Derby Silver Company

Turtle Pulling Cart " Victorian Figural Napkin Ring, Rare. American, Circa 1885

Documentation

Documented elsewhere (exact item)

Origin

United States, Connecticut

Period

19th Century

Materials

Silver Plate

Dimensions

W.	2.63 in;	H.	2.75 in;	D.	3.75 in;
W.	6.68 cm;	H.	6.99 cm;	D.	9.53 cm;

Condition

Excellent.

Creation Date

Circa 1885

Description

This is a very rare American silver plated Victorian figural napkin ring; attaining the status of A+ (rarest; only a few examples known) in Sandra Whitson's study, "Figural Napkin Rings" published in 1996. It is listed on page 244 plate #595 and has the same ranking as Rip Van Winkle, the holy grail of napkin ring collecting.The ring depicts a turtle pulling a wheeled cart, with a book shaped napkin ring mounted atop the axles. The ring itself is personalized with the name “Belle” inscribed in an oval chain designed frame, with tulips inscribed on the front; a fluted design, simulating book pages to the concave top completes the design. Floral cast mounts are in front of the “book” and above the turtle.The ring is in excellent all original condition, with it’s silver plate intact and a beautiful finish and patina. The wheels are original and nothing has been restored.The rarity, it’s originality, subject matter, outstanding condition, and desirability account for the value of this much sought after napkin ring.The maker is not marked but jobber catalogues indicate it was manufactured by Derby Silver Company, Circa 1885. It has the mark “347” on the underneath as was appropriate and indigenous to the ring from the manufacturer. The Derby Silver Company was founded in 1872 in Derby, Connecticut. It merged with and became a division of the International Silver Company in 1898,Dimensions: 3 3/4" long x 2 5/8" wide x 2 3/4" highProvenance: From my own personal collection; purchased from a West Coast estate in March 1998.Rings were used, not only for entertaining and special occasions, but also to identify each member of the family's napkin, since the laundry was not done daily and the napkins were reused. Victorian silver plated napkin rings are highly sought after, and collectors often like to use them at dinner parties, matching up rings with the personalities of their guests.Note: Please see my listings for other silver plate and figural napkin rings.

Styles / Movements

Americana, Traditional, Victorian

Incollect Reference Number

299681