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Thursday, August 19, 2010

Grandfather's Cufflinks....



Over the years, since my Mother's passing in 1987, I've opened her jewellery box and fondly handled the beads, purls and brooches, remembering her wearing them.  Sunday was her day to shine, usually in a beautiful tailored suit she'd made herself, accessorising with a brooch, earrings and necklace, never overdone for church.

I'd seen these cufflinks with an engraved pattern several times but they didn't really interest me as I was admiring prettier things.

  1908

It wasn't until I took this photo of my Grandparents down to scan for my brother, that I noticed Grandfather was wearing the cufflinks.  I found them and on closer examination, saw that they were engraved with Grandma's maiden name initials, MC (May Crouch) and JH (John Hewish).  I'd like to think that they were Grandma's wedding gift to her Jack. 

I believe the black lacy mittens
belonged to Grandma

They were married 19 years.  May lost her Jack to pneumonia; a widow with three teenagers and times were tough in 1927.  

21 comments:

Sam Liu said...

This is a wonderful story, Alaine. And how marvellous that you managed to work out that the cufflinks belonged to your grandfather. It's brilliant, how things work out. The end is a sad one, as endings so often are, but I'm sure they loved each other dearly :)

steven said...

what a story alaine. i really enjoy assembling memories from objects. i have special items from each of the people in my life who have flown away, chosen for that purpose. from each i can see their homes, recall special memories, and have them with me for a moment. steven

Wanda..... said...

I so appreciated your photo discovery. I have a tie clasp and eye glasses that belonged to my greatgrandfather, but mostly it's jewelry and hankies that belonged to the women of the family.

Alaine, you have a strong resemblance to your grandmother, even your handsome grandfather possibly, their photo is lovely!

karen said...

Beautiful story and cuff links. I love the way you photographed the collection. They would look wonderful in a shadowbox frame hung on a wall next to the picture of your grandparents. Thanks for sharing your treasures.

Unknown said...

A touching family tale, Alaine. Ideal for the 'Sepia Saturday' theme that various friends follow. Such a precious keepsake that no matter how hard times might have become would never be parted with.

alaine@éclectique said...

Sam...it was a 'eureka' moment, suddenly realising who they belonged to!

alaine@éclectique said...

Steven...it is so special to have something small that belonged to a loved one.

alaine@éclectique said...

Wanda...it is a lovely wedding photo; as usual, the man seated! Something just flashed across my mind; perhaps the ladies stood so that their dresses didn't get crushed!?

alaine@éclectique said...

Maggie's Garden...Karen, thank you. I have the cufflinks pinned to the frame but yes, they would look nice in a little shadow box.

alaine@éclectique said...

Derrick...yes, I thought of Sepia Saturday and the Antiques Road Show when you said 'never be parted with'. I wonder how many of those people do actually sell and go on a cruise or buy up big? We were watching the other day and a late 17th Century Japanese bowl, never left its box, was valued up to £500,000!! Now that would be tempting!

Betsy Brock said...

OOoh...what a wonderful discovery when you took a close look at that photo! I love vintage jewelry and if it's been in the family for that long, it's even better! Those pieces are beautiful. My hubs loves cuff links and has some that were his grandfathers and dads. nice post...and I agree with Derrick...put it up for Sepia Saturday!

Lyn said...

So much in this tale..deeply felt for a time, for objects, for family..beautiful, poignant...

Anonymous said...

your blog...... mmmmmm, me like!!

agneta, sweden

Tess Kincaid said...

What a lovely story in your family history, Alaine! I adore vintage jewelry and have a few pieces I inherited from my own. They look like they are that wonderful, mellow, rose gold, so popular from that time period. Thanks for sharing them, it was a treat to take a peek!

Anonymous said...

A lovely story, beautifully told and photographed. Thank you for sharing it.

By the way, your incandescent header photo is absolutely breathtaking!

alaine@éclectique said...

Betsy..hi. I have thought of Sepia Saturday; I have a few old shots I could put up. Thanks for coming by...x

alaine@éclectique said...

dancingbeastie...thank you. The header shot is an Eastward shot in our garden one frosty morning last week.

Teri said...

What a nice story to go along with the cuff links. I like the way they fasten to the shirt. I have never seen any that have something hanging down like these do. All I have seen are those that go from one side to the other. It is great to have such nice things to pass down to family members. I don't have much from my father. I was wondering the other day where all his fishing poles and tackle went. No one seems to remember. It's nice that you are keeping things alive.

alaine@éclectique said...

Willow...lovely to see you; I've missed your visits! I do hope the little treasures and trinkets stay in the family...after my daughter, I don't know but I won't be doing any worrying then!

alaine@éclectique said...

Teri...yes, I think those little dumbbell shaped things just slip through. The photo didn't scan all that well; the original is a lot clearer. It's a pity you lost track of your Dad's fishing gear but, you know, that stuff can be a burden. I'm hoping I'm the first to go so that I won't have the worry of hubby's extensive collection of gear and library! Don't worry, it's a joke between us!

T. said...

How lucky you are to be in possession of these really lovely mementos! I have a few things that belonged to my mother, stored in a black evening bag that she used a long time before raising seven children. I too love to get them out and hold them in my hands -- a tender connection with my past.