How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping unless the item arrives damaged. Full details are on our Shipping & Returns page.

How can I shop more vintage items like this?

You can browse more items from this same category directly on our website. Every piece is authentic and one-of-a-kind.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

Join our list for $10 off your next purchase, plus first notice of new vintage finds, sales, and styling tips from Madge’s Hatbox.

Swank traces its origins to 1897 when Samuel M. Stone and Maurice J. Baer founded the Attleboro Manufacturing Company to produce women’s jewelry. In 1908 Baer formed Baer and Wilde to focus on men’s accessories while Stone continued to manage Attleboro Manufacturing. Their 1918 success with the Kum-A-Part cuff button helped shift attention to men’s jewelry. During World War I the company produced military dog tags, and after the war it fully pivoted to men’s fashion accessories, rebranding as Swank in 1927. Swank Products Inc. followed in 1936, and by 1941 the company became Swank Inc., a major name in cufflinks, tie bars, and men’s fashion jewelry throughout the mid-20th century.

1950s Swank Chess Knight Intaglio Set

1950s Swank Chess Knight Intaglio Set.

Stylish 1960s Swank gold mesh wrap cufflinks part of the “Art of the World” series.
✅ Approx. Size (cm): 1.5″ x .50 ” (2).
✅ Condition: One cufflink face is noticeably faded, while the second cufflink and tie tack retain a clearer chess knight design. Gold-tone metal shows light age-related wear.
✅ Era: 1950s.
✅ Mark/Label: Swank
✅ Only of one.

Domestic flat rate shipping – Jewelry: $4.50

The beveled Bavairan crystal design gives this 1950s Swank Chess Knight Intaglio set a beautiful dimensional look.

Chess Piece Cufflinks Set Details

A wonderfully unusual 1950s Swank dress set featuring chess knight intaglio designs set beneath smoky Bavarian crystal or glass stones. The set includes a pair of gold-tone prong-set cufflinks and a matching tie tack with clutch back, safety chain, and T-bar.

Intaglio refers to a design carved or pressed into the underside of a clear stone or glass piece, so the image appears to float beneath the surface. The knight motif gives the set a smart, collector-worthy look — perfect for a chess player, vintage men’s accessories collector, or anyone who appreciates mid-century novelty design.

One cufflink face is noticeably faded, while the second cufflink and tie tack retain a clearer chess knight design.

The matching tie tack — also known as a tie tac — has a clutch back, safety chain, and T-bar.

Swank 1950s cufflinks and matching tie tack.
Chess knight intaglio.
Ggold-tone metal with Bavarian crystal.
Tie tack has clutch back, safety chain, and T-bar.
Condition: Good vintage condition overall with noticeable fading to one cufflink face. The second cufflink and tie tack retain a clearer knight design. Gold-tone metal shows light age-related wear.

Why We Love It:

A clever little mid-century dress set with a built-in conversation starter. The chess knight intaglio has that polished 1950s Swank feel — refined enough for a cuff, playful enough for someone who actually enjoys the game. The matching tie tack makes it feel complete, and the Bavarian crystal or glass gives the design a wonderful sense of depth.

VINTAGE CONDITION

SHOP MORE VINTAGE CUFFLINKS

Shop vintage cufflinks

ABOUT SWANK

About Swank

The Founding

Samuel M. Stone and Maurice J. Baer founded the Attleboro Manufacturing Company in 1897 to sell women’s jewelry, marking Swank’s beginnings. Baer established Baer and Wilde in 1908 for men’s jewelry while Stone managed Attleboro Manufacturing. Both operated until the 1918 success of the Kum-A-Part cuff button.

Post War Transition

During World War I, the military needed “dog tags,” and Attleboro Manufacturing produced them. Post-war, it focused on men’s accessories, rebranding as Swank in 1927. In 1936, it became Swank Products, Inc., then Swank, Inc., in 1941.

Later Years & Closing

Swank ceased accessory production during wars for weapon parts and medals, becoming a top men’s accessories maker after each conflict. In the 1960s and 1970s, it acquired leather goods businesses like Prince Gardner Company, expanding into fragrances and re-entering women’s jewelry in the 1980s and 1990s with labels like Anne Klein and Guess?. The company continues operations today.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR VINTAGE JEWELRY

Vintage Jewelry Care

Always handle vintage jewelry gently and store it carefully between wearings. Keep each piece in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches, tangling, or metal abrasion. Avoid contact with water, perfume, hairspray, and household cleaners, which can dull finishes or weaken settings. To clean, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away oils and dust.

For metals and stones, use a mild, non-abrasive jewelry cleaner suited to the materials. Never submerge rhinestone or glued pieces in water or use ultrasonic cleaners, as moisture can damage the foil backing or loosen stones. With proper care, your vintage jewelry will retain its beauty and character for years to come.

Purchase our favorite jewelry cleaner here.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.