Victorian silver figural napkin rings, circa 1880 -1900, are beautiful and fun to collect. These silver plated works of art are whimsical as well as practical. During the Victorian era, they were a show of status, as well as being functional. Each member of the family, or guest, would have their own figural napkin ring, usually representing their passions or hobbies.

This wonderful figural napkin ring rests on a small pedestal attached to the leaf-shaped base with a decorative curled stem handle and cluster of three flowers. The ring is engraved with a esoteric design of a fan, flowers and foliage. The piece is featured in the book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide" by Gottschalk & Whitson page 206, plate 504. The napkin ring measures 3 1/2" in length, 3" in width and 2 3/8" in height. The base is stamped "Middletown Plate Co. - Quadruple Plate - 96 - Hard White Metal". The :Middletown Plate Co., Middletown, CT was started in 1864 by Edward Payne and Henry Bullard, making Britannia and plated ware under the name of Payne. It was part of the original group that formed International Silver Co. In 1899, the operation was moved to Meriden and merged with the Meriden Britannia Co. Employees who chose not to go to Meriden organized the Middletown Silver Co., which was bough eventually by R. Wallace & Sons, Wallingford, Connecticut. There are no damaged or missing components, with original aged patina.