"Someone should tell this seller these are a replica"
Some famous collectors agree with me :0)
Atlanta*Casting
What are the real ones worth ??
June 21 2009, 4:50 AM
What range of value in $$$ would a real set/pair of lilly iron handcuffs be
based on condition, etc?
Re: lilly iron handcuffs
June 21 2009, 12:17 PM
I'm calling that one a repro.
The sides of the lock boss are parallel. This is exceedingly difficult to do with forging. Forgings of that sort would be done with a die, and the die has to be tapered to get the forging out easily. Parallel sides do not offer any advantage to tapered sides, either, but pre-made bar stock comes with parallel sides.
The sharp edges at the top of the boss are also suspect, particularly the outside ones. They offer nothing to the product, and take extra work to produce. Ordinarily, the sharp edges would be softened in the multiple heats necessary to forge the part.
The fillet at the base of the boss appears to be a weldment. It has been well ground out and blended, but I see signs of a heat effected zone on the boss and on the strap.
You could tell more, examining the piece in your hands, or with a hand lens.
The screw threads should be definitive. If they match a modern nut, they are almost surely fake.
