Created by
Hiatt & Co. Ltd., British, founded 1780
Date
2000s
Medium
nickel
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 7/8 × 1 × 1/16 in. (4.7 × 2.5 × 0.2 cm)
Diameter: 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Caption
Produced by one of the oldest, most prolific producers of iron restraints, Hiatt and Company, these contemporary cuffs materialize a deep connection between racial slavery, the carceral state, and militarization. Established in Birmingham England, in 1780, Hiatt and Company supplied slave traders across the Atlantic with handcuffs, collars, and chains well into the 19th century—long after the abolition of slavery in Britain and the United States. Two centuries after its founding, Hiatt became the first British company to introduce the rigid cuff design seen here and now used worldwide by police and militaries.
Description
One (1) small nickel key for the locking mechanism of the rigid speed handcuffs, "Model 2103 Speedcuff," manufactured by Hiatt & Co. Ltd. (NMAAHC 2024.23.1.1). This is one of a two-key set and features an open ring base with a small straight end and straight front length with notched key.
Place made
Birmingham, England, Europe
Classification
Weapons and Ammunition
Type
keys (hardware)
handcuffs
Topic
Law
Prisons
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2024.23.1.3
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57dae5215-e34e-4337-825d-6e56448b5ff6

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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