birds

A lovely peacock napkin ring marked Meriden B Company 151

This peacock napkin ring is marked 234. The Meriden stamp has been overwritten with the owners name, which I cannot make out.

This figural napkin ring has a pheasant or peacock standing up against the napkin holder all on an ornate shaped base.
The maker and number are not marked but someone has scratched 70X+ on the bottom, which I think means it was replated in 1970.

This is an extremely RARE figural napkin ring.
It is so rare it is not in any of the reference books and has not appeared previously on ebay or any USA auction.
In this figural napkin ring the peacock has its tail feathers opened. The napkin holder hangs around the neck of the peacock.
It is marked as having been made by Middletown Plate Co..
I cannot see the production/pattern number but it is genuine. It has a lovely patina and is in excellent condtion. BKHH

This is another very rare peacock figural napkin ring with the peacock's head turned around and looking at its tail.
On an round base. Marked Reed & Barton 1327. The detail is very fine.

Two detailed pheasants circulate around a napkin ring sitting on a decorated base. Marked Meriden Silver Plate Co, 271.
It is shown in the book by Gottschalk and Whitson, on page 103, in plate241.
It quite rare, even though G&W valued it at $200-350 in 1996. It sold for $1135.25 in a Dallas auction in 2011. See above. Last LKH.

Similar style to the above, with 2 pheasants/birds on either side of the napkin ring on a cirular base. Marked J. A. Babcock, no number.

A very similar figural napkin ring to the one above with 2 pheasants swirling around each other with a napkin ring in the centre on a pedestal base, all sitting on a circular base. Marked Knickerbocker 187, and over stamped 178.

Similar to the ring above but marked J.A. Babcock, with no number I can see.
The napkin holder ring also has a different engraving than the one above.

2 x This figural napkin ring has a pheasant sitting on top of the napkin holder, which itself sits on 4 ball feet.
Unmarked as far as I can tell. the birds are at different angles.

This figural napkin ring has a pheasant sitting on a conical circular pedestal base with the napkin holder hanging off on one side. Unmarked.

This figural napkin ring is similar to the two above it but the birds appear to be eagles on a 4 footed dome shaped ornate base.
Marked Homan Mfg. Company, number 1481 (or maybe 1431), special metal. In near mint condition.

2 x An engraved napkin ring with a scroll decorated edge sits on the back of a pheasant (?) on a circular base which sits on 4 bun feet.
Marked as made by Knickerbocker Silver Co. #199.

two small birds on either side of a beaded napkin ring sitting on a raised cicular base, marked Rockford 83

The decorated napkin ring sits on a small pedestal base, with a bird on either side with wings open.
Marked Derby Silver Co. 312. In excellent condition.

This figural napkin ring is similar to the one above (same birds), but is marked Toronto S.P. Company # 24.

2 x This figural napkin ring has the napkin holder (with a wooden textured finish) sitting on crossed branches with 2 birds underneath.
It is almost black in colour and I cannot see any marker's mark or number. It looks like a James Tuft creation to me. AKH

This figural napkin ring has two doves underneath the napkin holder on a pedestal circular base.
It has the number 30 on it.

This figural napkin ring has bird with (largish) wings spread out sitting on a long and twisted branch all on an oval base.
Marked meriden B Company 291. It is missing one of the ball feet under the base. Otherwise great condition.

2 x A pelican (or stork) standing up against a napkin ring holding a leaf in its beak, marked Reed & Barton 1126.
In excellent condition with a great patina.

A very rare large figural napkin ring with a large stork (or pelican) carrying the ring on its back.
Marked Simpson Hall Miller & Co 013.
G&W say it is 012 but it should be 013.
Shown in G&W on page 115 in Plate 274. They valued it at under $350- $500 in 1996

4x A small bird with a long tail (believed to be a cardinl) on a branch sits aloft the napkin ring,
which sits on a leaf and strawberry base, marked Webster 166
The napkin ring is shown in the book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", by Gottschalk and Whitson (G&W), on page 82, plate 184.
In 1996, Gottschalk and Whitson valued this ring at more than $200 but less than or equal to $350. AKH

This is interesting. It is marked as made by Webster and Co. New York, and numbered 166.
What is particularly interesting about this napkin ring is that the name and number are mirror imaged/reversed. This is the first ever napkin ring I have seen with this error. AMK

4x a bird sitting on the stem of a leaf which forms the base.
In the top row, the one on left is marked Rogers & Bro, but cannot see any number.
The one in middle is marked Meriden B Company 202.
The one on right Rogers & Bro. 202. The bottom one is marked Rogers & Bro 202.

