CUFFLINK, WEST'S PATENT BACHELOR BUTTON
1870 - 1890Brass cufflink, known as a bachelor button
Cufflink has bevelled edge.
Detailed etching of bird on a branch, depicts water and reeds with cross hatching on top right hand side.
Spring mechanism attached to back of button, allowing the two halves of the cufflink to come away from one another.
A small shaft attaches to circular disk.
Maker's marks on rear of button is partly obscured by mechanism. What text is visible indicates this is a West's Patent button.
Could be worn as a cufflink or worn in the lapel of a button down shirt.
Details
Details
[-EST'S PATENT] [M]
In 1872 the useful items called solitaires (spring studs) were first patented by George West as 'Fasteners for Collars and Cuffs'.
The principle of the mechanism is of two winged projections which, when depressed, release their hold on a central shank so that the back and front are completely separate and can be easily put through various thickness of shirt and collar before being snapped firmly together.
https://www.retonthenet.co.uk/antique-silver-wests--co-patent-the-duchess-solitaire-bachelor-button-pin-brooch-george-west-2072-p.asp
