I found this item in a junk store marked with ’93 (1893) World’s Fair in Chicago. The World’s Fair in Chicago was held from May 1, 1893 to October 30, 1893.
I’m not exactly sure what this object is but if I had to guess I think it looks like a souvenir napkin ring. I think I paid about one dollar for it.
The item is made out of some type of metal, I believe it is aluminum, with the lettering pounded into it. There doesn’t appear to be any rust on it. It also has two fancy edges.
This item is small but I was able to show the lettering on the front of this object.
The 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago
The back view of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago “napkin ring” has what looks to be a lily flower pounded into it.
The side edge shows where the edges were connected and is covered up with some additional decorative pressings.
Back View of 1893 World’s Fair Item
1893 World’s Fair Item, Side View
So what was going on at the 1893 World’s Fair?
There was the debut of Cream of Wheat Cereal, Juicy Fruit Gum, and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
The dishwasher and fluorescent bulbs were displayed as new technology.
The Ferris Wheel was also introduced by a Pittsburgh bridge builder and steel magnate by the name of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. It cost .50 cents to ride the Ferris Wheel.
There was a stained glass display by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Philadelphia even sent the Liberty Bell.
Truth is always stranger than fiction—so also lurking about was a mass murderer by the name of H. H. Holmes. He would lure fair visitors to his “Murder” castle but that’s a whole other story.
Lastly, there was the creation of the City Beautiful movement for open spaces and grand public buildings in crowed cities.
Must have been a spectacular World’s Fair and who doesn’t love the Ferris wheel?