John J. Tower Adjustable Handcuffs with Key | United States | 1866–1940s
- Regular price
- $400.00
- Sale price
- $400.00
- Regular price
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John J. Tower Adjustable Handcuffs with Key | United States | 1866–1940s
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Iron/Steel
Period: Late 19th – Early 20th Century (1866–1940s)
Description
An authentic pair of John J. Tower’s patented adjustable handcuffs, produced under license beginning in 1866. These handcuffs represent a significant innovation in law enforcement restraints, building upon Adam’s original ratchet handcuff design and Phelps’s subsequent improvements. This particular style became widely used by police patrolmen and detectives throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Features
- Early adjustable mechanism, designed for practical ease in restraining suspects
- Original working key included
- Fully functional condition
- Solid iron/steel construction, with period wear consistent with age
Cultural Significance
Tower’s handcuffs mark a pivotal development in law enforcement history, bridging early restraint designs with more modern police equipment. Used for decades across the United States, these cuffs symbolize the professionalization and standardization of police tools during a transformative era in policing.
Condition
Very good working condition with original key. Surface shows expected patina, wear, and aging consistent with use and preservation.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.25 in
Width: 10 in
Age (Approximate)
75–160 years old
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Iron/Steel
Period: Late 19th – Early 20th Century (1866–1940s)
Description
An authentic pair of John J. Tower’s patented adjustable handcuffs, produced under license beginning in 1866. These handcuffs represent a significant innovation in law enforcement restraints, building upon Adam’s original ratchet handcuff design and Phelps’s subsequent improvements. This particular style became widely used by police patrolmen and detectives throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Features
- Early adjustable mechanism, designed for practical ease in restraining suspects
- Original working key included
- Fully functional condition
- Solid iron/steel construction, with period wear consistent with age
Cultural Significance
Tower’s handcuffs mark a pivotal development in law enforcement history, bridging early restraint designs with more modern police equipment. Used for decades across the United States, these cuffs symbolize the professionalization and standardization of police tools during a transformative era in policing.
Condition
Very good working condition with original key. Surface shows expected patina, wear, and aging consistent with use and preservation.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.25 in
Width: 10 in
Age (Approximate)
75–160 years old
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