H&R Arms Bean Cobb Handcuffs

Houdini was known for favoring handcuffs that presented unique mechanical challenges, especially those with locking mechanisms that were less common than the standard Darby or Tower designs of his time. The H&R Arms Bean Model handcuffs were among the more unusual cuffs available, and there are a few reasons why Houdini might have found them appealing:

1. Unusual Locking Mechanism

The Bean Model handcuff (patented by Henry W. Bean in 1887) uses a ratchet-and-pawl system combined with a rotating plug lock that required a specific key. Unlike the more predictable Darby screw key or the later swing-through designs, the Bean’s rotating plug lock made it harder for a casual lock picker. This complexity gave Houdini a chance to showcase his skill with picking intricate locks rather than brute forcing them.

2. Compact and Solid Design

The Bean Model was compact, with a distinctive round body that enclosed the lock mechanism. This made it much harder to manipulate compared to handcuffs with more exposed working parts. Houdini liked cuffs that appeared impossible to escape—these looked solid and impenetrable, which enhanced the drama of his act.

3. Rare and Prestigious

H&R Arms’ Bean Model wasn’t as widespread as Hyatt or Tower cuffs, so owning and escaping from them was a mark of prestige. Houdini cultivated an image as the ultimate escapologist, and demonstrating mastery over rare, technically advanced restraints reinforced that persona.

4. Public Perception

Audiences didn’t always understand the internal workings of locks, but they could see the size, weight, and “strange” design of Bean Models. Their heavy, circular lock body looked intimidating and exotic—perfect for building suspense.