S&W Handcuffs

[Alk8944]

In 1971, while still a quite new LEO, I was shot on the job. A couple of years later I had an acute gall bladder attack. In 1974 I was working a plain clothes assignment. For some reason, either the gunshot or gall bladder I was unable, or a combination of the effects of both, I was unable to carry a steel firearm on a dress belt. I do not know why, but I was constantly nauseous with the weight pulling on my waist. That's the background.

As a result I bought a 2" Model 12, and the lighter weight relieved the nausea symptoms. I wanted a set of aluminum handcuffs too, but no one locally had any In 1974 as Dept. Armorer I was sent to the S&W Armorer's school, and while there purchased a set of S&W aluminum handcuffs direct. which I still have.

Now, the question. Does anyone know if S&W still makes aluminum handcuffs? Hiatt, Peerless and ASP all do, but I cannot find any reference on the S&W web site or any of the internet sellers. I am not looking to buy, just curious! Don't tell me to call S&W, I don't want to! I do know the phone number!

[Kevin J.]

Yes they do.

Handcuffs & Restraints | Smith & Wesson

[JayCeeNC]

I also bought a set of S&W Airweight 'cuffs in 1974 and I still have them.
They've been on the wrists of many a deserving fella!

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by Kevin J.

Yes they do.

Handcuffs & Restraints | Smith & Wesson

Where on the S&W web site do you see aluminum handcuffs? I already looked and even did a search there! If you read my post and comprehended it you would know I asked specifically about their aluminum handcuffs, which are Model 103.

[Xfuzz]

Packed these in the early 80's..
Still have them.

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by Xfuzz

Packed these in the early 80's..
Still have them.

Darn, this was supposed to be in the Lounge!

[CH4]

I am a Peerless snob. Just never cared for S&W or any brand of hinged cuffs.

[dltvette]

Alk8944
S&W does not manufacture a aluminum cuff anymore.
The Model 925 Airweight Nickle finish and the Model 926 Airweight Polished were introduced in 1958.
The Model 925 was discontinued in 1965 and the Model 926 was manufactured into 1978 until S&W started their Model 100 series handcuffs in Houlton, Maine.
Dave

[Muley Gil]

A friend of mine started in LE in 1980 and bought a pair of Airweight S&W cuffs from McCain's Uniform Supply in Birmingham AL.

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by dltvette

Alk8944
S&W does not manufacture a aluminum cuff anymore.
The Model 925 Airweight Nickle finish and the Model 926 Airweight Polished were introduced in 1958.
The Model 925 was discontinued in 1965 and the Model 926 was manufactured into 1978 until S&W started their Model 100 series handcuffs in Houlton, Maine.
Dave

I have concluded that, but thanks for the additional information.
Trying to research this I had found information that S&W started making handcuffs about 1962(?) I believe. All I thought of that was "That's interesting". and didn't really think more of it.


CH4,


Were you aware that for a period that Peerless handcuffs were manufactured by S&W? From what another responder told me that probably was during the 1960s. My department had both brands. And Peerless makes hinged handcuffs too.

[dltvette]

Smith & Wesson made handcuffs for Peerless from 1914 to November 15, 1940.
Smith & Wesson started their own line of handcuffs in 1952.
Dave

[opoefc]

FWIW: Keep an eye on EBay, as I've seen aluminum cuffs posted for sale there in times past. Ed

[WCCPHD]

I got my first set of aluminum S&W cuffs in 1978. I picked up two more sets along the way and still have them. I still carry them when working as a reserve officer today.

One drawback is that the teeth are extremely sharp. I had to fight a man who was violently resisting, many years ago, and his wrists/arms were cut very badly.

[Baxter6551]

They were my off duty cuffs. Amazingly light.

[JayCeeNC]

Once found myself in a violent fight at an air base in Thailand and tried to use my aluminum 'cuffs like brass knuckles. Not enough "oomph" like you'd get with steel 'cuffs.
I won anyway.

Working detectives I picked a suit up at the cleaners and my aluminum 'cuffs were dangling from the hanger. Manager said, "I think you forgot something." Dang things were so light I left them in my coat pocket without realizing it.

[dltvette]

My favorite Model 926 Polished and engraved by Domingos Joaquim.
Dave

[CH4]

Originally Posted by Alk8944

I have concluded that, but thanks for the additional information.
Trying to research this I had found information that S&W started making handcuffs about 1962(?) I believe. All I thought of that was "That's interesting". and didn't really think more of it.


CH4,


Were you aware that for a period that Peerless handcuffs were manufactured by S&W? From what another responder told me that probably was during the 1960s. My department had both brands. And Peerless makes hinged handcuffs too.

I never liked any brand of hinged cuffs.

[shawn mccarver]

Interesting discussion. I got my S&W aluminum handcuffs from Sargent Sowell (Sa-So) back around 1972. For some reason, I recall mine being Model 926.

[KSDeputy]

They were made in the UK, I have a pair. The brand name is Hiatts. I love them. Good luck, if you find a pair you will love them. I had mine engraved with my initials, as they are rare and extremely popular.

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by KSDeputy

They were made in the UK, I have a pair. The brand name is Hiatts. I love them. Good luck, if you find a pair you will love them. I had mine engraved with my initials, as they are rare and extremely popular.

I appreciate the comments about Hiatts. Just before I retired I left my stainless S&W handcuffs hanging on the spotlight handle in one of our fleet cars, which was a common habit when carrying two sets. When I realized this several days later I didn't remember which car I had been driving that shift! We had take-home cars and I had to drive a pool car because mine was in the shop! Never saw them again I had bought them in 1969 after I had found out I was #1 on the hiring list and would be in the next class hired!

KSDeputy. This remark is for everyone, and not just about this thread. PLEASE READ the entire first post before posting a reply. This is one of my major peeves about internet forums! It is amazing how far off-track some threads become simply because no one read the entire first post! In the last paragraph of the original post I stated: I am not looking to buy, just curious! I retired from my department July 1, 1990, I have been retired for nearly 12 years longer than I was active! I retired due to several injuries on the job and off duty. I do not need handcuffs anymore. (I really don't think anyone will read this one either)