Quote Originally Posted by Scott Klemm View Post
I don't think handcuff manufacturers actually made them - but were made locally as you suggested. I saw a ball and chain at the Folsom Prison Museum in California. Its chain was only 19 inches in length and was attached to a 10 pound ball. The ball and chain was not attached to a handcuff, but appeared to be secured either by a padlock or rivet. I have seen a Houdini photo where the escape artist has two long ball and chains attached to what looks like darbies cuffs. I suspect they were made especially for Houdini's performances.

Incidentally, I attempted to attach a photo of Folsom's ball and chain along with an Oregon Boot, but I got a "the webb address you entered could not be found" message.
I am not a collector of restraints, but I do have some reference material on them. I looked up Tower and Bean in Alex Nichols' A Guidebook to Handcuffs. Tower and Bean did indeed make a ball and chain pattern legiron. So my earlier remark was inaccurate. Sorry!