The Electors of the Holy Roman Empire elected the Emperor on the death of the previous incumbent. At its height, there were about 60 Electoral princes and bishops within the Empire, all of whom had the right to vote in the imperial election, but, by the end of the 19th century, it had become a formality with only heraldic significance.
Only male descendants (primogeniture) of Electoral families would have had the right to wear these cufflinks, which must, therefore, be relatively rare.
Each bonnet measures just under 1.5cm across and they are made of silver (with an 800 silver mark and a maker's mark, AP in an oval lozenge) and red, blue and white enamel. Some of the 'jewels' (they appear to be little garnets) on each bonnet are missing (two out of three missing on one and all three present on the other, with one damaged), but that is to be expected with the wear and tear associated with cufflinks. The condition of the enamel is perfect, apart from the odd scratch. There is no restoration. Very handsome and unusual male jewellery!
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Jewellery : German : 19th Century]
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