In 1818 Thomas Griffin Hiatt appears in the Wrightson Directory for the first time as a manufacturer of felon's irons and gate locks, located on Moor St. in Birmingham. Some time in the next few years Hiatt moved around the corner to 26 Masshouse Lane, where he is located in the next edition of the Wrightson's Birmingham directory as a manufacturer of felon's irons, gate lock, handcuffs, horse and dog collars. The Hiatt Company remained at the 26 Masshouse Lane address until the premises were destroyed by the World War II German bombing in 1941. HIATT were suppliers to the Police and their items were considered to be of excellent quality. A clue to Hiatt's earliest years may be found in his full name, Thomas Griffin Hiatt. There must be a relationship between Hiatt and Thomas Griffin and Co. on Digbeth Street. Perhaps Thomas Griffin was Hiatt's grandfather and taught Hiatt the trade. According to an entry in Alex Nichols' book, examples of cuffs marked Hiatt and Griffin exist. Such cuffs may predate the independent Hiatt operation and represent work done by Thomas Griffin Hiatt working with Thomas Griffin and Co. The independent Hiatt Company prospered. By 1845 William John Hiatt was running the company and in 1858 the Dix Birmingham Directory contained this listing. "Hiatt William John, (successor to the late Thos. Griffin Hiatt) handcuff manufacr to Her Majesty's Honorable Board of Ordanace and original manufacturer of all kinds of police and other handcuffs, police leg, and, travelling irons, police staves, sabers, pistols rattles, and lanterns, 16 Masshouseln; Moseley rd. Balsallheath"
Portovrij? In NL boven € 200,-