This napkin ring is from the collection of silver and EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) tableware, trophies, napkin rings and spoons made and/or used in Australia between the 1890s and 1950s. Presented to the Museum in 2002, the collection was assembled in the 1980s and 1990s by Professor G W Kenneth Cavill, an Emeritus Professor of the University of New South Wales. In his retirement, Professor Cavill has researched and published the histories of notable early 20th century Australian silverware manufacturers. The collection is representative of their products and includes many rare objects. It was put together to both document and preserve examples of the golden era for the production of domestic silverware in Australia. Rare manufacturers' catalogues of the 1920s and 1930s that complete the collection, show the extensive range of products then available

The hollowware represented in the collection was made in electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and reproduction Sheffield plate (electroplated silver on copper). Finely made and modestly priced, Australian silverware competed strongly with imported goods. Since the 1950s, table silverware has largely given way to stainless steel.
Souvenir and giftware such as spoons and napkin rings are particularly well represented.

Napkin rings made in Australia are comparable in quality to British wares of the same period - a similarity the donor notes is largely due to supervisors being recruited from Birmingham or London. Whilst simple napkin rings were within the capabilities of an apprentice, elaborate ones required much expertise. Reflecting this range, the collection encompasses a wide range of styles from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco and in techniques that include engraving by hand and machine, stamping, and fretwork.

G&E Rodd P/L, Melbourne Victoria. G&E Rodd were founded in Melbourne in 1919. Initially the firm concentrated on making jewellery and by the late 1930s they were the leading firm of manufacturing jewellers in Australia. Around 1930 Rodd started to make silver tableware. Their range of knives, forks and spoons included the souvenir spoons popular during the 1930s. As with many other companies, Rodd's 200 employees were involved in wartime production from 1940. By 1948, Rodds had become a public company, and in the 1980s, they merged with Myttons to form Mytton Rodd - which still exists today.

G&E Rodd P/L, Melbourne. Note: multiple die cracks in the design impression illustrating the gradual shattering of the die.

Collected by Professor Kenneth Cavill

Napkin ring, sterling silver, G. and E. Rodd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1920 - 1930

Circular band with applied decorative band on each edge of formally-linked (Empire Style) leaves.

Maker's marks on interior 'STERLING SILVER APEX'.

Made: G and E Rodd; Melbourne, Victoria; 1925 - 1935

Maker's marks on interior 'STERLING SILVER APEX'.

2002/81/41

1925 - 1935

23 mm

46 mm