Napkin Ring

PeriodCirca 1870-1880

MediumSilverplate

Dimensions2 × 3.25 × 2 in. (5.1 × 8.3 × 5.1 cm)

SignedStandard Rogers & Brothers mark, with "Trade Mark/Patented/Rogers & Bro./Triple Plate" encircling fist clutching jagged lightning bolts.

ClassificationsSilver

Credit LineGift of S. W. Reid in Memory of Sidney W. and Mary Bennett Reid, 2009

Object number2009.12.1

DescriptionA silverplated napkin ring, with circular ring with flanged rim front and back, and attached figure of seated small boy, with his shoes off and holding his right foot.
Curatorial RemarksThe Industrial Revolution brought not only dramatic changes to consumer goods, but also resulted in a brand new and quickly growing area of goods designed and produced specifically to appeal to children. Silverplating techniques such as that developed by Rogers & Brother of Waterbury, Connecticut, offered the allure of glittering silver wares to middle class families eager to furnish their tables with attractive and relatively affordable items. Because of the introduction of silverplating on an industrial level, specialized tableware including serving forks, spoons, knives, napkin rings, caster sets, trays, and much else were developed and introduced. Popular publications of the day including magazines, newspapers, and household management books written for wives and mothers detailed the proper way to set a table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Differences between jam spoons and soup spoons, fish knives and meat knives, salad forks and dessert forks were explained. Napkin rings became popular and reflected not only the affordability of silverplated wares but the addition of table linens, also made available by the industrial revolution's effect on the textile industry. Napkin rings could be purchased as sets or individually, with each family member having his or her own ring at the table. Rogers & Brother created a series of child-themed rings, with dogs, child figures, little toy wagons, and other amusing elements. Some of the engraved decorations on the rings themselves included blank spaces to engrave the owner's initials. By the early 20th century, many of the smaller silver companies still in existence in Connecticut and elsewhere were purchased by the International Silver Company. At the same time, the Victorian ideal of elaborate and extensive table settings fell out of fashion in favor of simpler household furnishings.NotesThis whimsical and charming child's napkin ring was made by Rogers & Brother sometime around 1855-1860. Brothers William (born 1801), Asa Jr. ((b. 1806), and Simeon (born 1812) all apprenticed in the silver trade. During their long careers, the brothers worked together and with others in the silver trade, sometimes as partners and/or associates, often dissolving partnerships with each other or with other silversmiths, then reuniting in new partnerships. Asa Harris Rogers, referred to as Asa Jr. until his father Asa's death, produced flatware particularly spoons, after his apprenticeship. In the late 1840s, Asa entered into partnership with brother William, focusing on using German silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) as a good base for electroplated silver. The brothers called their company "Rogers & Brother," and focused on manufacturing a wide range of silverplated holloware including napkin rings. The Civil War caused economic distress for the company, which led to the company's reorganization and consolidation. In 1862, Meriden Britannia Company, also in Connecticut, purchased the Rogers & Brother's tools, dies, and other materials and equipment. All three bothers worked for Meriden Britannia Company until their deaths. Asa Harris Rogers died in 1876. The ring's original owner is unknown, but the object descended within the Bennett/Reid family of West Freehold and Manalapan, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

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