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Handcuffs and Restraints
The Judd Ankle Irons Pat’d Aug 2, 1904
$450.00
The Judd ankle irons were heavy, steel leg restraints produced by the Mattatuck Manufacturing Company in the early 20th century. They gained significant notoriety for their unique and complex lock and their use by the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini.
The
Mattatuck Manufacturing Company
- Company history: The Mattatuck Manufacturing Company was organized by Henry L. Wade in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1886. Known as “The Brass City,” Waterbury was a hub of manufacturing, and for almost a century, Mattatuck produced a diverse range of metal and wire goods, including upholstery nails, brass fittings, and wire forms.
- Expansion into restraints: The company also held several patents for restraint devices, including handcuffs and leg irons. These items were manufactured and widely used by law enforcement agencies around the world.
- Decline and closure: Like many manufacturing businesses in the region, the company declined in the late 1980s due to rising costs and foreign competition. The factory building was eventually demolished in 2002.
Description of the
Judd irons
- Design: The
Judd ankle irons
feature two locking ankle restraints connected by a metal chain, similar to standard handcuffs but larger and heavier. They were designed to restrict movement, allowing walking but preventing a person from running or kicking.
- Complex lock: What made the
Judd irons
unique was their “wildly inventive” locking mechanism. The lock used a special triangular-cut key, making it particularly difficult to pick or manipulate.
- Heavy construction: The restraints were made of solid, heavy metal, adding to their effectiveness as a deterrent.
Notoriety through Harry Houdini
- Signature use: The Judd ankle irons became infamous through their association with escape artist Harry Houdini. They were part of his collection of restraints and used in his high-profile escape acts. Houdini’s ability to free himself from these complex devices became a testament to his skill and cemented the Judd irons’ reputation as a serious challenge.
- Military instruction: Houdini’s connection to Mattatuck restraints went beyond his stage act. He reportedly used a similar set of Mattatuck handcuffs to teach American soldiers escape techniques during World War I. This practical application further highlighted the difficulty of the restraints.
- Cultural legacy: Due to their connection to Houdini, Judd irons are now prized collectibles for magicians and enthusiasts of escape artistry. A pair owned by Houdini was sold at auction, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, further confirming their historical significance.
