Antique French sterling silver napkin ring by Charles Murat. Patterned with clusters of Art Nouveau sunflowers among lush leaves, and sinuous flowing lines. With the inscription 'Jeanne' engraved in elegant script. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Marked for silversmith Charles Murat, active circa 1897 at 6 rue des Archives, Paris. Charles Murat exhibited and received prizes at the Universal Exhibitions of 1855, 1862, 1867, in Philadelphia in 1876 and in Paris in 1878. By 1900, the Maison Murat was an important producer of silverware, cutlery and silver tableware, including tumblers, napkin rings, cups for coffee, tea and chocolate, etc. The firm was active until about 1900, when a number of its flatware patterns were bought by Olier & Caron. The napkin ring is in good condition with general wear/scratches from age and use. Measures 1 3/8" height x 2" diameter. Weighs 39.2 grams.