Off-the-cuff act of charity
Princely pistons converted into 200 pairs of cufflinks... all in the name of charityWearing your heart on your sleeve is one thing, wearing your car on them is something else altogether.
However, such a scenario has now come to pass as the aluminium pistons from The Prince of Wales' prized Aston Martin DB6 Volante have recently been rebirthed as 200 pairs of exclusive cufflinks that will help raise funds for The Prince's Trust.
The cufflinks have been crafted by UK specialist sculptor TMB ArtMetal, and they're offered in two designs: a miniaturised DB6 Volante and a replica of the car's iconic wheel 'spinners' -- the quick-release fixing that secures its wheels.
The six donor pistons became available when the Prince's DB6 was converted to run on biofuel and, rather than flinging them in the bin, the idea was conceived to craft them into a collectable fashion accessory that would serve the added benefit of raising funds for a worthy charity.
"With these proceeds, we will be able to help more young people into jobs across the UK," said Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust.
"Young people have been hit hardest in the recession, so it's now more important than ever to give them the skills and confidence they need to find work."
The project also strikes a chord with The Prince of Wales' dedication to the environment.
"These cufflinks are quintessential conversation pieces, with each pair directly benefiting The Prince's Trust," said Christopher Bennett managing director of TMB.
"When I heard about the possibility of creating such future heirlooms from The Prince's Aston, the project was irresistible!"
TMB has created 100 pairs of each of the two designs, and they're finished with 18ct gold.
Each pair is presented in a high-quality presentation case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The cufflinks are only available direct from TMB ArtMetal, priced at £995 ($1800).
An interesting bit of trivia: TMB Art Metal was formed following the much publicised excavation of Hurricane fighter aircraft P2725 TM-B, which crashed into Buckingham Palace Road, London on Battle of Britain Day, 1940.
A limited number of Hurricane sculptures were crafted using metal from the Hurricane itself and TMB ArtMetal was born.
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