I have always heard the assumption that “Hamburg 8” handcuff first appeared on the scene during the 1940’s – 1950’s era.

The reason for this belief is, I think – partly due to the lack of very early 20th century escape artists shown wearing these handcuffs in their photos.

It’s well known that this particular cuff can be converted into a fast & easy “escape cuff”. Surely, if it was available during Houdini’s era – then he, or his many imitators - would have readily used them in their acts?

The earliest that I can document the existence of Hamburg 8s – is in a Sept. 1928 ad from Trudel, in The Sphinx magazine (see 2 photos).




This raises the question if HOUDINI had ever used-seen the Hamburg 8? Even though they were somewhat from his time period (1920’s), I know of no photos of Houdini wearing them, or mentioning them in his notes or books (of course, Houdini was way past doing his “Handcuff/Challenge act” by the 1920s).

1. In his (1961) book titled “Houdini: Handcuffs & Legirons”, Dick Wresch states this beneath a photo of the Hamburg 8: “Houdini had no fear of them…” However, what Mr. Wresch stated must be taken lightly – because his book is full of numerous handcuff identification errors, and is not a credible source.

2. There APPEARS to be a handcuff that sort of RESEMBLES the Hamburg 8 on the center of one of Houdini’s “handcuff boards” (see 2 photos) However, it must be noted that this “Houdini board” was used for the 1953 Tony Curtis “Houdini” film (that’s Tony & Dunninger in photo), and that the Hamburg 8 cuff was the first handcuff that Tony Curtis/Houdini escaped from in the film. It would make sense, then, that a Hamburg 8 cuff would appear on the display board that is used in the film.




Further evidence that this “Hamburg 8” cuff was placed on the board solely for the sake of the film, and that it’s not an original cuff to the board – is shown in this photo (from the Butterfield & Butterfield auction – Los Angeles,Ca.). There is no Hamburg 8 in this photo of the same handcuff board (photo #210355—attached to this letter).



In short, Hamburg 8’s can be traced to AT LEAST 1928.

---Is there evidence that were existed earlier than that (when were they first manufactured?)
---is there evidence that HOUDINI ever used them, or mentioned them in his notes?
---Photos of very early 20th century performers wearing them?


I’d be interested in hearing any feedback on this topic.


--Joseph Fox

I noticed that the mounting hardware on the left board in the Butterfield picture is missing the Towers leg irons but shows on the later picture which looks like Tony Randall on the right in the photo.

It doesn´t look like a real Hamburg 8 to me, as the key hole is round?
I know these cuffs only with a rectangular or triangular key hole. Or is
it perhaps a variation?

Its indeed a strange handcuff the hamburger 8. It was fabricated with variations on the key: round or fluted. I have also seen a variation of the cuff with a lock with levers. There are no trace in pictures or film clipps of the great Houdini that he used the Hamburger 8.

I think the reason for the cuff being placed on the board are that Tony Curtis escapes from a pair in the Houdini movie from 1953. It could be that the cuffs belonged to Dunninger who also was a master escape artist.

In sweden a magic company sold Hamburger 8 in 1935.

sincerely

Johan
Sweden

I've search high and low for the same information Joe,
and didn't even fine the 1928 reference. I did find a few from
early 30's magazines though. In my Houdini collection I've
found no photos of Houdini with them, or even mentioning them.
Although, the #61 cuff from the Vegas Houdini auction folds
like a Hamburg 8, and in some ways operates similar to the
Hamburg 8. Perhaps this cuff was an evolutionary step towards
the Hamburg 8. I doubt it, but you never know. And as you
said, Houdini was not into the escapes like he was 10 years earlier. Perhaps he was not still actively chasing down
any cuffs he didn't have. He also never mentions the MacKenzie
Mitts, which came out in 1925. Nice job and nice information -
Great find with the 1928 article. John

I might have an explanation for Houdini never mentioning the McKenzie Mitts. While they were patented in 1925, most of the articles about them did not appear until the early 30's. I just found an article today in a 1933 Popular Science that talks about the Mitts. It's possible that they were not actually made til after Houdini's death.
Stan

