Original WWII Dutch police handcuffs manufactured by Lips in Dordrecht

Original WWII Dutch police handcuffs manufactured by Lips in Dordrecht.These handcuffs date from the Second World War and are a rare example of Dutch police equipment.The item clearly bears the Lips hallmark, a well-known Dutch manufacturer of locks and security hardware.The handcuffs feature a solid construction with visible signs of use and age-related patina.During the war years, Lips received orders for large quantities of handcuffs for the Dutch police.According to resistance newspapers and broadcasts from Radio Oranje from England in February 1945, Lips was accused of collaborating with German forces due to an order of approximately 60,000 handcuffs.Later investigations proved this accusation false, as the original order came from the Dutch police in 1942 for 10,000 units.As German influence increased, Lips deliberately slowed production and ultimately limited delivery to around 500 pieces.The handcuffs were used by the Dutch police for the transport of prisoners, including political detainees to camps and prisons.This example represents a tangible historical artifact from a complex and sensitive period in Dutch history.Article number 18790