Object Description
This is a beautiful antique English George III sterling silver tureen and lid, with hallmarks for London 1808 and the makers mark WB for William Bennett.
The tureen is beautiful in its simplicity.
There is an engraved crest and a fabulous coat of arms which I have had researched:
The Marital Arms of Families of Birchall and Hayne
The arms as engraved upon this George III English Sterling Silver Tureen by William Bennett hallmarked London 1808 are those of Birchall impaling Hayne. These armorial bearings denote the marshalling of a marital coat showing on the dexter (the heraldic right on the left as you view the piece) the arms of the husband and on the sinister (the heraldic left on the right as you view it) the arms of the wife. These armorial bearings may be blazoned as follows:
Arms:
(on the dexter) Argent on a chevron between three cross crosslets fitchy sable as many fleurs de lis of the first (for Birchall)
(on the sinister) Or on a fess gules three bezants in chief a greyhound courant proper (for Hayne)
Crest: A lion rampant azure supporting a tree vert (for Birchall)
Upon the balance of probability and without any evidence to the contrary these armorial bearings commemorate the marriage of an unnamed gentleman of the Birchall family who hailed from the Counties of Chester and Stafford to an unnamed daughter of a family of the Hayne family around the date of the manufacture and hallmarking of this particular piece. It is supposed that the Birchalls took their name from Birchill in the County of Cheshire this being the original spelling of the name.
The style of the engraving of both arms and crest are contemporary with the date cited.
It is a lovely piece which would be appreciated by both collectors and those who would like to use it at their next dinner party.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 28 cm x Width 40 cm x Depth 24 cm & Weight 2.08 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth 9 inches & Weight 67 troy oz
William Bennett,
was first apprenticed to John Arnell of Little Britain London Goldsmith, Citizen and Goldsmith 7th July 1784 but was then turned over by consent to John Perry and then to Solomon Hougham
He entered his first mark as a plateworker in 1787.
His silver mark was first entered on the 1st June 1796.
His Address 2 Half Moon Passage, Aldersgate Street, London.
He moved to 19 Little Bartholomew Close, London on the25th September 1800.
His mark appears chiefly on trays and salvers in which he specialised.
He passed away in February, 1825.
Our reference: 06397x