Item number: 58354
A George III sterling silver teapot on stand
London 1791 by Robert Hennell I
The oval body standing on a smooth base and merging into the curved, smooth shoulder. The lid is subtly domed to the centre and crowned by an oval lid knob. The body as well as the horizontal shoulder and lid area engraved with a classicistic frieze on a matted ground and decorated with a central monogram section on the front showing a family crest depicting a raised hand, the monogram section on the reverse side without engraving. The tapered, tubular spout decorated with a delicate dotted frieze at the tip. The handle with thumb rest on the reverse.
The stand with four feet and engraved decoration analogous to the teapot.
A very elegant Georgian sterling silver teapot with the original matching stand. The graceful lightness is achieved by the subtly curved top of the teapot. The engraved decoration of the teapot is in good condition considering its age. There are no solder repairs on the teapot and the hinge is in excellent condition, both inside and out. Naturally, hinges are subject to wear and tear from use, repairs to the hinge or spout are almost always present on teapots of this age – but not with this. On the underside, at the level of the handle, is a small soldering at the rim which is most probably due to the manufacturing process. Stands for teapots were almost exclusively common in the last third of the 18th century and went out of fashion again in the early 19th century, which is why in most cases they were melted or got lost. The fact that this teapot still has its original base is another special feature of the object.
Teapot:
28.3 cm / 11.14″ length, 9.2 cm / 3.62″ width, 13.8 cm / 5.43″ tall; 400.0 g / 14.10 oz
Teapot stand:
17 cm / 6.69″ length, 12.4 cm / 4.88″ width; 137.7 g / 4.85 oz
The Hennell silversmith dynasty
David Hennell I was apprenticed to Edward Wood as a silversmith on 6 September 1728. Marriage to Hannah Broomhead on 1 March 1736. The marriage produced fifteen children, only five of whom reached adulthood. David Hennell I was registered as a Largeworker on 23 June 1736 at King’s Head Court, Gutter Lane. David retired from the business in 1773 and died in 1785. Robert Hennell I, fifth child of David Hennell I, began his silversmithing apprenticeship with his father in 1756 and became free in 1763, his maker’s mark has been registered in 1772. The maker’s mark here is traceable on silverware made by Robert Hennell I between 1786 and 1804. In particular, silver teapots, coffee pots and tea sets by Robert Hennell I show his outstanding craftsmanship which is why his objects have a special status among connoisseurs of English silver.
