We recovered two rings recently, one of bone and one
of ivory, that I would describe as napkin rings.
However, the rings are intricately scored inside the
band.  Both are scored with fine lines on the
interior, and both have thicker incised concentric
lines on the exterior.  Off the top of my head, I
would say they were approx. 6 cm in diameter.  Napkin
rings?  Curtain rings?  Some other decorative item?
I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Sarah

Sarah Miller
Kentucky Archaeological Survey
1020 A Export Street, UK
Lexington, KY 40506

--- "Lyle E. Browning" <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> The napkin rings of bone range from simple smooth
> bands, rather like a
> giant wedding band, to those which have two
> concentric channels just in
> from each outside edge to some rather intricate
> carvings for decorative
> effect. None have a hole (apart from the center one
> which holds the
> napkin of course for the literal minded). Some may
> in fact be ivory.
> The edges tend to be rather sharp, but all have been
> smoothed to some
> extent. The very plain ones will tend to have
> smoothed/rounded edges.
>
> There are also sterling silver, plate silver and
> other varieties of
> materials of which these things are made.
>
> Also, the diameter of the hole through which the
> napkins fits is about
> the same for all the specimens I've seen, but the
> width of the band
> varies from the 0.5cm that Paul enquired about to
> about 4 cms.
>
> I've seen them in antique shops in sets.
>
> The curtain ring types should have had some wear
> lines from contact
> with the rail, shouldn't they?
>
> Lyle Browning


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