Q: I would like to know what this is. It is a sterling silver circle, 1 1/4 in. in diameter, with an engraved owl in a hole in a tree. It has a hinge and a safety catch so it can be opened. It is marked inside with an arrow through a W. I was told that it could be a child's bracelet or a napkin ring, but these don't seem to be correct.
A: After doing the arithmetic (circumference equals diameter times pi), we figured out the circumference of your piece is about 4 inches. It is probably a baby bracelet made in the early 1900s. The owl in the tree may be from the nursery rhyme, "A wise old owl sat upon an oak, The more he saw the less he spoke." This mark was used by Webster Company of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1869 by George K. Webster and his partners. It was originally called G.K. Webster and Company. George died in 1894 and the name was changed to Webster Company. The company made napkin rings, baby items, picture frames, cigarette holders, candlesticks and other items. Most were sterling silver, but Webster also made some silver plate. The company became part of Reed & Barton in 1950.
1 comment:
Dear Kovels Komments, You're always teaching, and I love that. Your answers are just the right length for an ezine. Thanks.
Post a Comment