This is the Dollar handcuff. It is an Italian handcuff that was also used by Germany and Austria, in the shape of a dollar sign. I cannot know which country specifically used this particular example. Quite rare.
It is a rigid handcuff where a single closing action simultaneously secures both wrist apertures at the same time. Very interesting design.
My pair had it's internal locking mechanism gutted so a another better quality cuff could be made to be properly and fully functional. I did a small trade to acquire this as almost "scrap metal" with "minor functionality". I was expecting a cool paperweight, but I was very happily surprised that the basic mechanism to close the cuff, hold it closed and also selectively open the cuff was intact. It has no locking mechanism, so while it can close and stay closed, my pair is incapable of LOCKING closed, you'll see what I mean in the video.
The inventors added a rather nifty feature that authorities could securely attach a chain to the cuff, that when properly locked, would provide either the ability to hold on to the person to stop them running away (a lead chain) or attach them to a fixed location to prevent running away. Quite ingenious design I think.
These are quite rare and I am happy to have one even in this condition. Not sure how widespread their use would have been during WW2 but I imagine this model of cuff saw use.
I demonstrate them with my on-person demo while wearing some bright and plain Khaki US prison clothing so that the cuffs show up better. Normally I wear a lot of black or camo trousers and black shirt so cuffs don't show up that well. So having a plain and brighter background helps. Plus contextually it is more applicable.
Enjoy!
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