Posted by Steve Santini on February 15, 2001 at 02:34:10:
In Reply to: "$" (Dollar Sign) Handcuffs posted by Mike H. on January 31, 2001 at 18:29:25:
Due to the general craftmanship, I have assigned the dollar Sign handcuffs the origin of "German" in my new book "Devices of Human Restraint". The unique lock mechanism is also
telling of German manufacture. As well, based upon all of the dollar sign cuffs I have encountered, and, seen others offer for sale, I would say the ratio of barrel key models as compared to flat key models is about 2 to 1.
That is, it would appear that the flat key model is much more scarce than the twin barrel key model. I also believe that the flat key model was an attempts to protect the cuff from tampering with the mechanism by producing an overall smaller
keyway than the bareel key dollar sign exhibits. If this theory is true, the barrel key version of the dollar sign would become the 1st model produced and the flat key would then be the last style of dollar sign cuff made.
Kind regards, Steve Santini.: Excellent Site with responses of high caliber!
: What is the consensus of the origin of the "$" (Dollar Sign) Handcuffs; German or Russian? Does anyone have any firm basis other than mere opinion or speculation?
: Also, is there any consensus as to the difference in value or rarity as to a "$" handcuff with a barrel key when compared to one with a flat key?