Cufflinks English Victorian Essex Crystal

About the Item

Carved crystal cabochons are painted on the reverse to portray two little black and white terriers. Perhaps the only thing more wonderful in the world than a pair of carved crystal cufflinks from England depicting man's best friend is a pair of carved crystal cufflinks from England depicting man's best friend in a beastly mood. Which is why I laugh every time I look at these cufflinks. From a distance, they're quite sophisticated. Perfectly appropriate for a weekend at Balmoral, should you ever receive an invitation. Only upon closer inspection can you see the tiny little frowns on each dog's face. In addition, the eyes look wide open in shock or alarm, as if the food bowl has inexplicably levitated from the floor and is now hovering above the refrigerator, entirely out of reach. The crystals have a diameter of approximately 15.66 mm and the gold toggles 25.64 mm long by 5.96 mm at their widest point, so these cufflinks should fit a range of different-sized holes. I live with three dogs myself so I am admittedly biased, but these antique English cufflinks are, I think, maybe the greatest pair of cufflinks ever created. They even come in their original box. Made near 1860, the cufflinks are hallmarked "WJH." The 18K metal fineness mark and other assay marks are less legible. The fact that these cufflinks have remained with their original and quite clever (you'll see when you remove the 'links) case is surely one of the reasons they are in such fine condition. I have passed on so many pairs of canine and equestrian-themed Essex crystal cufflinks because the crystals are so often scratched or chipped. Which makes sense: guys (and women) have always appreciated cufflinks with a wink about them so it's not surprising that cufflinks depicting hunting dogs and beloved horses got a lot of wear. This pair is probably as minty as you are going to find for something 160-years old. Just try keeping a stiff upper lip when you glance down at your sleeve and see these puppies frowning at you.

Creator:

William J. Holmes

Stone:

Crystal

Stone Cut:

Cabochon

Style:

Victorian

Place of Origin:

United Kingdom

Period:

1860-1869

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1860

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful antique condition with no signs of damage or repair. Original leather and felt box in reasonably good condition.

Seller Location:

Southbury, CT

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU158918660941

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