Re: kum-a-part cuff links?

Posted By: cuffthis <TomH2401@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, 9 February 2005, at 5:10 a.m.

Lucy,

I saw your post and believe I can help you.

Not all snap cufflinks were manufactured the same. Most open by pulling them apart. However, during the heyday of snapper cufflinks in the 1920's, snapper manufacturers were receiving complaints from retailers that their customers were complaining about the snaps coming undone and the subsequent loss of one or more side of the cufflink.

In order to remedy this, manufacturers turned to other snap mechanisms. The first major change was the pull top, were a small tab was created on the top of one side. In order to open the cufflink, you have to pull on the top. If your pair is a pull top, you will see a raised piece on the top of one of the sides.

There are also snaps made with a mechanism called turn style. In order to open the snap, you have to push one side in and turn it 45 degrees. This causes the hole to enlarge, freeing the ball side.

Another manufacturer with a different mechanism is the Slip Grip brand. These cufflinks require that both sides be pushed in together in order to release the cufflinks. They open exactly the opposite of most snap pairs, where you have to pull them apart to open.

I have an extensive collection of men's jewelry catalogs from the 1900's -1930's where these types of cufflinks are displayed along with the original descriptions and advertising.

Today, the remaining snap cufflinks with these unusual closures are quite desirable to certain collectors. Like any collectible, rarity is a big consideration. These types of snaps are rare because not as many were manufactured and not many survive, as people don't realize they are not meant to be opened by pulling apart. They often are found with the unusual snap mechanism damaged or broken.

Please try and open your pair in by one of the methods I described above. I believe one of those ways will be the answer. When you open them, let us know the name of the manufacturer, which is often marked on the inside of the snaps.

If not, please post a picture of the cufflinks and I will try and help you identify the type of snap mechanism.

Regards,

Tom

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