Later & Sons Art Nouveau Cufflinks

Larter & Sons Art Nouveau cufflink, circa 1900.

Larter & Sons created cufflinks and other gentleman's jewelry during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century. They were a prolific maker. Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks to less expensive, but well made, links and dress sets crafted in base metal. As with their equally prolific competitor Krementz & Co., the longevity of Larter & Sons was in large part attributable to the firm's prescience in adapting to changing fashion and economic conditions.

The brief efflorescence of the Art Nouveau style in the early 1900s was one such fashion change. Although Larter & Sons was not a major proponent of the new style, the firm created a small, but noteworthy, collection of bean-back cufflinks in the Art Nouveau taste. These cufflinks are admired for their richly detailed, graphic quality and subtle, somewhat restrained use of the Art Nouveau idiom.

The leonine cufflinks pictured at the top of this post are a wonderful example with whiplash curves and tight scrolls flowing through the jungle vines and lion's tail. Below are several more of the Art Nouveau cufflinks created by Larter & Sons.

Larter "Flowing Grape Vine" cufflinks, circa 1900.

Nature was an important source of inspiration for Art Nouveau designers. Grape vines with their sinuous, entwining tendrils and large, lobed leaves were a natural (bad pun intended) theme. Note the manner in which the grape vine forms the border of the cufflink. Decorated, flowing borders that are an integral part of the overall design are characteristic of the Art Nouveau cufflinks created by Larter, Krementz and other makers.

Larter "Good Luck" cufflinks, circa 1900.

This final Larter cufflink abounds with symbols of good fortune - a jumbled mélange of a horseshoe, wishbone and four-leaf-clover. The twisting stem of the clover flows organically into the curving border. The wishbone is partially hidden by the horseshoe and almost disappears where it meets the scrolling border. One of the delights of Larter Art Nouveau cufflinks is that they are richly detailed. Each time you closely examine one, you see something that you missed before.

Fine cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other notable makers
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include a striking pair of carnelian cufflinks by Wm. Huger, dramatic Art Deco cufflinks with diamonds and Greek key borders, foggy white chalcedony cufflinks from Sansbury & Nellis and, just in time for St. Patrick's Day, lucky cuff buttons with horseshoes, wish bones and four-leaf clovers.

Elegant Carnelian  Alluring, sultry red carnelians set in bright yellow gold.  The pairing of carnelian and yellow gold reflects the bold colors and contrasts favored during the Art Deco era.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

Greek Drama  Dramatic, bold Art Deco cufflinks with Greek key borders.  One side is set with a sparkling diamond, the other features a radiant starburst motif. Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

Art Deco White  Translucent, foggy white chalcedonies set in rose gold.  A nice example of the striking white jewels of the late Art Deco period.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1930.    Cost:  $825

Feeling Lucky  A four-leaf clover, lucky horseshoe and wishbone assure the wearer of these Art Nouveau cufflinks the best of good fortune.  Created by Larter & Sons in 14kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  Sold

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a bemused monkey contemplating a pearl.

The Philosopher  A monkey contemplates a small pearl while nonchalantly scratching his back.  The Victorians loved jewels with hidden messages and secret meanings.  This beautifully sculpted stickpin offers a lesson in humility.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.
Cost:  Sold

These and other fine jewels can be found in
the Antique and Estate Jewelry Galleries