

Due to the anatomy of the thumbs being less readily restrained, the double strand has serrations to grip and hold the thumb and prevent/dissuade escape attempts. These are not sharp per se, but they aren't NOT sharp, either. 

Above, close up detail of the double keyway. The upper keyhole releases the double lock by spinning fully around (in either direction), while the lower keyhole releases the single lock ratchets (by turning towards each respective cuff). The double lock itself is engaged by a push pin activator located at the center of the upper edge of the restraint. 

Other International Manufacturers

Many, many manufacturers have made handcuffs over the decades and centuries. Just as there were small blacksmith or machine shops that would make small runs of Darby restraints while Hiatt provided the majority of the supply, today there are many examples of lesser known design variants of the modern double lock swing through ratcheting handcuff design that were produced over the years for a time and are still found from time to time. Some of these are high quality but obscure, others are lower quality. Yuil is included here even though they are a large enough modern brand with a large range of restraints. 

Above and below, Fury brand handcuffs with a unique universal swivel joint. This is slightly more restrictive than a chain but less so than a hinge. These designs may have been an attempt to thwart the chain binding technique which can be used to get the chain caught on it self and use leverage to snap the connection from the cuff. This design is very flexible but could still be leveraged depending on the quality of the clevis swivels. Note also the unique flat two bitted key with protruding tip. 

Below, close up detail of the Fury 15900 Made In Spain

Above and below, another Fury model with a slightly different version of the universal swivel joint linkage. This pair uses a standard handcuff key, I believe, although I did have a pair of these once and they had keys which were slightly smaller. The double lock failed on one of them, and I have since discarded them. Note the model number here 15917 Made In Spain, a rather crude makers mark engraving. 

Above and below, Korean Yuil model M-11 high security aluminum hinged handcuffs. Note the two bitted key, the three bar hinge, and the unique debossing on the swing arm. Currently available model examples on handcuff Warehouse have additional embossing on the double strand. These were made in steel and aluminum, and several model variants may exist. These are listed on Handcuff Warehouse but are out of stock. The Yuil model M-11-1 is the nickel plated steel version which is currently in stock for $49.35

Above and below, Yuil model MY-005 high security leg irons. Note the elliptical shape which is very similar to the Smith and Wesson model 1900. These have a chain of fine flat links and use a two bitted key. Currently in stock at Handcuff Warehouse for $93.17

Above, Yuil model M-05 thumbcuffs from the authors own collection. Compared to Chicago thumbcuffs, these are a bit thinner, almost sharp edged. The "serrations" are also present on the inside surface of the swing arm. Each cuff has its own keyhole and its own sliding double lock mechanism.

Above and below, JAY-PEE brand handcuffs made in Spain. Note the slightly different key. This is the key I mentioned earlier in regard to the handcuffs with the universal swivel joint. 

Below, close up detail of the slightly different key. Note the sideways pointing keyholes and rounded upper edges of the cuff body. 

Above and below, "STAR" brand handcuffs, made in Spain. Pat. 186674. Note the slim profile of the cuff body, the single chain link connector, and the offset keyhole. 

Below, made in Spain.

Above, a lot of international vintage handcuffs with original boxes. These sold for $26.89 after 9 bids. The brands are Zaza, Blueline, and Wu Jau Co. These are likely from Taiwan circa 1970s. 

Below, Slovakian Putá brand handcuffs. Note the fairly crude finishing, the square cuff body, and the flat keys. These sold for $20.50 after 10 bids. 

Above and below, Kyoung Chung handcuffs sold for $5.50 after 3 bids. 

Below, JAY-PEE handcuffs 

Above and below, Alcyon handcuffs made in Spain. These are probably the nicest modern style handcuffs made in Spain. 

Above and below, an unmarked, and unremarkable, hinged handcuff from the authors own collection. 

These were made in China. At least that's what the green spray paint stenciled label said when I got these. 

This is a low quality restraint. While it operates fine, the finish is very soft and easily scratched. The swing arms are prone to misalignment. But worst of all, the three hinge bars are each actually made up of two *very thin* stamped steel parts. I've bent these a bit while wearing them with only moderate effort. While the hinge design does acknowledge this attack point, and chain handcuffs are prone to chain binding, both design quality AND materials engineering are needed to make a good restraint. These work, but that's about it.