SILENT FILM STAR THEDA BARA's ANTQ STERLING NAPKIN RING

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This is a beautiful, heavy, antique sterling silver napkin ring that was given as a gift to someone unknown by THEDA BARA, the famous early American Silent Film star. Theda Bara was considered the third most popular silent film star of all time, behind only Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford. She starred in the original Cleopatra, made by Twentieth Century Fox. She had a mysterious "vamp" persona created by Fox Studio that she was known for, always wearing heavy black eye make up and often posing with serpents and even skeletons. It was alleged she was an Arab princess, born in Egypt in the shadow of the Pyramids, although in actuality she was born in Cincinnati and was a quiet, more intellectual book lover. She was the one that originally spoke the often quoted line "Kiss me, you fool!" This napkin ring was given as a gift by her in 1919 and is inscribed. This would correspond exactly with her career, which was both at its height in 1919 and also very close to when it came to an end, as Fox did not renew her contract after 1920. Some accounts say she chose to let her contract with Fox expire because she was tired of being cast in vamp roles, and other accounts say that Fox chose not to renew her contract because they felt her run was over and they were focusing all their attention on their new cowboy star, Tom Mix. Further, adding to the authenticity of this napkin ring, she did not fade away after her career ended, but after marrying the British film director, Charles Brabin, she became famous for catering high society parties that the film crowd of the time flocked to. She was known to be a wonderful cook and grand hostess. This would tfore also be an appropriate gift that she might give. I have contacted several auction houses' Entertainment Memorabelia departments regarding this napkin ring and they feel that it is certainly authentic. I have decided to offer it myself. The napkin ring is 1 3/4" across and 1 1/4" tall. It has a heavy, ornate scrollwork edging on both the top and bottom edge that is 1/4" thick. The ring is marked on the inside in fine engraved calligraphy "From Theda Bara 1919", written in three lines. On the other side of the interior, the ring is stamped only Sterling and the number 37 with no other makers marks. I just happened by chance, however, to find another sterling napkin ring, almost identical to this one, listed on the Ruby Lane Antiques website, that is a signed Tiffany napkin ring, which, just as a fine napkin ring without any provenance, is selling for $375. This attests to the fine quality of this beautiful napkin ring in its own right, and to the likelihood that it was a very expensive gift in its time. The Tiffany ring can be currently seen on the site. I have included a picture of it in the last photo. T is an ornate monogram on the outside of the ring that appears to be WRE in beautiful calligraphy. The director of most of Theda Bara's films was J. Gordon Edwards, and it is quoted everyw w information on Theda Bara is found that she had a very high opinion of him and his work and was a close friend. Given that the last initial of the monogram is an "E," it is possible that this ring may have been given to a member of his family. Although I found that his wife's name was Alice, eliminating her, it could easily be another member of his family; perhaps even his mother, but I do not know for certain, as I have not attempted to research his family tree any further. The napkin ring is in beautiful condition with only one very surface soft scratch on one side that could be easily polished off. It polishes beautifully with attarctive tarnish remaining in the groves of the scrollwork, but this could also be polished also if desired. This would be a wonderful addition to either a napkin ring collection or certainly the collection of an afficianado of the Silent Film Era. It is certainly a one of a kind and rare item. Shipping for this item is $11 insured. Payment by personal check or money order, please. International bidders, please email fo... read more

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