Edwardian Sterling Silver Concave Napkin Ring by Levi & Salaman
Napkin Ring / Table Accessory · Levi & Salaman (Phineas Harris Levi and Joseph Salaman). Founded in 1870 in Birmingham, England, they were renowned for high-quality small silver items, 'novelties', and jewelry.
Pattern: Plain Concave Form (Classical Minimalist). This was a staple design focused on highlighting the reflective quality of the silver and the clarity of the hallmarks.
Type
Napkin Ring / Table Accessory
Maker
Levi & Salaman (Phineas Harris Levi and Joseph Salaman). Founded in 1870 in Birmingham, England, they were renowned for high-quality small silver items, 'novelties', and jewelry.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction without weighted filling or base metals.
Dimensions
Diameter approx. 4.5 cm; Width approx. 2.5 cm. Estimated weight: 20-30 grams. This is a standard adult-sized napkin ring.
Description
A classic example of English domestic silver, this napkin ring features a distinctively elegant concave silhouette. The heavy gauge of the silver provides a substantial feel, while the external hallmarks serve as a testament to its British heritage and authenticity.
Key Features
Distinctive waisted shape, exceptionally clear and well-struck Birmingham hallmarks on the exterior wall, and a lack of monogramming, which is rare for pieces of this age.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction without weighted filling or base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Polished high-mirror finish with a concave/waisted profile. The decoration is purely functional, relying on the flared edges and the prominent placement of the hallmarks as a design element.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Comprehensive British Hallmarks: 'L&S' (Maker's Mark for Levi & Salaman), 'Anchor' (Birmingham Assay Office), 'Lion Passant' (Sterling Silver Purity), and Date Letter 'n' (1912).
Construction Details
Raised and seamed. The piece was likely rolled from silver sheet, hand-soldered at a vertical seam (visible upon close interior inspection), and spun on a lathe to create the concave waist and flared rims.
Functional Features
Hollow cylindrical form designed to hold a folded linen napkin. The flared rims allow for easy insertion and removal of fabric without snagging.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - The body of the ring serves as the grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While the form is simple, achieving the perfect symmetry of a concave waist requires skilled spinning and finishing to hide the solder seam.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark sequence is perfectly consistent with Birmingham 1912 standards. The maker's mark 'L&S' matches known punches for the firm at that date. Wear patterns are consistent with a century of use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the historic Jewellery Quarter, which was the world center for silver 'smallwares' manufacturing in the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (specifically late Edwardian/George V transition, 1912). Indicates a move away from Victorian clutter toward cleaner, more architectural lines.
Age Estimate
Dated 1912 based on the specific lowercase 'n' date letter for the Birmingham Assay Office.
Cultural Significance
Napkin rings were essential status symbols in middle and upper-class Edwardian households, used to identify whose napkin was whose between weekly washings of the linens.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide oxidation) with a bluish/black patina. Noticeable dents and 'out-of-round' warping on the upper rim. Minor surface scratches consistent with use.
Value Estimate
$40 - $70 USD. Value is driven by silver weight and the clarity of the marks, though the current dents and tarnish reduce the 'ready-for-retail' price.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam/cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the surface. Reshaping can be done by a professional silversmith using a wooden mandrel.
Similar Pieces
Similar concave rings by Adie Brothers or Gorham (American). British versions are more likely to have external hallmarks, whereas American versions are usually stamped inside.
Interesting Facts
Levi & Salaman were famous for producing souvenirs for the 1908 London Olympics and were among the most prolific creators of 'Plique-à-jour' enamel in England.