Collectables
JOHN MCPHEE EVALUATES READERS’ PRECIOUS OBJECTS.
THIS SWAN NAPKIN RING
was given to me as a Christening present in 1979. It was unboxed. It says on the bottom of the ring: EPNS, Falcon Plate Co, Made in England. I think ‘EP’ (if that’s what it says) means electroplating, which means it’s a silver-plated ring. Could you please tell me which era it is from and if it was originally part of a set? If I ever found another in an antique shop I’d love to buy it. Rachel Brouff, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN, QUEENSLAND
EPNS (electro plated nickel silver) napkin rings are a reminder of a time when each member of the family had their own ring to identify their table napkin from meal to meal. Your elegant example was made in the early 20th century, probably in Birmingham, the largest centre for the production of electroplated silverware. Napkin rings with Australian motifs, such as kangaroos, emus and even boomerangs, were popular leading up to Federation. Swans, associated with Western Australia, are sometimes found in sets featuring Australian animals. Nearly every vintage and antique shop has some electroplated pieces and although napkin rings are seldom used examples, the ones with Australian motifs are popular collectors’ items. While it is unlikely that you would find an exact match for your swan, you could certainly add a ring with another animal or bird for about $50.
THIS VASE HAS BEEN
in the family for more than 70 years. We have never been able to find out anything about it and hope you are able to help us. Peter Brown, ORANGE, NSW
If you look carefully you will find that the strange scribble on the base of your jug reads ‘Italy’. The jug would have been made in one of the many potteries from Rome to Florence, some of which have flourished since the Renaissance. In the early 20th century, travellers brought these colourful tablewares home as souvenirs of their trip. Baggage was not a problem when you travelled by ship. Now you need to work out if a member of your family travelled to Italy early in the 20th century or was given this colourful souvenir by a friend who had.
John Mcphee is an art historian who has worked in art museums for 30 years and was curator of Australian Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Australia. If you have a precious (or simply mysterious) object that puzzles you, send your inquiry, along with a colour print or high-resolution digital image, your suburb or town, and your daytime telephone number, to austcountrystyle@bauer-media.com.au. The photographs must be clear and show the whole object against a white background. Photographs will not be returned, even if they are not published.