The Value Linked To Cuff Links
Thousands of collectors see value in them beyond their ability to hold a shirt sleeve together. Saturday Early Show Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman, author of Trash or Treasure: Guide to Buyers, takes a look at vintage cuff links.
Collectors are discovering the fun of collecting cuff links. One reason is the seemingly endless variety of styles, shapes and designs produced in the last 150 years.
Values range from 50 cents a pair to $10,000 or more for pairs containing precious gems like the pair Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II gave to his gardener before abdicating in 1910.
Find out about other collectibles described by The Saturday Early Show's Tony Hyman in the Collectibles Archive or visit Tony Hyman's Web site. If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to sat@cbsnews.com with "What's It Worth?" in the subject line. Or write to "What's It Worth?" The Saturday Early Show, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019. |
Many collectors tend to specialize in cuff links from a particular era such as art deco, Victorian, or contemporary. Some prefer to concentrate on a theme like animals, sports or automobiles, while others look for novelty pairs incorporating watches, music boxes or other devices.
Links advertising products are valued by collectors, as are those commemorating events like a banquet, tournament or political campaign.
Lyndon Johnson collected cuff links, and often commissioned custom links. Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis are among many film stars who gave away cuff links to friends or to cast and crew members at the end of a film.
If you have an interesting pair in perfect condition you may be on your way to your own collection.
For more on collectible cuff links, Hyman recommends Gene Klompus. Gene is the president of the National Cuff Link Society and is happy to answer questions about cuff links at genek@cufflink.com. The society also offers free cuff link evaluations. Just send a photograph of your cuff links and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the society's headquarters at: P.O. Box 5700, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.