I thought this small item, 1.75 inches high, was a napkin ring. I did
some research and discovered that it is called an egg hoop or egg
ring. The opening at one end is larger than the other end to
accommodate both large and small eggs.
Egg Hoop, 1.75 inches high by 2 inches in diameter on one side and 1.5 inches in diameter on the other side. It is printed in a variation of the Tea Party pattern. Notice that the hoop has an indented "waist."
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| Two inch opening at one end of the egg hoop accommodates large eggs. Notice that this opening is flared, while the opening at the other end is straight. |
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| Smaller 1.5 inch opening on the other side of the hoop accommodates small eggs. |
This egg hoop is printed with one of the many tea party patterns.* Although the pattern is a bit blurred, you can see the man and the woman sitting at the tea table.
The other side of the egg hoop features a building. Anyone know what it is?
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| The pattern wraps around the egg hoop. There are trees and bushes, as well as this unidentified building. |
Below is the egg hoop holding a large egg. When the egg is cooked, the top of the egg can be removed so that that the egg can be eaten from the shell with an egg spoon (small spoon).
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Is an egg cup the same as an egg hoop? I have written about egg cups in a previous post. Take a look at the post to find out.
Can an egg hoop be used as a napkin ring? Why not!
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| Egg hoop used as a napkin ring. Why not! I guess I would need more than one. Oh well. |
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| William Smith (&Co.) 1825-1855 "No. 3" saucer printed with the Tea Drinker or Tea Party pattern, ca. 1830. |
