Vintage cufflinks Swank Thespian actor tragedy order comedy gold on shield 1950s rockabilly mad men offered by Vintage Men's Swag HF-1

Date, estimate or known: c. 1960

Description: This super cool vintage set of Swank cufflinks are comprised of a black glass or onyz shield, decorated with a Baroque-style 'trophy' like found in the 17th and 18th century. The trophy is made up of a 'comedy' laughing man mask along with ribbons, swords, and leaves. It is a very classical design, and very attractive! This set is perfect for semi-formal to even formal occasions! Beautiful and rarely seen. These are seen in a ad dating to 1959, as seen in the pictures. Swank halmark on each piece.

Collectability: 7-8 of 10

Rarity: 7-8 of 10

Metal color: gold tone

Condition: Very Good

Metal composition: unknown, plated

Stone or decorative addition composition: Probably glass, maybe onyx

Frame type: toggle, thick shaft.

Brand information: Swank
The “King” of brands in the vintage men's costume jewelry game, Swank has a long history as well as high name recognition. The company begain as Atteboro Manufacturing Company in Attleboro, MA in 1897, by Samuel Stone and Maurice Baer, making women's jewelry. Men's jewelry was added in 1908, and during World War I the company produced dog tags in support of the war effort. Swank's first line of men's cufflinks were a unique design called “kum-a-part”, and are a stong collectable today. More cufflink styles were added in the 1920s as the wearing of cufflinks returned to popularity, and in that decade the name “Swank” was first used in advertising. The company itself became “Swank Products Inc” in 1938 and in 1941 the name was simplified again to “Swank Inc.” In the 1950s the men's accessory market exploded and would grow continually into the 1960s, with Swank riding the wave of order popularity. Leather goods and other men's accessories were added in that decade as well. In the 1960s, during the height of popularity of cufflinks and tie accessories, the company produced over 12 million pairs a year, at an average cost of around $2.50 a pair. The popularity of the brand was driven by the high number of very unique styles produced, from very traditional to very artistic and modern. Swank men's pendants and chains, as well as other items, are also moderately common on the market. That variety continues to drive the demand for vintage Swank pieces in the collectables market today.


Frame Types: toggle, (thick shaft or flat shaft), whale back, button back, bean back, bridge back, chain, spool, barbell, yoyo, shirt button, spring shirt button
CONDITION GUIDE FOR MY DESCRIPTIONS: Perfect/New/Mint in Box: The item and or piece of jewelry has no visible flaws and no signs of wear or use. Excellent: The item and or piece of jewelry has evidence of wear. Very Good: The item and or piece of jewelry has small flaws that are not usually noticeable during wear. These flaws could include light scratches on the surfaces of imitation pearls, light scuffs on rhinestones, or light marks on the metal's finish. Good: The item and or piece of jewelry is completely wearable with working hardware. However, the rhinestones may be yellowing or beginning to turn gray (dark spots are visible looking into the stone). Wear may be more visible, and there may be light chipping. Fair/Poor: The item and or piece of jewelry has visible damage that may include dark stones, missing stones, or broken parts. This item should be considered for repair or restoration purposes only.
OTHER NOTES ON LISTING:
The rankings for collectability, rarity, and condition are based on my personal experience and opinions, and are not to be implied a representation of future value or of resale value