This ring is identical to the ones above marked Rogers & Bro but this one is marked Meriden B Company 202.
I believe Rogers & Bro where taken over by Meriden B Comapny in the 1860's.

4 x more of above, which brings the total I have to 9.
The napkin ring is shown in the book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", by Gottschalk and Whitson (G&W), on page 91, plate 209.
In 1996, Gottschalk and Whitson valued this ring at more than $200 but less than or equal to $350.

A bird sitting on the stem of a leaf which forms the base, unmarked?
The leaf is different to the ones above.

5 x A large bird (parrot?) on a branch leaning up against the napkin ring on a cornerless rectangular base.
Marked Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., number 010.
The date April 6 1883 is etched on the side of the base on the top one.
Not shown in G&W, so very rare and majestic, even though I have 4. CKH

2 x This figural napkin ring has the same bird as the one above but on a footed oval base and a napkin ring like a rolled up hay stack.
The ring is clearly marked Pittsburgh Plate Co. 311. This figural napkin ring is shown in Gottschalk & Whitson.
There it is marked 311 with a different maker.
I have seen the Pittsburgh ring appear before, so is genuine.
I can't find much on the Pittsburgh Plate Co., other than it was owned by the Cooke Bros.,
who were proprietors and manufacturers of fine silver plated ware like spoons, forks, knives and hollow ware.
This is information is based on a catalogue c1870 I found on the Internet. Here is a reference to the catalogue. I guess they ventured into making a few figural napkin rings.

This figural napkin ring is shown in the book by Gottschalk and Whitson's book "Figural napkin Rings: Collectors Identification and Value Guild", on page 93 in plate 213.
Their ring is marked as being made by A. Ledig & Son.
I have an identical ring (see photos below) which is marked 311 as well, but made by Pittsburgh Silver Plate Co.
The ring for sale here does not have the maker's stamp and number.
It as if someone forgot to put it on, or maybe it had a coin logo that has fallen off. Look at the photos below, and compare to the other ring I have.
I guarantee it is old and authentic.
The detail is amazing, so if definitely a Victorian ring. It has been cleaned at some time (there is some polish residue at base of napkin holder, but still has a lightish patina.

There are no USA auction results for this figural napkin ring, over the last 8 years, so it is a rare one.

This is a massive and detailed figural napkin ring with the same large bird as in the above 2 figural napkin rings.
It also has a bee on top looking at the bird, which is looking at it in turn.
The same bee can be found in other figural napkin rings.
The bee sits on a beautifully shaped napkin holder with a waist and shape zip-zag edges.
The napkin holder and bird sit on a large leaf base with detailed veins and texture, and the leaf is supported by a ball like foot at one end and two cherubs at the other end.
The same form of cherubs appear in a number of other figural napkin rings where 2 cherubs sit on either side of the napkin holder.
The underside has amazing detail for the leaf.
The figural napkin ring is also fitted with a handle.
Quite an amazing and very large piece.
It looks to have been professionally resilvered and very well done at that too. It is marked 279 underneath. I cannot see a maker's mark.
An 'expert' friend of mine thought it was fake. I was sure it wasn't but not 100% sure as it had been resilvered. Anyhow I recently say another example of this ring, photo below.

This looks like a cockatoo, sitting on a branch decorated with leaves and flowers, marked Meriden B Company 299

3 x A cockatoo sits on a branch which supports the napkin holder.
Marked on branch Meriden B Company 223.
One shown in G&W page 96, plate 222.
Their's has same number, but maker not marked.
They valued this figural napkin ring at $200 to $350 in 1996. LKH

Check one missing???

2 x A Cockatoo stands alongside a napkin ring, unmarked, definitely old and original.
I saw one like this sell at a USA auction house recently for $360 AKH

This cockatoo sits on a branch witha sunflower and leaves next to a napkin holder in the shape of a book/bible.
It is marked Derby Silver Company, number 379 (I think).
Shown in G&W page 87, plate 197. Valued $200-350 USD in 1996.

This bird looks like a cuckatoo. Marked Pairpoint #8.

Has the same bird as in above. Marked on bottom rail as made by Pairpoint Mfg. Co.
Does not seem to have a number. Not in G&W collection so very rare.
Quite a magestic piece.
The second one is marked Pairpoint Mfg. Co. #31 SKH

2 x A bird sits on top of a pieced napkin holder on a rectangular base on ball feet.
Marked Wm Rogers Mfg. Co. 289.

2 x This napkin ring (smaller, child size) sits on branches with a grumpy bird sitting on the side on an extension of the branches.
Marked Meriden B Company 226.
Top one is in excellent/mint condition (better than in the photos anyhow).

