This napkin ring belongs to 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.

Stokes & Sons, Melbourne Victoria. Stokes were one of the most successful silverware and medallion manufacturers in Australia, and according to K Cavill, 'arguably . . . the best-known manufacturer of domestic silverware from the 1890s to the 1960s'. Stokes produced an extensive range of sterling-silver napkin rings throughout the first half of the 20th century. The company dates to 1856 when Thomas Stokes gave up looking for gold and set up business as a die-sinker producing medals, tokens, and buttons. A merger with GF Martin in 1867 saw the firm introduce electroplated nickel-silver to Australia. The banking crisis of the 1890s saw a split with Martin and the gradual joining of Thomas Stokes's three sons and by 1911 the company was called Thomas Stokes and Sons. By 1939 Stokes were employing 280 people. The company's pre-eminent status amongst its competitors is demonstrated by commissions to produce Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gift from Australia, and her 1954 tour-gift from Victoria. Stokes line of silverware was discontinued in the 1960s, but they remain an important company in Australia today - still producing medals, badges etc. in addition to a diverse range of automotive and engineering products.

Stokes & Sons, Melbourne. Stokes produced an extensive range of sterling-silver napkin rings throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Engraved decoration of diamond with Z.F. / 1907

Collected by Professor Kenneth Cavill

Napkin ring, electroplated nickel silver, Stokes and Sons, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1905 - 1907

Elliptical band with applied decorative band of Greek-key pattern on each edge, and engraved decoration of diamond with 'Z.F. / 1907' flanked by ferns.

Maker's mark on interior 'STOKES & SONS / E.P. N.S.'

Made: Stokes and Sons; Melbourne, Victoria; 1897 - 1907

Engraved 'Z.F. / 1907' in a diamond shape, flanked by ferns.

Marks on interior 'STOKES & SONS / E.P. N.S.'

2002/81/44

1897 - 1907

24 mm

49 mm

40 mm