Cuff Link
Description
Small octagonal cuff link, gold colour with metal loop to put through shirt cuff. Slightly patterned around inner edge but otherwise plain. Edge missing from one section.
This is an eighteenth century cufflink, which would have been known as ‘linked buttons, sleeve buttons or sleeve links’ during that period of time. This octagonal shaped cufflink is quite decorative which suggests that it would have been worn by an officer. Often the cufflinks would have been personalised through the motif which could have depicted anything from hobbies, to occupation, or political interest. This personalisation could in turn reflect the identity, rank, gender and wealth of the wearer. In this sense the cufflink is a form of personal adornment representing individual interests along with the class of any one person. In relation to class, from 1748 to 1767 in the Royal Navy the general rule was that ‘the more buttons and gold facing a person wore, the higher was their rank and position.’ Cufflinks tend to be associated with attire that aims to show high status, high income or a ‘dressy’ look. They are (and were) primarily marketed to adult men.
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Object Detail
Width: 18mm
Depth: 2mm (1/16")