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Figural Napkin Rings

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Author	Topic: Figural Napkin Rings
Leisa unregistered	posted 09-11-2003 06:06 PM Does anyone know of an organization, groups or knowledge person who deals with figural napkin rings who is willing to share their expertise for a beginner collector? I've searced the Web and have not been able to find anything or anyone to date. Thanks. IP: Logged
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 Registered: Apr 2000	posted 09-11-2003 08:17 PM Hi Leisa. Victorian figural silverplate napkin rings are great to collect because of the great variety in design. My favorite designs are the Palmer Cox Brownies and owls with glass eyes. I don't collect figural rings myself, but I've handled a few in my dealings. Here are some suggestions: There are many reproductions extant; experience in handling authentic ones will give you a better eye for spotting repros (which are often too shiny and/or have poor details). I have even seen modern sterling recasts of original plated rings. These don't have much more than metal content/decorative value. If you are paying full price, it is important to know your dealer and your silver. You may want to see if a knowledgeable dealer in your area can show you some authentic examples--this way you can get some hands-on experience without having to spend money. One also encounters authentic examples that have been replated because the original finish dulled or wore off. You need to decide if you want only original patina, or if you don't mind new plating. Purists don't like replated pieces because they are usually very shiny and may not have as good detail, but other collectors like to see the napkin rings as they would have looked new in the 1800s. I don't really like replated silver, but that is just a matter of taste. Many think replating lowers the value. I think there are at least a couple of books on the subject--these are a good way to familiarize yourself with appropriate designs & details (I have seen many dealers offering broken or altered napkin rings as original--either from lack of knowledge or dishonesty). These books should also have some additional info about spotting fakes. Certain old catalog reprints can be helpful in the same way as the reference books, in terms of becoming familiar with designs. The 1896 Marshall Field catalog reprint has some examples of figural silverplate in it. It is also a cheap reprint to buy, a Bibliofind.com search turned up several examples for under $10 Factors like condition of plate, level of wear on details, and completeness are extremely important. Many times these rings were frequently used, resulting in loss of plate, bending, and breaking. I hope this information is helpful and not overwhelming. I'm sure other forum members who have advice about figural napkin rings will be posting soon. IP: Logged
Patrick Vyvyan Posts: 640 Registered: May 2003	posted 09-12-2003 04:47 PM You might take a look at "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide" by Lillian Gottschalk, Sandra Whitson, published in 1995. I personally haven't seen the book, so this is not necessarily a recommendation. A commercial site which shows detailed photos of many pieces currently for sale is: Antique Napkin Rings.html One again, I make no comment on the prices etc., but it is a useful and enjoyable source of images. IP: Logged
Leisa unregistered	posted 09-13-2003 09:46 AM Thank you Paul and Patrick for your valuable advice. I do have the Gottschalk / Whitson book which has been extremly helpful to me in starting my collection. Pricey little devils aren't they? But sooo fun to look at and compare to other figurals. I've yet to see a Palmer Brownie but realize they are very rare. Leis IP: Logged

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