The “Don't Tread on Me” flag was designed by Christopher Gadsden, a delegate to Congress from South Carolina and leader of the Sons of Liberty. The exact date of its first production is unknown, but a copy of the flag was presented by Gadsden to the Provincial Congress of South Carolina in February 1776.
Gadsden helped establish volunteer naval defenses near Charlestown. During the Revolutionary War, Gadsden's flag became the personal standard of the Continental Navy's commander, Commodore Esek Hopkins.
Probably the first mention of the famed emblem in print was by Ben Franklin, writing pseudonymously as "The Guesser" in December 1775: "I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, "Don't tread on me." As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America..."
It was a well-chosen symbol for America, Franklin said, because of the characteristics of the rattlesnake:
I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids. She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal. Conscious of this, she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.
Today, the flag remains a powerful symbol of American resolve. In 2002, the U.S. Navy ordered its entire fleet to fly a version of the Gadsden Flag to show the nation's commitment in fighting terrorism. American libertarians and conservatives have also adopted the flag as a rallying point in favor of limited government.
We have prepared a special set of cufflinks inspired by Christopher Gadsden's original design. They are an ideal size, at just over 3/4-inch in diameter. The fronts are made from heavy-gauge bronze, die-struck in a process similar to coin-making. The coining die was prepared by a master die-maker exclusively for Clever Cufflinks.
We offer three stock versions: enameled, sandblasted and polished. (Other versions, including sterling silver, are available upon special request. Please inquire. ) Our plated cufflinks have the thickest, highest-quality goldplate that is commercially available—100 microinches—to give you years of maintenance-free wear. No other manufacturer has this design, and none we have seen offer this quality!
These are a limited-edition product, with a first production run of only 50 pairs. Please order your pair soon to avoid disappointment.
We invite you to make your own quiet statement to all those who would infringe upon your liberty, and wear your patriotism on your sleeve!
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