Early American Eagle Cuff Links. DeWitt GW-1789-43. Brass. Choice Very Fine. 15.3 mm x 10.1 mm (each face). Lovely light golden-brass faces with somewhat deeper patina in the recesses of the designs that contribute to superb eye appeal. Both original shanks are intact, as is what is almost certainly the original connecting link between them. A superb and very rare early American cuff link reminiscent of the commemorative George Washington inaugural buttons that are so prized by collectors. In fact, J. Doyle DeWitt, in whose collection these were held, cataloged them among the buttons he assigned to Washingtons first inauguration in 1789. The true intent of the design is probably broader than that specific event, but the motif points unmistakably to the early United States at a time when its survival was anything but assured. Adornments like these were intended to celebrate the early nation and to spread the ideals that both founded it and would hopefully carry it forward. We are aware of only a single additional example, that plated in the Sullivan-DeWitt reference on page 7. That one was sold in the May 2017 Heritage sale for $3,750. As the presently offered one was in DeWitts own collection, and the other was plated in the reference, these almost certainly comprise an original pair of cufflinks that got erroneously separated at some point. It is remarkable that either have survived, let alone as a pair that could be rejoined if one lucky buyer so desired! From Heritages sale of the J. Doyle DeWitt Collection, October 2022, part of lot 43204.