This also has a smaller napkin holder ring with a small but detailed bird sitting on a leafy base reaching up for a berry.
Marked Middletown SP Co. 103.

5 x small birds stands alongside a 'pineapple' decorated napkin ring, unmarked.
I think this is actually not a chick, but a small or baby bird with a long tail.
At least one I have seen is marked 78.
It is pictured in Gottschalk and Whitson's book on page 88 plate 200, in the bird section (not the hen/chick section).
They say it was located to have been made by Pairpoint Mfg. Co. and number 78. This is not a common chick napkin ring, but quite a rare bird napkin ring. TK
Photos of only 4 but have 5.

This looks like a parrot standing on top of a round napkin ring on a circular base. marked Rodgers & Bro 131.
I need to check but there may be two of these rings.

A long-tailed bird (possibly parrot or eagle) sits on top of a ring on a small base.
Marked Reed & Barton 1136.
Shown in G&W page 94, plate 217.

2 x This figural napkin ring has a bird with a ribbon and rope forming the napkin holder
behind the bird. Marked Reed & Barton 1160. Shown in G& W page 93 plate 215.

This looks like a parkeet or parrot standing on a branch with a log underneath ending in 2 flowers.
The ring has flared edges and the base is stunning.
The base looks like it is woven with decorative arms protruding on the sides on which the base is elevated upon.
It is most unusual.
It is marked E. G. Webster & Bro no. 167.
A very rare item. I washed it only.
It looks like the ring may have had a thin coating of gold and the base was covered in a red iron oxide or something.

This figural napkin ring has a similar bird (parakeet I think) to the one above but the base consists of two large leaves and a branch.
Marked Simpson Hall Miller & Co. 052.

3 x a parakeet sits on a scroll next to the napkin holder which sits on wheels.
It is shown in the book by Gottschalk & Whitson "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", on page 86 in plate 193.
They valued it at $350-$500 in 1996, but that cannot be accurate as it is an extremely rare ring.
I cannot even find any past auctions for it, and when I have seen it on ebay it is damaged or in poor condition.
G&W affirm it was made unmarked but located it as Derby Silver Co. 343. MTK

4 x A parakeet sits on top of a branch high up on the napkin ring, which sits on a large solid leaf base.
It is marked Toronto Silver Co. 1108.
This ring was also made with another napkin holder (ie ring) that is shown below.
The one above is the one shown in Victor Schnadig's book.
I don't think it is shown in G&W. LTK

It is shown in Victor Schnadig's book on figural napkin rings, but with a different ring.
I have researched this well and it was made with 2 rings, one like the one here, with extraordinary detail on the napkin holder with a shield cartouche, and one with a plain ring with ribbing just offset from the edges. The latter is the one shown in Schnadig's book. The ones I have above are authentic as they have sold at auction before. See below.

Here is the companion to the ring above (guaranteed authenic) also marked Toronto S.P. Co. 1108.

2 x A parrot, with a long tail (going down to the base, not obvious in photograph) sits on top of a barrel shaped napkin ring on an odd-shaped base.
Marked Simpson Hall & Miller 018. Nice aged condition, no missing bits, or major damage, just the ring is a bit squashed.

This ring has a fork-tailed bird above a ring ona circular base.
The bird should be sitting higher up where the scrolls end, but it has been bent.
Is repairable.
See G&W page 88 plate 198 for what it should look like.

A bird with wings open, like in flight, sits on top of a square napkin ring on its diagonal.
Beautifully engraved with birds, on a pedestal base.
Marked Tufts (? hard to read) number 64.

Somewhat similiar to the ring above this figural napkin ring has the same little bird on a wishbone
next to a cylinderical holder.
I am not sure if it was marked when made as there is something a bit obscure underneath, perhaps a number.

A squawking bird is surrounded by a wishbone. In G&W plate 268 page 112.
They say it is a chick but looks like bird to me.
Marked Medisen Silverplate Co. 0293.
One in G&W is marked Standard Silverco. Ltd. 793.

4 x This one in marked 346 but has a raised coin stamp which reads Rogers & Bro.
Poorish condition. almost all of the silverplate has gone.
3 in storage. other one could be in junk pile.
Last one is in near mint condition.

This figural napkin ring has the same long tailed bird as in the above rings but it looks like it is swooping here.
Marked Knickerbocker 219.

This figural napkin ring has a bird similar to the one above under the ring with a support on the other side.
It is marked Racine Silver P. Co. 152.

