CATALOG DEFENSE RING
This is another antique catalog “Defense Ring” variant. The first known version of this was produced in France in 1899 with a very similar design but a notably thinner band featuring “feathers” or “scales” on the shoulders and more conical shaped eyes.
The Featherless illustration has not appeared in any (known) French catalogs, only in Spain and the UK. There could have been other publications that carried these style rings, in any number of countries; France, Spain, and the UK are just what are confirmed. There are several slides in the listing that are advertisement examples* of the Featherless version of the period, as well as a colorized photo array of the rings and others that were confiscated by authorities, c.1911.
Although Manufrance was the first to carry the grotesque Defense Rings in their 1899 catalog, they did not produce them. The original maker was a subcontractor lost to history. There are currently two known catalog grotesque Defense Ring styles that were sold through Manufrance starting 1899 and 1900, respectively. The third variant, the Featherless, does not appear until a catalog from Barcelona c.1913; then again several times from 1922-1937 in a catalog based in Birmingham, UK.
Are the Feathered and Featherless designs from the same manufacturer, or a separate manufacturer looking to capitalize with “their own” version in other countries? This has been a multi-year investigation that I would love YOUR help gathering information on. If you think you have one of these rings or know of the advertisements from somewhere else, please get in touch! I suspect a potential Welsh and Russian variety as well! Murray.Kvn@gmail.com
These style rings were favored by the infamous Apaches of Paris, Roughs of Europe, and gentlemen who appreciated a mighty fine ring. This is a wonderful recreation of the Featherless version, sculpted in wax by artist Dan Michael, cast in your size with choice of yellow brass or sterling silver. Every ring is deeply engraved with the RCo. Diamond so there is no way of confusing this with a genuine antique.
Yellow Brass: $120
Sterling Silver: $190
Each piece is handmade to order with a 5 week lead time. Orders are usually out the door quicker than that, but sometimes “shit happens”.
If you’d like to know more about the “Apaches”, stay tuned for my illustrated novel, coming in the next two weeks! The Underworld of Paris: Les Apaches
*Advertisement examples from the collection of Marc de Laat, IG: @Marctolate
This is another antique catalog “Defense Ring” variant. The first known version of this was produced in France in 1899 with a very similar design but a notably thinner band featuring “feathers” or “scales” on the shoulders and more conical shaped eyes.
The Featherless illustration has not appeared in any (known) French catalogs, only in Spain and the UK. There could have been other publications that carried these style rings, in any number of countries; France, Spain, and the UK are just what are confirmed. There are several slides in the listing that are advertisement examples* of the Featherless version of the period, as well as a colorized photo array of the rings and others that were confiscated by authorities, c.1911.
Although Manufrance was the first to carry the grotesque Defense Rings in their 1899 catalog, they did not produce them. The original maker was a subcontractor lost to history. There are currently two known catalog grotesque Defense Ring styles that were sold through Manufrance starting 1899 and 1900, respectively. The third variant, the Featherless, does not appear until a catalog from Barcelona c.1913; then again several times from 1922-1937 in a catalog based in Birmingham, UK.
Are the Feathered and Featherless designs from the same manufacturer, or a separate manufacturer looking to capitalize with “their own” version in other countries? This has been a multi-year investigation that I would love YOUR help gathering information on. If you think you have one of these rings or know of the advertisements from somewhere else, please get in touch! I suspect a potential Welsh and Russian variety as well! Murray.Kvn@gmail.com
These style rings were favored by the infamous Apaches of Paris, Roughs of Europe, and gentlemen who appreciated a mighty fine ring. This is a wonderful recreation of the Featherless version, sculpted in wax by artist Dan Michael, cast in your size with choice of yellow brass or sterling silver. Every ring is deeply engraved with the RCo. Diamond so there is no way of confusing this with a genuine antique.
Yellow Brass: $120
Sterling Silver: $190
Each piece is handmade to order with a 5 week lead time. Orders are usually out the door quicker than that, but sometimes “shit happens”.
If you’d like to know more about the “Apaches”, stay tuned for my illustrated novel, coming in the next two weeks! The Underworld of Paris: Les Apaches
*Advertisement examples from the collection of Marc de Laat, IG: @Marctolate
This is another antique catalog “Defense Ring” variant. The first known version of this was produced in France in 1899 with a very similar design but a notably thinner band featuring “feathers” or “scales” on the shoulders and more conical shaped eyes.
The Featherless illustration has not appeared in any (known) French catalogs, only in Spain and the UK. There could have been other publications that carried these style rings, in any number of countries; France, Spain, and the UK are just what are confirmed. There are several slides in the listing that are advertisement examples* of the Featherless version of the period, as well as a colorized photo array of the rings and others that were confiscated by authorities, c.1911.
Although Manufrance was the first to carry the grotesque Defense Rings in their 1899 catalog, they did not produce them. The original maker was a subcontractor lost to history. There are currently two known catalog grotesque Defense Ring styles that were sold through Manufrance starting 1899 and 1900, respectively. The third variant, the Featherless, does not appear until a catalog from Barcelona c.1913; then again several times from 1922-1937 in a catalog based in Birmingham, UK.
Are the Feathered and Featherless designs from the same manufacturer, or a separate manufacturer looking to capitalize with “their own” version in other countries? This has been a multi-year investigation that I would love YOUR help gathering information on. If you think you have one of these rings or know of the advertisements from somewhere else, please get in touch! I suspect a potential Welsh and Russian variety as well! Murray.Kvn@gmail.com
These style rings were favored by the infamous Apaches of Paris, Roughs of Europe, and gentlemen who appreciated a mighty fine ring. This is a wonderful recreation of the Featherless version, sculpted in wax by artist Dan Michael, cast in your size with choice of yellow brass or sterling silver. Every ring is deeply engraved with the RCo. Diamond so there is no way of confusing this with a genuine antique.
Yellow Brass: $120
Sterling Silver: $190
Each piece is handmade to order with a 5 week lead time. Orders are usually out the door quicker than that, but sometimes “shit happens”.
If you’d like to know more about the “Apaches”, stay tuned for my illustrated novel, coming in the next two weeks! The Underworld of Paris: Les Apaches
*Advertisement examples from the collection of Marc de Laat, IG: @Marctolate