The Gill Flash Action Manacle and Lion Tamer thumbcuffs have been based on one patent #1746890 issued Feb. 11, 1930 (applied for May 8, 1928). The patent papers do not specify a thumbcuff or handcuff, just a manacle.

The markings on the thumbcuffs have been on the keyhole side and marked "GILL LION TAMER PAT APLD FOR" or "PATENTED". The name is on the lower part of the thumbcuff for the pat apld for and on the top after the patent was granted.

I just squired a third version with the markings on the back side and the markings "FLASH ACTION MANACLE PAT NO. 1746890". It is exactly the same as the cuff version only in thumbcuff size.

Has anyone seen one like this? I wonder which came first the thumbcuff or the full sized manacle? Below are picture of the three thumbcuffs along with the full sized Flash Action and the GILL CUFF (which has the markings on the keyhole side).






Always something new or different.

Ron

Ron
My favorite question with these is: "which way is up?"
Joe

Hi Joe---For my reference the first picture of the thumbcuffs is the reference point. Top of the keyhole is UP.

Ron

There are several more variations than shown, including the Lion Tamer without notches in the fixed bow. All Ron's questions are answered in an extensive article about Gill and the thumbcuff and handcuff in the next Handcuff Annual. I can't answer Joe's question about whicvh way is up, but I am sure the thumbcuff came before the cuff.
Stan

Thanks Stan. Looking forward to reading the article. When will it be out?

Ron

That's a question for Joe, not for me.
Stan