A bird stands by its nest, marked Webster 159

similar to napkin ring above but bird and nest on other side of napkin ring, marked Webster 173

The same bird as the above 2 napkin rings is depicted in thsi figural napkin ring.
The bird sits on a branch with leaves up against a shaped and pieced napkin ring.
Marked Wm. Rogers, Hartford Conn. 50.

3 x A bird with flowers sits on top of an oval shaped napkin ring sitting in a branch base.
Top ring unmarked. I suspect coin dropped off (see below).
Bottom one has a coin stamp Roger Smith & Co. 248 USA.
Not shown in G&W, but one below is.
There is a similar napkin ring in the book by Gottschalk and Whitson on page 104, plate 245, but it is Meriden B Company, number 247.
This ring would have been the one after the one shown in G&W in the series of rings made by Meriden B Company. See below.

CHECK missing one. may have sold or in repair box

Similar to one above but on a circular decorated base.
Marked Rogers Smith & Co. 247

a small bird sits on top of a ring decorated with leaves and a berry fruit. Marked Barbur Silver Co. #20.

A large eagle on a rock rest up against the napkin hodler in this fabulous figural napkin ring.
Maker and number unmarked, but shown in G&W page 95, plate 219.

A large eagle with a ring on its back between its wings.
It is marked Rogers Smith & Co. 4932 1/2 (?)
The eagle stands on a rocky base.
There is a similar ring in G&W on page 95 made by Reed & Barton.
I cannot find any informtaion on this ring but it looks authenic, so muct be rare.

A large eagle stands on a branch on a circular base with the ring in between the eagles wings on top.
Marked Reed & Barton 1517. Shown in G&W page 95 plate 219.

A large bird, possibly an eagle, stands on a elevated triangular base.
This is an extremely rare ring that is not in the G&W, but I have seen it at USA auctions.
Marked Manhattan Silver Plate Co. 240.

This figural napkin ring has an eagle perched on the holder which is made to look like an iron ring binding planks of wood together.
The whole of this sits high on a pedestal connected to a circular base.
It is marked The Middletown Silver Co. number 307.
There is a similar figural napkin ring in G& W in plate 249 on page 106.
The base appears to be the only difference. The one in the book is marked Meriden B Company 167.

2 x This is the figural napkin ring that is shown in G&W referred to above. Marked Meriden B Company 167
Valued at $200-$350 in 1996.

2 x In this figural napkin ring an eagle sits on top of the ring with applied flowers over the top of the ring and a cannon below.
Unmarked as to maker or number.
Shown in G&W page 105 plate 248.

bird with wings spread stands on a perch with a spherical base, marked Meriden 0222

4 x a swooping bird on an ornate scrolling base with a napkin ring behind the bird. Marked van Bergh SP Co. #76.
The last one is only marked 76. The maker's mark may be were the bird is soldered to the ring.
Sometimes the maker's mark or number were forgotton to be stamped.

2 x a small chunky bird stands on a branch with leaves, next to the napkin ring. Unmarked as far as I can tell.

unusual shaped napkin ring with two birds singing to each other. Marked James W Tufts #1668. In near mint condition. Flawless.

CHECK may have an extra one of these

This figural napkin ring is very similar to the one above with a rectagualr base. Marked 030.

This figural napkin ring has a pheasant type bird standing next to the napkin holder which is upported by branches.
It has an old registery mark on the top of the base which I have not investigated but is c1860/1870, made in England.

This figural napkin ring is very similar to the one above but this one is American.
It is marked Meriden Silverplate company 246.
Shown in G&W page 100, Plate 243.
It is interesting that the English one is a bit more decorative than the American one.
It is usually the other way around.

An engraved napkin ring with a scroll decorated edge sits behind a bird with outstretched wings on a circular base with edge decoration.
Marked as made by Hamilton Mfg. Co. #2-3.

Two birds sit on teh dge of a birds nest on top of a round napkin ring with a ribbed edging, which all sits in 2 branches forming 4 legs.
Unmarked as to maker or number.

This WMF figural napkin ring has 2 birds on top of the ring facing each other.
I presume they are love birds.

A pheasant stands on a tree trunk with horizontal protruding branches which support an engraved napkin ring.
Marked Southington C. Co. 209. In excellent condition. May have been resilvered.

This FNR has a bird sitting on top of the ring with 2 smaller (baby) birds on the base underneath.
Marked Rockford (very typical base used by Rockford) 197. The 1 is stamped over a 9, so I need to check this.
Not in the G&W collection.

