The design of the Hamburg 8 made it a favorite of famous escape artists, most notably Harry Houdini. While the original design was secure, its unique mechanics also made it susceptible to being “gaffed” or modified for a quick release.
Handcuffs and Restraints
Vintage Hamburg 8 German Folding Handcuffs
$385.00
The Vintage Hamburg 8: A German Classic of Restraint and Escape
The Vintage Hamburg 8 German Folding Handcuff is a fascinating piece of law enforcement and magic history. Known for its unique folding design and clever locking mechanism, it’s a popular item among collectors of historical restraints and escape artists alike.
History and Design
The original Hamburg 8 handcuffs were manufactured by the Kayser Company in Germany in the early 20th century. Their design was a notable departure from the more common chain-linked or rigid handcuffs of the time. They are often referred to as “figure 8” cuffs due to their shape when unfolded.
The key feature of the Hamburg 8 is its folding mechanism. When folded flat, the handcuffs can be opened without a key. This made them very convenient for police use, as they could be easily folded and stored. However, once the cuffs were unfolded and the bows were pressed down, they would lock securely in place. To unlock them, a key had to be inserted into the keyhole to push a bolt out of the way.
The Magic Connection
The design of the Hamburg 8 made it a favorite of famous escape artists, most notably Harry Houdini. While the original design was secure, its unique mechanics also made it susceptible to being “gaffed” or modified for a quick release. A second, hidden notch could be created that would allow the cuffs to be opened even when they were not folded flat, as long as the wearer’s hands were held very close together. This allowed for a seemingly impossible escape, as the audience would not be aware of the secret release mechanism.
Availability: In stock
