HANDCUFFS = HIATT BEST = BRITISH = Vintage = Full working Order with the Screw-in Key!!!!!! WOW!!!!

Some Information on Handcuffs from the Web.

Introduction. The origins of Hiatt and Company Ltd. lie in the late eighteenth century, 1780, as stated in vintage and contemporary company advertisements. According to both the Hiatt and the American Hiatt-Thompson web pages, the company was begun by a "Mr. Hiat" with one T. Supposedly he set up shop in 1780 at 26 Masshouse Lane in Birmingham. "In the year 1780 when Birmingham, England was little more than a village, any passer-by walking down the well known thoroughfare called Masshouse Lane, might have stopped out of curiosity to look at a new sign which had recently gone up at Number 26.

This intimated that a certain Mr. Hiat was a maker of Prisoners' Handcuffs, Felons' Leg Irons and Gang Chains to the Trade."

 

A possible time line for major handcuff companies.

1. Thomas Griffin and Co. founded in late 18th century on Digbeth Street.
2. About 1815, Thomas Griffin takes on James Nichols as a partner, forming Griffin & Nichols
3. In the late 1820s, James Nichols assumes ownership of the company forming James Nichols & Co.
4. Early 1860s, T & A Longmore acquires the James Nichols company, but the Digbeth Street business closes after only a few years.
5. About 1818, Thomas Griffin Hiatt establishes new operation, first on Moor Street, but soon moves to Masshouse Lane.
6. In 1840s William John Hiatt assumes ownership of Hiatt & Co. Ltd.
7. Field & Parker founded in London in the 18th century. Becomes Hiatt's London agency, selling Hiatt cuffs under the Parker name.
8. In 1842 the company name changes to Parker, Field & Sons.
9. In 1877 company name changes to Field & Sons and goes out of business in 1883.
10. In 1830s William Froggatt Co. forms on Bordesley Street.
11. In the late 19th century Thomas Froggatt forms Thomas Froggatt and Co.
12. In 1937 Hiatt & Co. buys out Thomas Froggatt