Peerless®
Handcuff Company was established in 1914 in Springfield,
Massachusetts. Over ninety years later, the classic swing
through design of the original Peerless® handcuff, continues
to be the industry standard.
The
company founder, James Milton Gill, was a businessman and
Police Commissioner for the City of Springfield. He was approached
by an inventor named George Carney.
Carney's
swing through handcuff invention would revolutionize the industry.
His innovative design was relatively light weight and easy
to carry. Unlike other restraint devices of the time, the
Carney design could be quickly applied with one hand. The
combination of the light weight and ease of use greatly increased
officer safety.
"Guardians
of the Law - Stop the Fracas without injury to yourself."
"SNAP!
As quick as a flash, with one hand, if you are equipped
with Peerless® handcuffs you can end the affray and easily
handle your man without further danger."
Early
Peerless® Handcuff Company marketing literature
Recognizing
the advantages, James Milton purchased the patent rights and
began selling the product under the Peerless® name. It quickly
became popular rendering other types of handcuffs obsolete.
Over time, and after the patent expired, the design was copied
by most other handcuff manufactures. The Carney design also
established the Peerless® Handcuff Company as a leading supplier
of high quality restraints, a reputation the company still
carries today.
Over
the years Peerless® made changes to the original handcuff
to take advantage of design improvements and manufacturing
advances but the basic swing through style has remained the
same. Until the late 1950's the standard Chain Link Handcuff
was the only product sold by Peerless®. In 1957 a 4.5 oz.
alloy handcuff was introduced but was discontinued after less
then 10,000 pairs were produced. It is now coveted by collectors.
The 4.5 oz. handcuff was replaced by the 7.0 oz. handcuff.
This cuff was a thinner version of the basic 10 oz. handcuff
and was manufactured from 1962 to 1982. In 1971 the Peerless®
Leg Iron was introduced. In the late 1970's David Sullivan
began talks with Peerless® to develop and market his patented
Hinged Handcuff design. The Peerless® Hinged Handcuff was
introduced in 1981 and became popular for its added restraint.
In 1981 Peerless® also introduced its first Waist Chains.
More
recently Peerless® introduced its high security handcuff which
was developed and patented by Alan Lurie. The design offers
an alternative to the typical handcuff lock. It incorporates
a MEDECO® high security lock, unique key plans and a registered
key control system. In August 2002 Peerless® changed to a
raised rivet assembly design on all products. The raised rivet
construction improves the strength and tamper resistant of
all rivet points.
The
new raised rivet Model 700 Chain Link Handcuff and the Model
801 Hinged Handcuff have been approved by the National Institute
of Justice as meeting NIJ Standard - 0307.01 for Metallic
Handcuffs. All Peerless® products are 100% made in the USA
and are backed up by the Peerless® Handcuff Company Lifetime
Warranty. Any product that is found to have a defect in material
or workmanship will be repaired or replaced at no charge.
Peerless®
products are sold through a well established dealer network.
No direct sales are made. Peerless® products are used by law
enforcement, corrections, security, and military personnel
across North America. Customers include local police and sheriff
departments, local jails and state correctional facilities,
as well as, federal agencies including the F.B.I., US Marshall
Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service and others.
Peerless® products are also used by law enforcement, corrections
and military agencies in countries around the world.
Now
in its fourth generation, Peerless® remains a family business
committed to producing the finest restraints available.
Peerless
handcuffs are an American made product, that’s served law
enforcement for over ninety years, with these fine products.
Peerless nickel chain link handcuffs, or penetrated finish
handcuffs, oversize handcuffs, hinged handcuffs high security
handcuffs with MEDECO locks, waist chain with handcuffs, leg
irons and handcuff keys. All peerless handcuffs are guaranteed
for a life time. The Highest Quality Handcuffs!
