Shackle, Leg
Object number2011.127.100
Manufacturer
Tower
Dateafter 1879
MediumMetal, nickel plating
Credit LineGift of Pittsburgh Police Historical Association
DescriptionNickel-plated curved cuffs connected by a long chain of twelve circular, twisted links.Dimensions1 x 6.5 x 21 in. (2.5 x 16.5 x 53.3 cm)MarksStamped left of one keyhole "TOWER'S / DOUBLE LOCK".
Historical NotesJohn J. Tower established his company in 1865 and introduced a series of handcuffs initially built under license of both the W.V. Adams and Orson C. Phelps patents. The Tower Double Lock Handcuff was patented on August 19, 1879, and has a much more sophisticated lock mechanism. This is a Tower Double Lock Leg Iron. They seemed to have remained popular longer than the Tower handcuffs because Peerless did not manufacture leg irons early on. Part of the Pittsburgh Police Historical Association collection.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
On View
On view
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson
after 1879