All though as of yet?? I haven't found a reference to Hamburg 8's and Houdini, I did find a photo of an escape artist. The Great Kolar dated 1923 wearing a pair of Hamburg 8's. The round key version,as of now we know of four versions of Hamburg 8's
1) Round Key 2) Flat Key 3) Fluted Key(the most common)
4) Barrel Key (as in Mark Lyons Collection)









[IMG]http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb30/bigpapaps/Kolarhamburg8.jpg">

Sorry I'm having a problem posting the photo??? Joe Help

Great picture Fred,

I have never seen nor heard of the round key version of the Hamburg 8. Of almost equal importance is discovering that the swivel model Marlin goes back to 1923(cuff at the very bottom). I always believed that the variation was manufactured in the 30's.
I recall that there was a tread on this web-site in which the author believed that this 3rd model may have actually been the first and Marlin later discontinued the swivel, much like the H&R Cobb cuffs.
Does anyone have a Circle Hamburg?

mark
O--O

I saw one many years ago. Nick Stone had it and didn't want to sell it. As I recall the bows were more rounded than the more modern H8 versions that fold FLAT against eachother and they were better finished and plated. I want to think there was some kind of spring that helped them open, but I could be wrong on that.
Stan

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the informative discussion. Paul

In the above picture, second pair down, is a pair of Bean Giants.
I realize that the picture is not exactly clear, but I wonder if anyone notices any thing unusual about it.

mark
O--O

No arming button......good eye Mark!

Cheers, Mike

I think I see it. The angle of the shot or the quality of the picture makes it very hard to see. What is blocking the view of the rest of the keyhole on the H8 ?

Btw, did anyone notice that there is a date on the photo??? 11-20-23

Cheers, Mike

I think that the keyway is horse shoe shaped on the H8.

Cheers, Mike

Hmmmm.....not a single Tower S/L, D/L, L/I, or B/K to be found on this guy. For the era, that is wierd.

Cheers, Mike

Sorry to say I don't have a round key Hamburg 8 in the collection
But I do believe this might be the key???????

Fred,
I might have to go on record to say that it is not the key to the H8 cuff.
I base this on the fact that the key on most H8s is pushed straight down onto the key post and depresses the spring loaded latch that releases the bow of the cuff.
Your key is definitely designed to be rotated. While your key may or may not be the right size to fit the keyway of the cuff, there is evidence that the key was turned and turned hard enough to leave an impression at the top part of where the key is notched. The angle or bevel of the slot also indicates that the key turns in the lock as it enters it.
Not sure what the key would fit, but it looks German in origin and is a fine looking key.

I hope you find such a cuff to prove me wrong!

mark
O--O

I've seen that key before and I'm pretty sure it's a German padlock key. My friend Bengt has a big collection of Swedish and German padlocks and I recognize it from his collection.

Lars

Great information, everyone - thanks!

Would our German/European collectors have any documentation on the year the H8s were first manufactured?

Hey guys, about the bean giant that mark says doesnt show buttons,I hope its just a bad photo but, if not is there a possiblitiy that hiatt made it? I cant remember if the hiatt beans have buttons or not
the hamburg 8 is odd I had an early hamburg box that showed a very unusual at least to me cuff with key way
any ideas about the giant

Hi Joe, I think there is a Hamburg eight in the lobby display photo on page 20 of W B Gibson's Houdini scrapbook.

Ian

Hi Ian:

Yes...the above photo that I posted (Dunninger & Tony Curtis)---is from that book you cited. As I stated - my guess is that the H8 was placed on the board strickly for the (1953) film, since, Houdini/Tony did escape from the H8 in the movie.

From what I heard, Dunninger had these made up for the movie. He was one of the magic advisors for the Tony Curtis film.

Dunninger was close friends with Houdini and Dunninger would sell or offer Houdini magic items from time to time.

That should make things as clear as mud.

Hello,

Why there should be a chain nipper on any board of Houdini's restraints is a mystery in itself. There is one on the right board, in both pictures of the right board. It is this model.



