Sweet pair of small oval silver fronted sprung solitaire cufflinks or bachelor button – Readings Patent – greek key motif

Reading’s Patent spring clip cufflinks. I’ve seen these descibed also as a bachelor buttons, but as they’re one piece I’m not sure if they’re better described as a solitaire. These have an unusual mechanism, and are stamped to the rear Reading’s Patent. I’ve seen plenty of Victorian ‘West’s Patent’ bachelor buttons, and believe these were a competitor of the same period (c. 1870 – 1890)

Press to release at a right angle as shown – one link was slightly stiffer than other but is loosening with use/repeated pressings!

Silver plated/fronted, but no hallmarks so just selling as white metal. They were almost black after a century of storage, so have just gently rubbed the fronts with a cloth and they look very nice! You could clean further if you wish.

Measure:
just under 3/4” high x just under 1/2” wide

Condition:
as above

Will send in modern gift box, as shown.