Late 19th Century Pair of Victorian George Shiebler Sterling Silver Homeric Cufflinks

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In the 1860’s and 1870’s, neoclassicism had a resurgence. In American silver, classical images of Greek gods, goddesses, and warriors … Read more In the 1860’s and 1870’s, neoclassicism had a resurgence. In American silver, classical images of Greek gods, goddesses, and warriors were portrayed on medallions to resemble coins and currency. Every American silver company had their own medallion pattern that would be used to embellish their silver flatware and hollowware, as well as jewelry items. Among them, George Shiebler’s work was considered to be the most refined and sought after.

These sterling silver cufflinks feature the profiles of a god and goddess, perhaps Zeus and Helen of Troy, on round medallions. Shiebler, a master of his craft, demonstrates an excellent use of silver stippling and patina; knowing how the silver would tarnish, Shiebler wisely exploits this to create a graphic, hand-drawn look that is actually patina. The cufflinks make a beautiful pair, but could also be worn through a shirt or jacket button for a brooch-like look.

George Shiebler was a New York silver jewelry and wares designer in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Much of his collection was described as looking “as though it had been unearthed at Pompeii and Herculanaeum”. His archeological medallion pendants were re-introduced in the 1880’s and influential in the jewelry industry—in keeping with popular motifs such as bugs, leaves, and sea life that appeared in jewelry as if it had just been “found” in nature.

Each cufflink measures 1” across, with a depth of 3/8” (including the stem). Combined, they weigh 15.25 grams. Marked on the back as Shiebler and sterling silver. See less