George III Silver Basket

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Object Description

An elegant antique silver swing handle basket of oval form with bead borders. Lovely classical style. The body has a pretty pierced frieze and hand engraved decoration with swags, ribbons and classical motifs. Suitable for bread, cakes and candy, flowers and fruit.

Weight 809 grams, 26 troy ounces.

Length 35.5cm. Width 23.5cm. Height 10cm (without handle), 27cm (to top of handle).

London 1785.

Maker Robert Hennell.

Sterling silver.

ROBERT HENNELL II
Hennell Family (worked from 1728).
David Hennell I was apprenticed to Edward Wood 6 September 1728. Married 1 March 1736 to Hannah Broomhead.. First mark entered as largeworker, 23 June 1736. Address: King’s Head Court, Gutter Lane. The Hennell’s had fifteen children of which only five reached maturity. David retired from business in 1773 and died 1785.

Robert Hennell I, fifth child of David Hennell I, apprenticed to his father in 1756, free 1763. 1st mark in partnership with David I 1763. 2nd similar. 3rd mark alone as smallworker 1772. 4th mark as saltmaker 1773. 5th mark in partnership with son David II as 3rd partner 1802
Robert Hennell II, son of John Hennell, elder brother of Robert Hennell I. Apprenticed to his uncle Robert Hennell I 1778, free 1785. Also apprenticed to John Houle as engraver. 1st mark entered as plateworker with Henry Nutting 1808. 2nd,3rd and 4th marks mark alone 1809,1820 and 1826. Retired 1833.

Samuel Hennell, son of Robert Hennell I. 1st mark entered as third partner to his father and brother in 1802. 2nd mark with Robert Hennell only 1802. 3rd mark alone 1811. 4th mark in partnership with John Terry 1814, terminated 1816.
David Hennell II, apprenticed to his father Robert Hennell I 1782, free 1789. Livery 1791. 1st mark in partnership with his father 1795. Second mark, with brother Samuel added to the partnership 1802. Resigned from Livery 1821.

Object Literature

Antique Silver Fruit Baskets are nearly always described as cake baskets but were more commonly used for bread and fruit. Although 17th century versions are known to exist they were not commonly found until about 1735 onwards. Early examples usually have side handles or no handles and tend to be considerably heavier than George III examples and later.

Object Condition

The silver basket is in very good condition. Stamped on the top edge with a full set of English silver hallmarks, handle with lion and makers mark.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)207 288 1939
Mobile
+44 (0)7904 297419
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Dealer Location

Vault 31-32
The London Silver Vaults
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS

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