Object of the Day, Museum Edition: An Antique Silver Napkin Ring, 1873-1874

Napkin Ring
Silver, 1873-1874
Barnard and Sons, Inc.
The Victoria & Albert Mueum

We’ve previously examined some of the antique silver napkin rings in my own collection. Now, let’s take a look at one from the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The advent of the napkin ring was peculiar to the Victorian mind-set in which everything had to be kept tidy and attractive. These rings were developed simply to hold linen napkins in place on the table. Of course, like most Victorian inventions, they soon took on ornate and elaborate forms. Initially introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, napkin rings were were soon personalized monograms and engraved sates with special meanings to each member of the family. By the 1880s, boxed sets were produced specifically to be given as gifts for special events.

This particular napkin ring of silver with floral engraving is the work of Barnard & Sons of London and was made for display between 1873 and 1874. Since this is part of a set meant to illustrate the silversmith’s handiwork, the rings are engraved with the initials of the “Sons” of Barnard & Sons--J, E, J, W and B for John, Edward, James and Walter Barnard.