The Great Reno lived and performed in the Glory
Days of Escape Artists:
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"HANDCUFFS"
BY FRANK RENO June 1956
May I introduce myself. I am Frank Reno. I have in my possession one of the largest collections of Handcuffs, Leg Irons and Nippers in the world. It is my desire to help everyone interested in this line. Since the Houdini picture I have been asked to answer questions about the different types of Handcuffs that I think there must be many of you interested. |
I started in this game when Houdini was nearly at his
best which was around 1906. I was in the "Challenge Escape Racket" and
believe me there were many doing this act in those days. I met most of
them . In fact, when Harry Houdini was playing Keiths in Boston, I went
back to see him and we exchanged some effects. This was not easy to do
with Houdini. |
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Now about Handcuffs. There are over 300 different kinds to my knowledge. Of all,I think the "Peerless," made in Springfield is the best. There are 24 different makes on the same principle with the swinging bar, or revolving bar. It is interesting that the key to any one of these fit most of the others. Most of these same companies also make Leg Irons. Some, of course, are very poorly made and easy to pick. The Stratus Cuff is an example of this. |
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The other two cuffs that are illustrated are the Peerless and the Irish Figure 8 cuffs. The latter is also similar to the English Figure 8 cuff used by the British in the Boer War and still in use on the Kaffir Diamond Thieves in the mines of South Africa. In this introductory article I have only been able to mention a few of the Handcuffs. I am always looking for all kinds of Handcuffs, Leg Irons, And Nippers for my collection.I hope soon to put collection on exhibition to collect money and clothes for the poor children. If any of you have anything to donate, sell or trade, let me know. Until we meet again, May God Bless You All. - FRANK RENO |
HEAVILY
HANDCUFFED, SHACKLED, AND CHAINED QUINEBAUG RIVER JUMP JULY 4TH 1910
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THE GREAT RENO BRAVELY LEAPS!
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EXCELLENT TIMING BY PHOTOGRAPHER CATCHES RENO
WALKING ON WATER!
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RENO HITTING THE WATER W/ 3 HANDCUFFS ON
WRIST, LEG IRONS, AND CHAINS AROUND HIS NECK & ELBOWS. 7 SECONDS LATER
APPEARS W/ MANACLES IN HIS HANDS. THIS MAKES HIS 17TH RIVER JUMP.
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A FEW OF THESE PICS ARE ON OTHER PAGES. HERE
YOU CAN SEE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON : MAN IN BOAT/ MAN w/ TOPHAT & A
VERY LARGE CROWD.
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DRAWING AN AUTOMOBILE w/ HIS FRONT TEETH IN
1936.
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FRANK RENO by Seaver Rice~1976
It was over a year ago when I met Frank Renaud Jr. on the street and stopped to talk about his father, Frank Sr., who was one of the most talented men in show business. Billed in vaudville, circuses and carnivals as "RENO THE HANDCUFF KING" and a friend of the great Harry Houdini, he made a name for himself as an escape artist, performer on the Royal Rings, and in a hand to hand balancing act w/ Pete Lucier, and later w/ a one legged performer named David Spaulding. |
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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From
collection of grandson Marco
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Leo Renaud ©
Hosted with love by Desirée Renaud in memory of my dad Bert Renaud, my Uncle Leo and all the Renaud's.....