This is a Tower nipper, very distinct for being the only chain nipper with elevated "hips" on the master handle, which served to keep the two handles interlocked better. This nipper is shown on page 160 of American Police Equipment by Matthew G. Forte, according to whom the first known advertisement for it was in 1923 and the last known, circa 1925/1930.

Cheers,

Jack
http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/collectibles.htm

Uhhh.

Forgive me, since this is so stupid.

Houdini escaping from a chain nipper?

There is no lock involved.

I appreciate the fact that there are collectors out there who do have some very collectible Bean and Tower chain nippers,

But Houdini? Staging a fine perfomance to escape from something that just gets wrapped around a wrist? Putting it on a "board" to show whatever?

C'mon, guys.

Next thing you know, we're going to have pieces of knotted rope sold on eBay, as genuine artifacts used to tie Houdini up with.

Yet, they'll all come with fine little pieces of paper, nearly a hundred years after the fact, attesting to the undoubtable fact that they are authentic.


There is indeed a sucker born every minute.

I think that was mentioned above. Anyway, Houdini's escapes didn't always use a lock.

I think that the nipper was added to the board for variety.....after all, most lay-folks have no idea what the "weird looking chain device" is or what it is used for. Just a thought.

Cheers, Mike

Because a "Nipper" is shown on one of "Houdini's Display Boards" (whether it's an original HOUDINI-era board or not)...doesn't necessarily mean that they were were actually used to challenge Houdini with, or that Houdini ever escaped from them.

In my opinion, whatever restraint or lock that makes an eye-catching item on a board - is fair game. A lobby display board is simply meant to attract the public's eye.

The "Houdini Handcuff Collection" that was on display in the Magic Castle's "Seance Room" (P. 219-Gibson/"Houdini Scrapbook") - contains a few 'modern-era' handcuffs simply because the display's owner (M. Weltman) chose to add a variety of different shackles to the display.

The above photos of the boards were used in the (1953) Paramount
motion-picture...it's a good guess that the Nipper was added for whatever reason - much after Houdini's death...likely just to add 'color' and variety to the original board.
_____________________________


"Hi Joe, I think there is a Hamburg eight in the lobby display photo on page 20 of W B Gibson's Houdini scrapbook".

Ian
_____________________________

>>>>>>Ian - you bring up a good point!

The above B&W photo that I posted - was from the Randi-Sugar "Houdini:His Life & Art" book (p. 168).

Ian, The photo that YOU mentioned (Gibson's "Houdini Scrapbook" - p. 20) seems to show what APPEARS to be a Hamburg 8 cuff - on a true ORIGINAL Houdini-owned display board. ...no doubt, this will lead to more interesting discussion

I will post this new interesting photo on Wednesday.

_________________________________________________________

RE. Houdini and Hamburger 8.

I have asked several German collectors of the date when Hamburger 8 was fabricated. No one did know for certain. In the book "100 Houdini tricks you can do by Dunninger " 1954, Dunninger talks about how he was the technical advisor for the movie Houdini. The book contains some interesting pictures of handcuffs but nothing on Hamburger 8. On page 7 Dr.Edward saint holds a pair of Darbys and the Mirror handcuffs used on seance. It was claimed that Dunninger made several of Houdinis illusions.Its highly interesting about Houdinis handcuffs but we will never know.

Johan

Here are the photo(s) from the Walter Gibson "Houdini Scrapbook", as per Ian.


--Joe Fox

Hello,

in terms of the accurate date of manufacture of Hamburger 8 - this idea is much older than it is commonly known, when searching for old technical documentation for Czechoslovak handcuffs, I found on random in the archive in Prague a part of technical documentation for Hamburger 8. If I am not mistaken the drawings are dated 18xx? so the late 19th century, originally they came from Hungary Austria from Budapest, I have got a copies of several models (if I remember well).

In my collection I have got one specimen made in either Czechoslovakia between 1918 - 1945 or even older - from Hungary Austria, but surely not made by Kayser. And I have seen 3 or 4 other modifications from other manufacturers than Kayser.

