What are cased serviette rings?

These items are matched sets of silver napkin holders that come in their own dedicated storage boxes. They were designed to keep dining tables orderly and protect the precious metal from tarnishing when not in use.

How were cased serviette rings used?

Families used them at the dinner table to identify each person's linen napkin between meals. At the end of dining, the rolled cloth went back into its numbered or matched ring before the set returned to its lined box.

Dating relies heavily on the silver hallmarks stamped onto the metal of the rings themselves. These tiny marks reveal the assay office, the specific year letter, and the maker's mark, while the style of the storage box offers additional period clues.

Are all cased sets made of solid silver?

No, while many feature solid sterling silver, others are constructed from silver plate over a base metal. Examining the hallmarks inside the rings will confirm whether the metal is solid or plated.