Hello

I was wondering if someone might know what these are worth. HARVARD LEG IRONS/with key - from the 1940's according to my research. they are made in the USA.
they are in very good condision. Please send me your opion as to what they may be worth.

Thank you!

James,

This should give you some idea.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harvard-Lock-Company-Vintage-Leg-Irons-Excellent-Cond_W0QQitemZ360154747920



Pretty common item, lots of them were made.

They are worth about $40.00 (USD).

Looks like Anonytroll is at work.

Let's work real hard and maybe we can set a record and have 4 threads locked out in one month..

The only pair of Harvard leg irons I ever owned were purchased at a local antique shop for $20.

They were junk.. The key posts broke off after just a few times of unlocking them.

I put them in a consignment auction years ago and got my money back on them.

I haven't owned any since.

Sounds like atalnta*castings plays a little too hard with his leg irons. Don't listen to atalnta*castings, they are worth every penny of $40.00 with original keys and the box. These cuffs, although plentiful, are still over 60 years old and relics from WWII.

...

Junk

Thousands or Millions of sets were made and little demand equals low price ...

Case closed.

sets or pairs?

Funny, they sell on ebay all the time for around $40.00, thats strange for a cuff that has little or no demand. True they are not the highest quality, but I have never had a set break and I own several sets of their stuff. They are certainly better than the Chinese or Taiwanese crap that is being sold by the thousands today all over the net. Typical price of the Chinese or Taiwanese leg irons is about $20.00, I think the Harvards are worth a little more than that. Also, the Harvards will never be made again, unlike the Chinese crap. AC, if you hate them so much then don't buy them, somebody will. Now the case is closed.

The Harvards use a key which is slightly larger than the "standard" Peerless / S&W key.

Using a standard key to try to double-lock Harvards may result in the key becomming trapped in the keyway.

The reason is that the flag on the standard key is smaller and shorter thus the double-lock may allow the key to pass, without fully activating, and they key is trapped.

I use a piece of wire tf wire to flip or reset the double-lock, then the standard key may be removed.

This was my first set of cuffs, think I paid $3.00 for them in 1958.

Had two pairs actually, the keyway posts never broke on mine.

Howy
Cincy

Atlkanta is right that they are poor quality cuffs and leg irons, but that does not necessarily relate to their collector's value.

Go onto eBay and check completed purchases. IIRC, they run about $40.00. Atlanta, you got a good deal at twenty bucks, if you can call it a good deal for something you didn't like.

here is a few Harvard leg irons auctions that ended recently.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300324004753 Harvard
$15
http://cgi.ebay.com/Harvard-Lock-Company-Leg-Irons-Excellent-Cond_W0QQitemZ360164593544 Harvard
$20
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270412462110 Harvard
$20

I'm not knocking Harvards as I have 3 pair of the handcuffs, 1 chrome and 2 blued.

just not a big fan of the leg irons.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=250455231373 Harvard
$18
---
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330341284156 Harvard
$27

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300331695830 Harvard $45

-
A lesson to be had here, Call your leg irons handcuffs with long chain...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280383856042 Harvard $12.16

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190329657714 > Harvard $76.00

no comment on this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390084746255 > Harvard $65.00 no sale..

The seller of the $65 Harvard leg irons has re-listed them for $49.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/HARVARD-HANDCUFFS-LEG-IRONS-MIB-C-WW-II-49NR_W0QQitemZ330357002531

enjoy !!!

Item number: 330357002531

no sale at $49.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110432049564 -> -> Harvard $29.00

calling them handcuffs vs. leg irons seems to sell better.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370259537653 --> Harvard $21.55

again listed as handcuffs instead of leg irons. I would try listing some as "big boy" handcuffs

and see if that brings even more interest...

seller relisted these harvard leg irons as "handcuffs" and got $73.50

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390108148120

something to keep in mind when selling your Harvards...

Wow--such a long thread...about a trivial matter.

They're still worth between $30 - $50.

You still read the thread.