Perhaps this helps

Josef, Czech Republic

Once more from me - what is the handcuff near the red arrows?

In regards to the come-along, I have went through some pictures of Houdini's display boards and I have found 2 nippers (one on each of two different display boards). One has a discribtion on it titled: The Come-Alongs and tells a bit about them. This board was set up in front of a place where he was performing durning his "hay-day" of performing escapes........so, it would seem that Houdini thought that a come-along or nipper was acceptable to put on a display board, so why not put one on a movie prop as well??? Just a thought.

Cheers, Mike

P.S. This has been a GREAT thread.....Thanks Joe Fox!!!!

Here is a picture of an old Hamburg 8 box that shows a round key cuff. I have the box, and the picture is on my CD. The cuff on the box is much different than the ones we know, and might be one of the cuffs on Houdini's board. The key and keyhole appear to be a circle and not just part of a circle. The key is also different from Fred's. A more modern style Hamburg 8 came in the box. I think Fred's key is for a Hamburg 8. There is a picture of a Hamburg 8 on http://www.conjuringarts.org/exhibitions/handcuffs.html and the key is identical to Fred's. Unfortunately the keyhole view is not shown.
Stan

Bingo Bongo - Have fun.

hi

someone here do not play with ebay rules
it was listed on ebay germany but one off the
well known members of this form do it again
and let the action end early and bid of the
item outside of ebay
the one who did this knows it by himself
and I want to mention if you come next time to me for
A favor I would say you can .........??
I don't like this type of people who want to have A bargain
while he she is knowing that on ebay prices would rise
let others also the chance to get something

I know who get it outside of ebay

best

patrick-handboeienfreak

It's still seems to be listed with 4 bids in place. eBay item 220178121921 I've suggested to the seller to let the auction run it's full course.

Hi Rmp

thank you for responding

this morning I've got a message from the seller that he she ended the action early of a bid outside ebay
when I start up my ebay they are also as ended early
I've ask the seller who placed the bid and that was very clear to me
I've told the seller that I go to ebay for that and I'm not happy with that

at this moment I'm the winning bidder and I know that I placed A very high bid on it

best

patrick-handboeienfreak

Joe,

in the original Houdini scrapbook page 54 there are, what i have found, to be a Hamburger eight used by Houdini!? The picture are not so sharp so I can tell if it has the lockmechanism of a Hamburger eight. The way Houdini is mancled its highly likely to be the Hamburger eight.

I am shure Houdini knew about the cuff but since everybody else started to use it he had better and more impressive manacles.

Johan
... --- ...

Hello,

As of this moment, this auction is current, with no bid retractions or cancellations. The current high bid is EUR 278.00, about US $408.33. Just short of 6 days remain of the 10-day listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220178121921

Cheers,

Jack

Johan: Mmm, very hard to tell...an unclear photo.

I "think" I see a "bottle-neck" design handcuff or even the bows of his "Russian Manacle" around his wrists...nearly impossible to know for sure.

Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

--Joe Fox

Hi Mark,

my congratulations on your buy, really a nice cuff! Please put them on your list for bringing them along to the next convention, I would like to see them personally.

Best wishes,

Michael

Hi Michael,
Thank you for the kind words.
When I saw this thread opened again, I was slightly apprehensive to see what I was about to read, so I was very pleased by your posting.
The cuff was at my higher bid amount, but I wanted it very much as it fits in well with my other rare Hamburg 8 with the bit key and keyhole on the side.
I believe you saw that one at the convention.
I am especially pleased to learn that you plan on attending the next convention.
I enjoyed seeing your lovely family and am looking forward to seeing all of you again.
Best wishes to you and the family for Christmas and New Years!

Fred, I stand corrected on my earlier assumption that your key could not fit such a cuff as this as it needs to be rotated to open.
I am quite anxious to see how this cuff works.
I am relieved to know that if I were to lose the key to my new cuffs, that I can count on you for a replacement!

Best wishes to you too for a merry Christmas and New Years!

Best wishes to everyone!

mark
O--O