History – HANDCOP®

Handcuffs might seem like a relatively modern invention, but the need for restraining disorderly or dangerous subjects has existed since prehistoric times.

It is believed that early humans used strips of animal hide to bind the hands, which later evolved into the use of primitive rope made from twisted vines and reeds.

During the Bronze and Iron Ages, humans learned how to work with metals and were able to fashion more sophisticated, reusable handcuffs.

These early handcuffs featured locking mechanisms that were very basic by today’s standards, but were nevertheless a significant advancement for that period.

Historical records and literature from ancient Greek and Roman society contain numerous references to felons and prisoners of war being bound by “fetters,” “chains,” and “irons.” This represented yet another progression in restraining devices, as chains were heavy and cumbersome enough to make escape or flight extremely difficult.

One of the earliest literary allusions to handcuffs comes from Vergil, a Roman poet, in his description of the god Proteus’ captivity.

In those olden days there dwelt in the Carpathian Sea a wily old deity, known by the name of Proteus, possessing the gift of prophecy, the fruits of which he selfishly denied to mankind. Even if those who wished to consult him were fortunate enough to find him, all their efforts to force him to exert his prophetic powers were useless, for he was endowed with the ability to transform himself into all things. He eluded their grasp by becoming a flame of fire or a drop of water. There was one thing, however, against which all the miracles of Proteus were of no avail, and of this Aristaeus was aware. So Aristaeus came, as Vergil tells us, from a distant land to consult the famous prophet. He found him on the seashore among his seals, basking in the afternoon sun. Quick as thought, he fitted handcuffs on him, and all struggles and devices were now of no avail.

Such was the efficacy of handcuffs, even on the persons of immortal gods.

Having established this remote and honorable antiquity, we are not surprised by the appearance of handcuffs in the fourth century B.C., when soldiers of a conquering Greek army found among the baggage of the routed Carthaginians several chariots full of handcuffs. These had been held ready in confident anticipation of a great victory and a multitude of prisoners.

The Middle Ages saw the rise of manacles and shackles as the primary restraining devices of choice. Though these restraints exhibited more advanced workmanship than their predecessors, they were not adjustable, and prisoners with smaller wrists were often able to slip free and flee from their captors.

The most significant design breakthrough came in 1862, when an inventor named W. V. Adams patented the familiar ratcheting mechanism associated with modern police equipment. These ratchets were engaged by a small locking apparatus that allowed the cuffs to be adjusted to virtually any wrist size.

Today, law enforcement agencies approve the use of many different types of restraints. These include traditional chain-link handcuffs, hinged handcuffs, rigid handcuffs, disposable PlastiCuffs (also known as FlexiCuffs or zip ties), as well as leg and waist restraints used to control prisoners.