I have original set of Bean Cobb cuffs with keyhole on each side. I don't have a key for them. Any idea's where I could get one. I could probably have one made, but would like an original if I can get it.

Brian

Brian, try here:
http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.com/handcuff_keys.html
I have bought a couple of Cobb keys from them and they both worked.

Cheers, Mike

If you have sharp eyes and a lot of time on your hands you can also find some nice old cuff keys on e-bay. Check out the pile-o-keys lots. I've picked up some really nice original restraint keys from these type auctions. The only drawback is that you end up with bunches of other "junk" to go with them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220243830718&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012

If you look close you'll see a Peerless model 1 key in this picture.

Where's Waldo? with keys. :D

Check out this photo from an ebay auction I won back in March.

I at first spotted the Maltby flat key then looking closer
I could see 4 bean cobb keys..



2 of the cobb keys are nickle plated and the other 2 are blued.

It would appear that there are two Lovell keys in there as well. That was a good auction!!!

Here is a variety of original bean cobb keys.



Notice the difference in quality. The key on the right will fit the H&R cobb
handcuffs made during WW2 but not the earlier model.

Thanks for the info on the Lovell cuff keys J Kuczero.



I wasn't certain about them as I don't own a pair and they both looked kinda
crudely cut. while the one on the left may be original I am sure the other one
is a copy made from another style blank.



The same with the Maltby flat key, someone tried to make a copy using a undersize
blank.

Best advise Brian is to go with a replacement key for now
and if you have the time later you can look over the ebay
auctions until you come across an original key.

good luck.

fellows ::: for your info & knowledge - the keys you refer to as LOVELL keys are NOT LOVELL keys... they are BEAN PRISON/PATROLMAN keys.... neither are original..... the MATBY keys are NOT originals either.... keep in mind that you will find MANY MANY -- BEAN PRISON/PATROLMAN keys that have slightly different depth cuts as well as the spacing of the BITS will vary also because even thou 2 different cuffs could have been made in the same year etc the machining VARIED so a key that fit & worked one cuff might NOT fit & work in another cuff & visa versa..... SAME goes for MALTBY FLAT key cuffs... in fact, you will find BIG differences in the size, cut & even the shape of the bottom portion of the key..... keep searching for those keys as you may just need that PARTICULIAR cut one day -- ORIGINAL or not !!! still NICE keys...... joe

I'd have to agree that the key on the right is a copy. Keep in mind that during the early 1900's most keys weren't copied on a machine. It shows every sign of being hand cut so it could still be considered as a vintage period replacement key versus a more modern one. It's cut on an ILCO blank that's no longer in production. The key on the left looks very close to the one that I have. The original keys were mass produced and plated after they were cut to final shape. Normal wear may have removed the plating around the bits but check the shoulder cut and the bottom edge near the bow for signs of plating. If you can see some there it's a good sign that it's an original key.
Joe might be correct about the key on the right being cut for the Beans. That would account for the angle of the cut at the shoulder. Cutting it slightly deeper at the top would let it turn in the round keyhole but leave more "inside" the case to help keep the key from breaking easily. (Locksmiths are a shameless bunch when it comes to making do with what's on hand.) However I'm pretty sure that I have my ID correct. The original beans used a round key shaft. The lovells used the flat key.