Ian McColl's new replica (top left), non-Bramah replica (top right), Ian sized his cuff by enlarging a picture of the cuffs from one of his Houdini books, and estimating the size of the opening for the wrists. His third version used a shorter key, very similar in looks to the original keys, with a custom built locking mechanism at the keyhole end of the barrel. His second version was similar, but used a long Bramah (UK) key to operate a Bramah mechanism also at the end of the barrel. One used a long thin key to reach the locking mechanism at the end of the barrel. Ian made 3 variants of his cuff, all made of nickel plated brass. Chris used a picture made by a friend of his who drew around the original cuffs when he had the opportunity to examine them.Ĭhris Gower replicas with cylinder key (left) and cabinet key (right). Sizing the cuffs has always been difficult, and the 3 of us have approached this in different ways. One was cast from aluminium and used a small cabinet type key, and the other was made from heavier cast bronze, and used a Yale type key and locking mechanism. There have been 3 people that I know of, who have built replica Mirror Cuffs, Ian McColl in Australia, Chris Gower from the UK, and also from the UK, myself, Master Locksmith Mick Hanzlik.Ĭhris built 2 versions of his cuff. This replica was made by British silversmiths Hamilton & Co, and was presented to Houdini after he beat the challenge set by the Daily Illustrated Mirror newspaper. Well, the best known replica is made of solid silver and is in the David Copperfield collection, along with the originals, in his private museum in Las Vegas. Recently on WILD ABOUT HARRY there has been quite a bit of interest in Houdini’s Mirror Handcuff Challenge in 1904, and the question I’d like to answer here, is “How many replica Mirror Cuffs have been made?”
Mick Hanzlik Mirror Handcuff replica with keys Today I'm honored to present a Guest Blog by Master Locksmith and Mirror Handcuff expert Mick Hanzlik.
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