(27) Miscellaneous Makers Silverplate and Pewter Napkin Rings.

Various American and European makers, and designs ranging from simple rounds to curled bands to figural works, including a boy with a goose. Many are personalized with a name or initials. 

Condition: Commensurate with age. 

Largest Size (Boy With Goose): 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 3 in. 

The napkin ring, occasionally called a Christening bangle, was originally used to identify the napkins of a household between weekly wash days. Napkin rings first appeared in France about 1800 and soon spread to all countries in the western world, particularly beloved by the European bourgeoisie. Most 19th Century napkin rings were made of sterling silver or silver plate, but others were made in bone, wood, pearl, embroidery, porcelain, glass, and a myriad of other materials. In the 20th Century Bakelite, Lucite, aluminum, and many other new substances were used. Some countries, like Britain and America, produced figural napkin rings, in which the simple napkin ring is part of a small figure or sculpture that may take any shape and show any motif. Napkin rings mostly appear as single items with the name or initials of the owner, notably given as christening presents, or pairs often given as gifts at weddings anniversaries. Although they have become less common as dinner tables (as well as average household sizes) have shrunk, they are frequently collected and acquired at auctions, both for their value in silver as well as historical antiques and heirlooms. 

Commensurate with age. 

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.