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Eventually, with vacations and holidays, I’ll get
on track issuing these newsletters in the correct month. Oh well,
time is indeed elastic when there is not a set in stone deadline.
The Cuff Linker is a free monthly newsletter about cuff link
collecting. Our goal is to provide: Original articles about how to
enjoy both the collecting and wearing of cuff links, and; to supply
up to date information based on reliable sources. Our goal is:
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to provide original articles about how to
enjoy both the collecting and wearing of cuff links, and
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to supply up to date information based on
reliable sources.
This issue contains short articles on a couple
designs and one on the most common cuff link closure. Please
provide me with suggestions of makers that should be profiled in the
future as well as any types of cuff links you would like to see
examined. |
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Not the Gordian knot that Alexander solved with his sword! Rather,
one of the classiest cuff link style. Knots have been produced in
all materials and at all levels of quality. Knot cuff links come in
silk (you'll often see these mixed together in a beer glass at the
counter of a men’s store) base metal, silver, gold and even can be
jeweled.
Except, maybe, for an over-the-top white-tie affair, knot cuff links
can take you virtually everywhere that cuff links can be worn (not
advisable for the beach!)
They are a classic design with enough variety that you can still
decide which makes your statement for the day. |
... more ...
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Generally, knot cuff links have a bar connector
between a larger knot for the outside of the cuff and a smaller knot
for the inside. However, you can find American manufactured
gold-filled or base metal knots with a toggle back |
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... more ...
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The most often searched for knot cuff links are those
by Tiffany & Co. Tiffany produced many levels of knot cuff
links, small basic knots, larger more elaborate (certainly Gordian
in feel) knots They even produced ones that were bejeweled --
my favorites being the lapis ones designed by Jean Schlumberger,
which I prefer to the diamond ones. I guess I prefer to be the
dazzle and not the stone at my wrist! |
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| If you decide to wear
heart-shaped cuff links, maybe you can avoid wearing your heart on
your sleeve when vulnerable or you may wish to wear them to show
your vulnerability. The affairs of the heart are certainly not
limited as I can easily see when I walk by a store on 18th Street
here in Manhattan called “Heart Art.” It has all types of art,
paintings, sculptures and jewelry shaped like a heart, from cutouts
to too real for comfort. There is also a contemporary jewelry maker
who is known for his heart pins and I believe you can tell, based on
new designs, where he stand in 'matters of the heart!' |
| Based on these enamel heart-shaped cuff
buttons, wearing a heart as a cuff closures has been around
for a while: |
... more ...
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Whether its Valentine’s day, a special
occasion or the search for amore, heart cuff links can be the right
touch. |
... more ...
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| Wearing a heart on your cuff may even make it easier
to, as the Bubble Pop dual, The Cuff Links, sang in 1969 “put a
little love in your heart.” It can’t hurt. |
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This is the first Cuff Linker article devoted to a cuff
link closure. The United States Patent office shows 106
patents issued between the 1790s and 2003 for cuff holders.
Class 24 – Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, Etc – subclass 41.1
Cuff Holders.
A toggle closure may be defined as a mechanism with two
parallel bars, attached to the back of the cuff link with a
piece connected between the two bars that can rotate a full
360 degrees.
This type of closure was first mass-produced in America
commencing in the mid 1940s. Because of its ease of use, it
quickly became the most popular closure in the United States.
The only problem with this type of cuff link is the one side
of the cuff looks unfinished.
However, many cufflinks would be too large to put through
any buttonhole if they were made as a double-sided pair. I got
over that mindset. I find that toggles work for me
best, as my nature is a little more flamboyant than what can
be done with double-sided cuff links and most of my
"wearing" cuff links have a toggle closure. |
| The rotating piece may be flattened on one side, that
makes it slip through the buttonhole more easily... |
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... more ...
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| ...or a basic hollow rod, that is easier to produc: |
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... more ...
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I appear to still be running behind. Stay
tuned for the anniversary issue next month (actually, later this
month, hopefully). At this point I have no clue what will be
included, but I’ll try to do my best work for that issue. I will
also official announce plans to hold a cuff link convention in
August of 05, stay tuned.
I look forward to hearing from all those interested in cuff
links, especially those of you who might wish to provide articles
for The Cuff Linker. I’m looking for stories involving favorite
cuff links, wonderful cuff link stories and articles about cuff link
collecting areas.
The overall purpose of this newsletter is to keep bring to you a
few unusual cuff links, sometimes provide good information on makers
and issues and to help keep the fun in wearing and collecting cuff
links. (Who knows, I might even sell a pair or two). Please let me
know if there are particular makers or designs that you would like
to see featured in future issues. |
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For those interested in appearing correctly dressed (or at least
knowing what is considered correct), check out http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com
The webpage is done by Andy Gilchrist, a writer and photographer
that focuses on Men’s fashion. His quote from Mark Twain on the
front page says it all “Clothes makes the man. Naked people have
little or no influence on society.”
Also, even if you do not smoke Cigars, The Cigar Aficionado has
a fashion column that will speak of
cuff links. |
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? Question:
When did French Cuffs first become popular in America?
! Answer:
French (or double) cuffs were the natural continuation from the
attached cuffs. Additionally, the glamour and allure of double cuffs
was clear in the movies of the 1920’s and 1930’s and coverage of
the romance of Edward and Wallis. Whether you call them French cuffs
or double cuffs or Mousquetaires (Musketeers), if you wear a long
sleeve dress shirt, why not finish it off in style with cuff links
– which says so much more about you than a button.
? Question:
I have several pair of cuff links that are signed “Original by
Victor.” They appear South Western with a copper/silver/brass
look. Can you tell me anything about this maker?
! Answer:
Actually, no, while I’ve seen this signature, I do not have
any information on the maker. I’ve put this here in the hope that
one of the readers will have the answer. |
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Please e-mail comments to huck@tias.com.
While I still have not gotten to it yet, I will be updating my
website. I've got hundreds of pairs of cuff links to be added
(mostly in the collectible and costume areas) and not enough time to make
too many mistakes. Please let me know your thoughts on how my store or our mall can be adjusted to make
finding the type of cuff links that you are searching for easier and your
overall browsing experience more pleasurable!
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to forward this to a friend.
Paul G. Huck
email: 
Huck@Tias.com
website: http://captainhucksbooty.com |
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