GOLD Cufflinks??

[testing123]

Update in today's post: solid 18k!

Got out to a new spot today. Shortly into the hunt got a set of cufflinks. They were gold colored but couldn't tell much then and there. Packed them up and kept hunting. Also got a sterling bracelet (about 21 grams) and a small sterling ring.

Got home and cleaned the cufflinks. There are no markings but I don't see any flaking or any indications they are plated. Weight is 5 grams exactly. There is a scrape on the back, and it's gold colored all the way through.

Can anyone estimate age of them? I will get them tested as soon as I can, but I'm thinking maybe 14k?

HH all!

 

[UnderMiner]

Colonial, maybe an officer or a plantation owner fell off his horse, whatever the case he wasn't happy the day he lost em'
Or quite possibly they were lost much later as the cut indicates they were acquired by a second owner and tested with a knife to check gold quality.

 

[OWK]

Nearly all the 18th century silver cufflinks that you see on T-Net are octagonal in shape. The round to oval shapes were used into the 19th century and beyond.

Not really sure I agree with this assessment.

I have seen countless examples of 18th century oval cufflinks. Plenty even here on TNet. (although you are correct in saying that most are hexagonal or octagonal.)

What does support the 19th century case, is the connecting chain. Earlier links tend to be connected by a single link, like a slider bar. (although I have seen link chains in earlier pieces, just not as often)

But what supports the earlier case, is the character and quality of the bright cut on the decorated faces. The engraving is exceptionally fine, but still obviously hand work. This level of detail on a piece after 1850 would probably have been engine turned.

And then we have the fact that the links have no marks. If they were British, they would have makers and assay marks. The fact that they don't means that they are probably American. Few early American Goldsmiths and Silversmiths have this kind of engraving talent. Nearly all were in large cities.

Perhaps knowing where they were found would be helpful.

All things considered, this is an interesting puzzle.

 

[Silver Tree Chaser]

Not really sure I agree with this assessment.

I have seen countless examples of 18th century oval cufflinks. Plenty even here on TNet. (although you are correct in saying that most are hexagonal or octagonal.)

Just to clarify - I was referring specifically to the better-quality (silver & gold cufflinks) of the 18th century. There was other shapes in use during this period, but they are seen with brass specimens. The silver examples (usually with a Tudor Rose) tend to be octagonal. The 18th - 19th century determination of the find doesn't impact its quality - it's an awesome find. It will be interesting to get the results from the jeweler after its tested.

 

[testing123]

Not really sure I agree with this assessment.

I have seen countless examples of 18th century oval cufflinks. Plenty even here on TNet. (although you are correct in saying that most are hexagonal or octagonal.)

What does support the 19th century case, is the connecting chain. Earlier links tend to be connected by a single link, like a slider bar. (although I have seen link chains in earlier pieces, just not as often)

But what supports the earlier case, is the character and quality of the bright cut on the decorated faces. The engraving is exceptionally fine, but still obviously hand work. This level of detail on a piece after 1850 would probably have been engine turned.

And then we have the fact that the links have no marks. If they were British, they would have makers and assay marks. The fact that they don't means that they are probably American. Few early American Goldsmiths and Silversmiths have this kind of engraving talent. Nearly all were in large cities.

Perhaps knowing where they were found would be helpful.

All things considered, this is an interesting puzzle.

Thanks everyone for your comments! Some interesting discussion going on regarding possible age. My only knowledge about cufflinks have come from watching member finds here. Like others have mentioned, I too thought 18th century ones generally were square-ish with one longer link holding the two together. And Silver Tree Chaser has found a few "newer" ones with similar links and roughly similar designs, although these may look a little older.

 

[testing123]

For kicks, here's a group shot:

 

[pepperj]

Now the sterling bracelet is very nice! Got a shot of the other side as it looks like it has some age to it as well.

 

[Zomotion]

An amazing find and banner worthy. The detail is spectacular!

 

[Patriot Relics]

Stunning find testing, the workmanship is just outstanding. As others have mentioned, if a streak test can confirm 22k or higher it's potentially a late 18th century piece. The chain and oval shape does however lend itself to a mid 19th cuff set. Regardless of the date, it certainly does not diminish this incredibly rare find. Big congrats

 

[CoinandRelicMan]

That cufflinks a really spectacular gold find ! ! ! And it certainly should be up on the banner too imo ! If it were mine there would be no more scraping done as this might lower value. I've seen mention of spectral testers in postings where, this piece is certainly worth preserving imo. It has more than just scrap metal value....

Sent from my XT830C using Tapatalk

 

[CRUSADER]

As far as the debate on age, I would place them mid-late 19th C

 

[testing123]

That cufflinks a really spectacular gold find ! ! ! And it certainly should be up on the banner too imo ! If it were mine there would be no more scraping done as this might lower value. I've seen mention of spectral testers in postings where, this piece is certainly worth preserving imo. It has more than just scrap metal value....

Sent from my XT830C using Tapatalk

Thanks for the input and comments everyone! And thanks for the possible couple of banner mentions.

The scrape was there when I found the piece. I don't know if I nicked it, or if it was a period test scrape. Do you guys think it's worth having buffed out? Or just leave it as is? It doesn't look too deep.

Thanks for the thoughts Cru!

I will try to get it tested tomorrow to get a karat reading.

 

[CRUSADER]

Thanks for the input and comments everyone! And thanks for the possible couple of banner mentions.

The scrape was there when I found the piece. I don't know if I nicked it, or if it was a period test scrape. Do you guys think it's worth having buffed out? Or just leave it as is? It doesn't look too deep.

Thanks for the thoughts Cru!

I will try to get it tested tomorrow to get a karat reading.

Its going to be at least 18-22 on the test, as for the stratch thats up to you.

 

[DFW_THer]

Bumped and nominated banner. These are too pretty not to make it up top. Gold cufflinks are more seldom seen than gold coinage, and these are gorgeous.

 

[testing123]

I just keep looking at them. Still in disbelief. Never really thought something like this would get under my coil.

The one jeweler nearby who can test was closed today, so I'll be taking it tomorrow to get the karat. Will reply tomorrow afternoon!

 

[Argentium]

I too would guess .900 fine gold - consistent with the gold coinage circulating at the time (and from which I believe they were made )
Why bother with the scratch on the back ? It's not like it's a ghastly eyesore or something is it ?

 

[stewielouie]

Nice cuff links what ever era they came from. Those just dont pop out of the ground everyday!!!

 

[testing123]

I too would guess .900 fine gold - consistent with the gold coinage circulating at the time (and from which I believe they were made )
Why bother with the scratch on the back ? It's not like it's a ghastly eyesore or something is it ?

It's more of an OCD thing than anything. It's really not that bad at all. Since it's on the back it's not terrible. Guess while I'm there I can ask what the jeweler thinks about it. I'm probably making a mountain out of a mole hill, eh?

 

[CoinandRelicMan]

It's more of an OCD thing than anything. It's really not that bad at all. Since it's on the back it's not terrible. Guess while I'm there I can ask what the jeweler thinks about it. I'm probably making a mountain out of a mole hill, eh?

They would have to remove some gold to even out the scratch resulting in less weight..

Sent from my XT830C using Tapatalk

 

[testing123]

Ugh, the place was closed when I got there. Tomorrow is the day!

And Coinandrelicman... you're right. It will reduce its weight. Will probably end up keeping it as-is with the scratch. No need to get worked up over it!

 

[Gridwalker306]

Holy hell those are gorgeous cufflinks! As for the scratch, it's part of the history of the item, I'd leave it as-is if they were mine.