Among the more understated sporting designs produced during the original Links of London years is this pair of sterling silver double-ended cufflinks, modelled as compact rugby balls and connected by traditional oval-link chains.
The design is easy to miss at first glance. From a distance the ends read simply as polished oval silver cufflinks; only on closer inspection do the engraved seams, lacing and gently pointed profile reveal the rugby-ball reference.
That restraint is part of their appeal. Rather than treating the sporting subject as an overt novelty motif, the design translates it into a compact gentleman’s accessory that remains wearable well beyond the rugby club.
Links of London double-ended cufflinks with 20mm oval-link chains
A Subtle Rugby Ball Design
Each end takes the form of a small oval ball with a softly pointed profile. Fine engraved lines represent the stitched construction and lacing associated with traditional leather rugby balls.
The result is deliberately discreet. The polished silver surfaces dominate the design, while the sporting detail is visible only at closer range.
Although the pointed shape and laces can initially suggest an American football, surviving examples of this Links of London design are consistently described as rugby ball cufflinks. The form also reflects the shape and stitched construction of earlier leather rugby balls, which could be noticeably more pointed than their modern equivalents.
Rugby ball cufflinks showing polished sterling silver finish
Traditional Double-Ended Chain Construction
The cufflinks use a traditional double-ended construction rather than a hinged or swivel fitting.
Each matching pair of rugby-ball ends is connected by a short oval-link chain approximately 20mm long. This gives the cufflinks a flexible connection through the shirt cuff and allows both silver ends to remain visible when worn.
The chain construction also contributes to their distinctly traditional character, combining a playful sporting subject with one of the classic forms of men’s cufflink design.
Vintage Links of London chain cufflinks viewed from above
Dimensions of a Surviving Pair
A surviving sterling silver pair documented by Links London measures approximately:
- Ball length: 16mm
- Ball width: 9mm
- Ball thickness: 4mm
- Connecting chain: approximately 20mm long
At only 16mm long, the cufflink ends are relatively compact. Their proportions reinforce the subtlety of the design: they are recognisably sporting without becoming oversized or theatrical.
Sterling silver cufflinks with subtle rugby ball seam design
Links of London Marks and a 1997 Hallmark
The reverse of the cufflink ends carries the familiar Links of London three-ring device.
The connecting chains of the surviving pair documented here are hallmarked LL, 925 with a date letter for 1997.
This dated hallmark is particularly useful evidence because it confirms that this individual pair was produced during the earlier years of Links of London.
As with other dated vintage jewellery, however, the hallmark belongs to this particular surviving pair. It should not be treated as proof that the design itself was first introduced in 1997.
Links of London rugby ball cufflinks showing oval 16mm ends
Rugby in Sterling Silver
Sporting subjects have long suited cufflinks because they can introduce personal interests into otherwise formal dress without overwhelming it.
Here, the rugby reference is reduced to its most recognisable details: the oval shape, stitched seam and lacing. There are no club colours, badges or overt inscriptions, allowing the design to work equally well as a sporting reference or simply as a pair of compact polished silver cufflinks.
This restraint gives the design a character quite different from more literal sporting accessories. The rugby motif becomes something discovered rather than immediately announced.
Vintage silver rugby cufflinks with engraved lacing detail
A Surviving Early Links of London Design
The documented pair has been professionally cleaned and polished and survives in good vintage condition.
Its dimensions, construction, three-ring branding and 1997 hallmark provide a useful reference for identifying further examples of the same design.
The original Links of London catalogue title, product reference and retail price for this particular chain-linked version have not yet been recovered. For now, Rugby Ball Chain Cufflinks is used as a clear descriptive name supported by surviving examples of the design.
What remains certain is the object itself: a compact pair of sterling silver double-ended sporting cufflinks, combining a traditional chain construction with one of the most recognisable shapes in British sport.
Double-ended rugby ball chain cufflinks by Links of London
Links of London sterling silver rugby ball cufflinks front view
Vintage Links of London Rugby Ball Chain Cufflinks in sterling silver
