Mattatuck Handcuff

The Mattatuck Manufacturing Company: The Rival of Tower

Mattatuck Manufacturing Company, based in Waterbury, Connecticut, was originally a hardware and metal goods manufacturer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were deeply involved in producing industrial hardware, tools, and security products. Eventually, like Tower, they saw an opportunity in the growing need for reliable restraints for law enforcement, corrections, and even the military.

Why Their Design Looked Like Tower’s

The resemblance stems from the patent battles and industry standards of the time. Tower’s double-lock innovation was a game changer, and other manufacturers quickly realized they needed to match or surpass it to stay relevant. When Tower’s patents began to expire (as most did after the statutory term), competitors like Mattatuck could legally adopt similar features.

However, Mattatuck didn’t just copy; they refined:

• Mattatuck handcuffs were often heavier and more robust, appealing to agencies that wanted extra durability.

• They used a slightly different double-lock mechanism, often with a simpler slide or pin system for activation.

• The cuffs were typically nickel-plated, giving them a bright finish compared to some of Tower’s darker steel models.

Why Mattatuck Cuffs Became Popular

1. Competitive Pricing: Mattatuck offered a comparable product at a slightly lower cost than Tower.

2. Trusted Brand: The company already had a reputation in metal goods, which gave them credibility in security products.

3. Police Standardization: Some departments preferred Mattatuck over Tower for perceived durability or because of existing state contracts.

Their Place in History

Mattatuck cuffs were widely used during the early 20th century, especially in municipal and county law enforcement. Like Tower, their designs influenced what became the modern swing-through ratchet style cuffs. Eventually, though, companies like Peerless and Smith & Wesson standardized lighter, more efficient models that dominated the mid-20th century market, leading to Mattatuck’s decline in the restraint industry.