an internet search using the teCirca late 19th century - napkins and 1890 turned up a site selling such linens
 
                        "...Circa late 19th century - 12 huge 32" by 27" French linen damask lapkins ..."
 
Seems they were called -- lapkins -- not quite as large as you describe, but probably the same as yours ???
 
Barbara Hass, retired librarian
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Claire Kuhlmann <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 17:38:53 -0500
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] colossal napkins

Our curator was recently sifting through accession records and came across 
one that documented a set of 12 damask napkins monogrammed "WLJ" c.1860s.  
The peculiar thing is that they apparenlty measure 50 inches by 22 inches.  
As they are in storage in an upstate facility we do not know what they look 
like in person.  We were wondering if anyone could offer some insight.  Are 
they really napkins or are they small tablecloths? In order to avoid signs 
of wear and tear would they have rotated a set of 12 tablecloths? If they 
are napkins, do larger napkins of this size and time period have a special 
name?  Are there others that exist of this size and proportion?  Any help 
would be much appreciated.

Claire Kuhlmann
Education Coordinator
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

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