Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Hinged Round Napkin Ring/Card Case
Decorative Object / Flatware Accessories · Tiffany & Co., New York. Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is globally renowned for its high-quality sterling silver and helped define American silver standards.
Pattern: Bamboo pattern, introduced circa 1961, designed by Van Day Truex. It is a highly collectible mid-century motif that has remained a signature style for the brand.
Type
Decorative Object / Flatware Accessories
Maker
Tiffany & Co., New York. Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is globally renowned for its high-quality sterling silver and helped define American silver standards.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This specific alloy is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability. The item appears solid sterling rather than plated.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 2 to 2.5 inches; Weight estimated between 40-70 grams (1.3 to 2.2 troy ounces) depending on the gauge of silver used for this specific model.
Description
An elegant example of Tiffany's iconic nature-inspired design, this sterling silver piece captures the organic elegance of bamboo. The motif, a staple of the Jet Age's fascination with the Orient, features meticulously rendered nodes and smooth culms that wrap around the circular form. Its heavy gauge and rich oxidation provide a sophisticated depth that defines high-end mid-century hollowware accessories.
Key Features
Deeply recessed nodal rings, realistic leaf serrations, and a seamless hinge integration. The high-relief casting is a hallmark of Tiffany's 'Bamboo' line quality.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This specific alloy is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability. The item appears solid sterling rather than plated.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and satin-brushed finish. The decoration features a Chinoiserie-inspired botanical relief depicting bamboo stalks and leaves in a high-relief, Three-dimensional casting style. The background has a subtle matte texture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect to find 'Tiffany & Co.', 'Sterling', and '925' or '925/1000' stamped on the interior or the bottom edge. Depending on the year, it may include a specific designer name like 'Van Day Truex'.
Construction Details
Cast and hand-finished. The piece is constructed of two semi-circular halves joined by a discreet pin hinge, allowing the circular form to open for the insertion of a napkin or for use as a decorative clip.
Functional Features
Spring-tensioned or pin hinge mechanism for opening. The circular shape is designed for holding linens or acting as a tabletop accessory. The vertical split indicates it is a 'clam-shell' style opening.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the entire body serves as the grip. The exterior texture of the bamboo nodes provides a tactile surface for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb casting quality with no visible pits or casting flashes. The hinge is expertly concealed to avoid breaking the visual continuity of the bamboo stalk design.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement symmetry, characteristic weight of Tiffany sterling, and the specific 'v' shape of the bamboo leaves which is unique to the Truex-designed pattern.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, New York workshops. Tiffany used highly sophisticated casting techniques in their American factories to achieve the realistic texture of the bamboo stalks.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1960s-1970s). The bamboo motif was a massive trend in post-war design, blending organic forms with clean lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1961-1980. The design language and finish are characteristic of the original Van Day Truex era of production at Tiffany & Co.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 1960s 'Bamboo Frenzy' in Western luxury goods, where Asian botanical motifs were used to signify worldliness and sophisticated modernist taste.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. Some surface tarnish (patina) is visible in the recesses, which enhances the detail. No visible dents or structural damage to the hinge or edges.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on the specific catalog form and current market demand for vintage Tiffany table accessories.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to remove dust from recesses then use a high-quality silver cream. Avoid over-polishing the oxidized areas to maintain contrast.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Nature' pattern or Buccellati 'Bamboo' pieces. The Tiffany version is distinguished by its more rounded, tubular realism compared to Buccellati's more stylized, textured finish.
Interesting Facts
The Bamboo pattern was commissioned during Van Day Truex's tenure as design director at Tiffany. Truex was credited with moving the company away from heavy Victorian styles toward modern, nature-focused minimalism.