Posted by Joe Lauher (129.49.51.161) on May 01, 2003 at 16:33:59:
In Reply to: CUFFS FOUND IN SEA OFF SOUTH EAST ENGLAND posted by MARK on May 01, 2003 at 12:07:02:
The cuffs you mention on the cover of the Wheeler book are called adjustable Darby handcuffs. The most common manufacturer was Hiatt and their model was often called the "Scotland Yard" pattern.
Assuming they are made of steel the age could as little as 40 years or over a 100 years. Similar cuffs are made now, but the new ones are made of a non-ferrous metal. The value of steel adjustables vary quite a bit. Newer ones would be worth twenty-five pounds, older ones in good condition might be worth well over a hundred pounds. If they had unusual markings they might be worth considerably more.
A pair up from the sea bottom are not likely to be in very good shape so they would not be of much value to a collector of hancuffs. They might be of more value to someone particularly interested in relics from the sea.
Joe