A remarkable and historically significant pair of ceremonial cufflinks, hallmarked Birmingham 1986 and made by J.W. Benson — one of Britain's most distinguished jewellers and watchmakers, with a long history of royal and ceremonial commissions. These cufflinks were traditionally presented to recipients of a Knighthood upon their investiture, bearing the Knights Bachelor badge rendered in vibrant enamel on one face of each oval link. The Knights Bachelor is the oldest form of knighthood in Britain, predating all the great orders of chivalry, and its badge — a sword and spurs on an oval medallion — is one of the most ancient heraldic devices in the British honours system.

Crafted in 9ct gold with chain link fittings, these are a piece of living British history — worn at the investiture of a knight and carried forward as a treasured heirloom. An extraordinary acquisition for the collector of British ceremonial objects, royal memorabilia, or heraldic jewellery, and a deeply meaningful gift for anyone with a connection to the honours system.

The Details

• Maker: J.W. Benson (maker's mark JWB)
• Circa: 1986, Birmingham
• Metal: 9ct gold (hallmarked JWB, Birmingham 1986)
• Enamel: Knights Bachelor badge
• Weight: 13g
• Dimensions: 1.9 × 1.4cm
• Fitting: Chain link