2 x This is a majestic figural napkin ring with a large eagle standing on a perch (which also serves as a knife rest),
with wings spread and a napkin holder on top in between its wings. It is marked Meriden B Company 203.
This figural napkin ring is shown in the book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", by Gottschalk and Whitson (G&W), in plate 216 on page 94.
They valued it as between $350 and $500 in 1996. KKH

Large bird holding the ring around its neck standing on an ornate pieced base.
Marked Meriden B Company 158.

2 x This figural napkin ring has a rather large bird which is also figured in another figural napkin ring by Rockford (see cherubs section).
In this napkin ring the large bird rests its neck up against an unusually shaped napkin holder, all sitting on a large oval base with a decorated stripe edging.
It is marked Rockford 195. SKH
It is NOT shown in the book by Gottschalk and Whitson, "Figural Napkin Rings: Collectors Identification and Value Guide", so is quite rare as it was not in their collection.
There are other figural napkin rings with the same bird and I have seen photos of this one on the Internet.

Similar to the ring above (same large bird) but in this case the bird is holding up to the napkin ring by a chain/wire that is attached to the napkin ring.
Marked Meriden Silver Plate Co. 247. I think the same bird is also featured in the cherubs section, where a cherub is sitting on a ring with reins to the birds mouth, like it is using the bird to pull it along.

This figural napkin ring has a large bird, like the one above, on one side of a napkin holder,
on an angle to the base, with a bee or a fly on the other side.
The napkin ring is marked Meriden Silver Plate Co. 245. In excellent condition.

This is similar to the one above but the fly or bee is on top of the ring.
Marked 245. Variations like this were not uncommon.
Looks completely authentic.
Note the bird is also in a slight different position too.

This figural napkin ring has a large bird squawking on a leaf base next to the napkin holder. It has the number 0261.

A rare ostrich figural napkin ring. Unfortunately one foot is missing. Unmarked. American Victorian ring.

A swooping bird sits on a branch above a flower and leaf (base).
Marked Toronto Silver Plate Co. 1142.

A small bird sits on a cage type stand. Taunton Silver Plate Co. 39.

4 x A delightful little bird sitting on a leaf next to an egg shaped napkin holder with a jagged edge,
with a wishbone on the other side, marked Derby Silver Co. 370.
It is NOT shown in the book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", by Gottschalk and Whitson (G&W),
so means it was not in their collection, making it slighly rare, but number 371, which is very similar, as next in series is shown on page 113 in plate 271.
They valued that figural napkin ring at $200 or less in 1996, nearly 20 years ago.
I only have 3 of these in storage.
CHECK. might have sold one or one with chicks.

16 x napkin ring with eagles on either side of the napkin ring on a rectangular base
Marked either Rogers Smith & Co, West Meriden, 146, or Meriden B Company 146.
I have 16 even tho only 15 in photos. same came from same estate and mark well.
Shown in the collector's book "Figural Napkin Rings: Collector's Identification and Value Guide", by Gottschalk and Whitson, on page 253 in plate 618.
They valued them at under $200 each, in 1996.

another 3, marked Rogers Smith & Co. on a coin. Cannot see any number

This ring is marked Toronto SP Company 1144

This napkin ring is similar to the one above made by Middletown, but is .

3 x napkin ring with 2 bald American eagles onn either sied of the ring.
Two are marked Middletown 74, one made by R.W & Co. number is also 74
Last is in unbelievable condition, marked . The Base is bowed, but easy fix.

This figural napkin ring is very similar to the eagles ones above but has a different number. It is marked Middletown 26.

Somewhat similar to the ones above with rocky/leave base, and marked Toronto Silver Plate Co. 1109

2 x This napkin ring is similar to the more common ones above, but I am not sure the bird in this case is an eagle.
The napkin ring is marked Knickerbocker Silver Co. 206 and carries that familiar Knickerbocker theme of pair of objects on either side of the napkin ring.
There are some solder marks on the bottom of one of these napkin rings.
Other in excellent condition.

2 x This is an extremely rare figural npakin ring with a bird on top of a house which acts as the napkin holder.
It is marked Acme Silver Co. 742.
As you can see one sold for $1500 USD in 2011.

This is a huge figural napkin ring with a bird sitting above the ring and base on a branch.
The bird (small version of and flatter) figures in some other figural napkin rings.
I cannot locate the maker and number on this ring.
It is authentic as I have seen another before.
It is not in G&W, so is very rare.

I have no idea what this bird is. Is it a stork? In excellent condition.
Marked Meriden Silver Plate Co. 0207.
This is the only example of this I have ever seen come onto the market.
It is shown in G&W Plate 277 on page 116 of their book. They valued it as $350-500 in 1996.
I think it is even rarer and more valuable than that.