Handcuffs

Pair of handcuffs, semicircular cuffs hinged onto iron bar and locking through slits in the bar, chain attached, made by D. F. Fadnouch (?), United States, 1801-1900.

Handcuffs are almost synonymous with modern punishment, but they are not a modern invention. The first recorded mention of wrist restraint is in Greek mythology: in Virgil’s poetry from 70BC where he discusses preventing Proteus from shape shifting. The earliest metal handcuff examples date from the Bronze and Iron ages, and there have been many different designs throughout the years, with over 3000 search results coming up for handcuffs since 1860 on the European patent office’s website.