9k Gold Sealyham Terrier Cufflinks

A solid nine carat cufflinks in the form of a classic rectangle with a pair of hand painted portraits of a Sealyham Terrier. These are spectacular miniature hand painted marvels framed on a rectangle panel. On each side of the cufflinks is a panel with a hand painted miniature portrait painted to a very high level. The detail and attention paid make each side a miniature masterpiece. They look beautiful on the cuff, and are suitable for all occasions. If you love the breed, there can be no better piece This pair is quite unusual in their design with each cufflink having one painted panel, and one hobnail engine turned panel. This enginge turned side was designed to be worn on the inside of the shirt cuff. Rather than being left plain, this beautiful textured finish has been applied. The Sealyham Terrier is one of Britain’s most distinctive and historically significant terrier breeds. Developed in the mid-19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealy Ham, his estate in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the breed was created to hunt otters, badgers, and other small game. Edwardes spent decades refining the ideal working terrier, selecting for courage, intelligence, and a compact, powerful build capable of navigating dense undergrowth and rocky terrain. Unlike many terriers bred solely for utility, the Sealyham quickly found favor among the British upper classes. By the early 20th century the breed had become a fixture in country houses, on shooting estates, and among fashionable society. Its distinctive white coat was intentionally developed so the dog could be easily distinguished from quarry during the hunt, while its robust frame and confident temperament made it equally suited to life as a companion. Today, the Sealyham Terrier remains one of the rarest native British breeds. Celebrated for its charm, loyalty, and unmistakable appearance, it occupies a unique place in both canine and social history. Its image frequently appears in jewelry, sporting art, and decorative objects, where it serves as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Britain’s sporting traditions and its love of dogs. They are signed on each panel with a full set of English assay marks and are made in solid nine carat gold, and stamped "375 9". The maker and year marks have sadly been rubbed away over the course of time, and are no longer legible. The condition overall is very good. There is a scratch to one of the panels. However, it does not affect the paint, it is merely to the top clear coat of the vitreous enamel. Made in England, circa 1930's