A.O.F.B. Cufflinks
The cufflinks were made of silver with blue enameling, manufactured by the Birmingham Medal Co.
The early cufflinks had a problem and were prone to breakages, using a single
link, an issue which was quickly resolved by replacing with a chain.
Picture courtesy of Paul Turner.
There were other variations in the cufflinks some have a star motif on the reverse, also the manufacturer stamp varied.
Star on the reverse of the links. Picture courtesy of Chris Kilmister
Difference in the chain and clasp and manufacturer stamp.
The cufflinks came as part of the life membership to the A.O.F.B. and cost 2/ 8d (2 shillings 8 pence ) against the
A.O.F.B. membership of 5/- (shillings). According to the balance sheet in the membership handbook between November 10th 1926 and Jan 31st 1927 130,000 pairs of cufflinks were delivered to the
A.O.F.B.. A rebate was given of £2500 due to the quantity ordered and promptly paid for, a reduction of 1d ( penny ) per 52 pairs of cufflinks.
The cufflinks were also "welded" onto silver plated tankards supplied by the Birmingham Medal Co.
It is known that gold A.O.F.B. cufflinks existed, Jack Haes was presented with a pair by Sir Alfred Fripp upon promotion to Grand Typhoon after recruiting over a 1000 new members in 6 weeks. Presumably gold cufflinks were awarded to all Typhoons and Cloudbursts as there were no badges for this rank. I also presume that Bert and Sir Alfred also had a pair.
It is believed that H S Turner of the Birmingham Medal co. was made a Grand Typhoon
Regardless there were probably not that many gold sets made.
I have seen an unconfirmed report that a pair of gold A.O.F.B. cufflinks sold on eBay for £450 in April 2003.