Elijah Rickard is credited as the first US manufacturer of handcuffs and restraints. The company was started by Michael Rickard a ‘Whitesmith’ who is credited for inventing the screw lock. For many years these were used by B&O Railroad as switch locks. The concept was eventually carried over to larger locks by his son Elijah in later years. Only 14 of his handcuffs, 5 Legirons and 1 neck collar are known to survive. Does anyone have any of his locks in their collection?
