Set of forty George V silver military napkin rings numbered 1 through 40, by Grant & Son, Birmingham, 1914, inscribed for the 87th Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery, hallmarked, housed in original silk-lined oak box

This rare and intriguing set of 40 George V-period silver napkin rings was used by officers of the 87th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery for special occasions. Members were given the numbered napkin ring corresponding to their rank, with "1" being the highest. The set was created by the Birmingham silver firm of Grant & Son and remains in excellent condition. The set is housed in its fitted oak chest, which bears a brass plaque on the lid engraved "87th A.A. Regiment R.A."

The lid interior bears the Grant & Son trademark, and each napkin ring is clearly hallmarked by Grant & Son, Birmingham, 1939.

Oak case: height 2 3/8 in. x width 11 3/8 in. x depth 9 5/8 in.

Napkin rings: height 3/4 in. x diameter 1 7/8 in.

Total weight: 28.8 ozt

Provenance: Property from the personal estate collection of iconic Texas businessman, civic leader and philanthropist Billy Joe Red McCombs (1927-2023) from his home in Olmos Park, Texas; this lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity as property from the McCombs personal estate