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Derby Silver Company

Victorian Silver Plate Turtle Napkin Ring & Bud Vase, American Circa 1880

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Documentation

Documented elsewhere (exact item)

Origin

United States, Connecticut

Period

19th Century

Materials

Silverplate

Dimensions

W.	1.88 in;	H.	1.82 in;	D.	3.13 in;
W.	4.78 cm;	H.	4.62 cm;	D.	7.95 cm;

Condition

Excellent.

Creation Date

Circa 1880's

Description

As with all Victorian figurals, this combination silver plated Turtle napkin ring and attached bud vase is much sough after by Americana collectors. 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.
This ring has a decorated band around the circumference, with birds and other Egyptian motif. It rests on the back of the turtle, who is on a floral base. The attached vessel, which serves as a bud vase, and doubles up as a toothpick holder, is highly decorated in great detail with an Egyptian motif consisting of palm trees, pyramids, birds, and a typical Egyptian figure. Bracket feet and a triple reeded base complete the decor. The ring/vase is in excellent all original condition with no repairs, and the silver plate is in almost complete intact condition.
Embossed underneath (see image) is "Derby Silver Co. Quadruple Plate" and the number "342".
This piece is identified in Sandra Whitson's book "Figural Napkin Rings" written in 1996 as plate #324.
Manufactured by the Derby Silver Company in Derby, Connecticut, circa 1880's.
Dimensions: 3 1/8" long x 1 7/8" wide x 1 13/16" high
* Note: Please see my listings for other silver plate and figural napkin rings.

Styles / Movements

Traditional, Victorian

Incollect Reference Number

254246