Plug 8 Handcuffs – Boer Civil War Era

The “Plug 8” handcuff is a distinct and historical piece of law enforcement equipment. Its name is derived from its unique, non-adjustable “figure-8” shape, and its characteristic locking mechanism. These cuffs are typically of a heavy iron or wrought iron construction, and historical documentation from the 19th century notes that “one size did not fit all,” with smaller sizes required for juveniles and women. This lack of adjustability was a known shortcoming of the design in the Victorian era.

The defining technical feature of the “Plug 8” handcuff is its unique locking and key system. A physical plug blocks the keyhole, which must be removed before the screw-type key can be inserted. This key, when inserted, requires a full rotation to secure the cuff but then a “lot of turning to release the key” and fully unlock it. This “slow to use” mechanism was a major functional drawback that led to its eventual replacement by more modern, quicker ratcheting designs. Paradoxically, this technological limitation is precisely what makes the artifact so valuable to collectors. The complex and time-consuming operation of the lock is a tangible link to a specific period in history and is a core component of its appeal and authenticity as a piece of obsolete technology.

To lock, reverse the process: draw the bolt in, remove the key, and screw the plug back in.