Latest acquisitions thread

[Doc Sharptail]

I'm still not able to post large images - any advice with that will be sincerely appreciated. SW

Fetch in the image tags may be the issue.
Tried them before, and found their sizing requirements to be on the tiny side.

I've found that using one (Just one!) source for image hosting works best, with a minimum of confusion. I also avoid b/b based image hosting for a lot of reasons, including browser compatibility, and more importantly, security.
Imgur works well for me and my soon to be defunct Win 10.

-D.S.

[5thDragoons]

not sure on the pics, have not tried lately,

wondering if there will be Tariff's involved on your purchase

hearing rumbles of slow shipping from overseas (this was before the shutdown) and extra costs and confusion

I doubt tariffs will be involved - possibly customs fees. But last I knew, fees were only involved with items costing over $800 - which this did not. The root cause with mail is some squabble with the EU vs Trump. He gets that a lot. But I won't be surprised to get a notice I need to send $. I'll post if that happens. SW

[5thDragoons]

I collected Marlin firearms for a lot of years. I belonged to the Marlin Firearms Collector's Assn - Doc and I also participated at the Marlin factory's site. It didn't last long, though. Between trolls and idiots posting handloads for 45-70 that would quickly make your 1895 a pipe bomb, they closed it. At the time, I always wanted a pair of Marlin handcuffs, but they were as scarce as honest politicians - still very uncommon. Spotted a pair on Gunborker and dropped a bid. Would have gone a bit more but forgot about it while watching football. Got the bid, I did!

Now to find my Marlin book and see about production numbers. SW

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[Allen]

I been noticing the old handculfs on old westerns such as Gunsmoke. I'm not aware of all the diff manufactures though.

If I were younger this is something (else) I would get into.

Good find.

[5thDragoons]

Found my Marlin book and looked them up. Not that many made. Brophy shows production from 1885 to 1888 - then from 1911 to 1915. He also shows LA PD was a big buyer of them. No doubt cuffs so marked would bring a big premium.

Three types were made: the 2 cuff variety shown (most common) 2 cuff with swivel in the chain links and a 3 cuff type so you could handcuff a crook and attach him to a water pipe or other non-movable object. These are scarce enough, I doubt I'll ever see another set for sale. I did notice a different type at auction on Gunborker, but I don't actually collect cuffs. SW

[Doc Sharptail]

I collected Marlin firearms for a lot of years. I belonged to the Marlin Firearms Collector's Assn - Doc and I also participated at the Marlin factory's site. It didn't last long, though. Between trolls and idiots posting handloads for 45-70 that would quickly make your 1895 a pipe bomb, they closed it. At the time, I always wanted a pair of Marlin handcuffs, but they were as scarce as honest politicians - still very uncommon. Spotted a pair on Gunborker and dropped a bid. Would have gone a bit more but forgot about it while watching football. Got the bid, I did!

Now to find my Marlin book and see about production numbers. SW

That key almost looks like a waterhouse key~ a bit harder to pick than a single toother.
The through-loop style cuffs were still being used for prisoner transport here until the late 60's.
They are probably as well made and machined as the old rifles were.

I still have the old '54 39-A that got me into it all. I should probably get it out for a shoot sometime- I've got a few shorts around here that need to be lit up before they deteriorate too far.
They've been in the ammo box for almost 35 years, which is about as long as I've been pals with Hogger.
That old rifle is a real machinist's work of art!

As for the old sites- I don't know anymore. I think the old MFCA page is gone now.
Marlin Owner's has gone the same uncomfortable route as RFC. MM-93 is still posting on M/O.
I can no longer access the site as a user, and the process for re-instatement is long and convoluted.

Edit to add:

I've got a few new to me Nikon mount lenses that I should post up here sometime~ either here, or in the photography thread.

-D.S.

[5thDragoons]

Got the Marlin handcuffs just now! Looking the key over, it would be a tough one to pick! The key rather "twists" in to unlock. SW

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[Doc Sharptail]

That looks interesting!
Finish almost looks like Parkerizing from here (although it could be the lighting)
Highly polished in the usual Marlin manner, what ever the finish is.
Maybe for military police duty?

-D.S.

[Allen]

Other than natural aging they look like they've never been used.

[5thDragoons]

According to the Brophy book a big chunk of their handcuff production went to LA Pd. Other than that, I'd think most went to small agencies. The number produced isn't mentioned, but I'm guessing it was only a few thousand. I can say this is the only set I've ever seen offered for sale. Same seller has a number of other vintage handcuffs for sale, but I won't be bidding.

The finish is indeed nickel - I struggle photographing plated objects.

[Doc Sharptail]

Unbranded aluminum scales pocket multi-tool. From a pawnshop for ten bucks, and it looks un-used. Knife and saw blades are very sharp. Dunno about the fish scaler. I have another knife blade from a busted U.S. made Gerber multi-tool that may fit as a replacement for the scaler that I would most definitely use.
Bought it back in July and never thought to post it up here. Gave the Leatherman I normally carry in the day camera bag to a friend that's been very good to us.

-D.S.

[5thDragoons]

The German 1937 "Bahnschutz leader" RR dagger finally arrived! Got it from a German auction site last October. Railway protection police in charge of keeping the rails and train stations secure. Maybe a viable job in towns, but partisans really raised heck out in the sticks. In any case, they're quite uncommon, and I was happy to get it. SW

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[Allen]

A former co-worker showed me a picture of a Nazi SS officer dagger that his father had brought back as a souvenir. I think the co-worker was expecting me to make some insulting low ball offer. I didn't, but did suggest he keep it because the value was high enough to where they were being reproduced.

Best I remember it was short and fancy.

[5thDragoons]

You have to be VERY careful collecting daggers like that - fakes abound! Even the folding bayonets for Italian M38 short rifles are being faked by an outfit in Pakistan. On the IMA-USA Saturday lineup, there's a "genuine, original" SS marked blanket for $1000... and some advanced blanket collector grabbed it already! Caveat emptor, and then some! SW

[Allen]

This particular co-worker's Dad had served in WW2 and brought this dagger back. The father had also purchased an M1 carbine from the DCM in 1961. He still has the box it came in along with a receipt showing where he paid $25 for it.

The story behind the dagger and whether or not he personally killed and took it off of an officer or traded a carton of cigarette for it, I donno.