I do know that early 19th-century napkins were much larger that ones used today. For example, "The Workman's Guide" of 1838 recommends that dinner napkins (of fine damask) measure "14 nails." A nail is 2-1/4 inches, so that would make the napkin about 31-1/2 inches. Not quite what we are accustomed to (and not quite 50" x 22"). Still, I'd do a little more investigating before totally dismissing the "napkin theory." 

Cheryl



-----Original Message-----
From: Rebecca Fitzgerald [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 10:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: colossal napkins


As Claire stated: "The peculiar thing is that they apparenlty measure 50
inches by 22 inches." I don't believe these were napkins or hankerchiefs. 50
X 22" is approximately 4 feet X 2 feet. The comical image of some poor guy
tripping over his hankerchief comes to mind. And although I've had dinner
guests that I wish had used napkins this large, I've never seen a reference
to them! 

I did a little investigation and found the link below to some antique
embroidered towels. I'm guessing that what you have is a whole set of towels
- perhaps part of some bride's trousseau? 

http://www.emsheart.com/merchandise/items/G08704%20Best%20Antqiue%20Society%
20Silk%20embroidered%20towel.htm 

Please let us know what they turn out to be. 

Becky Fitzgerald
Susquehanna Museum

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