George III Silver Wine Coasters

Object Description

An elegant pair of antique silver bottle stands with turned hardwood centres. The coasters have a simple classical design with a vertically pierced gallery, reed borders and hand engraved crest to the front.
Height 2.9cm. Diameter 11.9 cm.
Sterling silver.
London 1786.
Maker Robert Hennell.

ROBERT HENNELL I
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

Wine coasters were not made until the 1760’s when they were produced from pierced sheet similar to the cake baskets of that date. They were usually made in pairs, sometimes fours, but it is rare to find an antique set longer than four.
The silver hallmarks were often stamped on the edge of the base and as a result the marks can sometimes be difficult to read, either because they were badly struck or because, over the years, they have become rubbed.

Object Condition

This charming pair of sterling silver wine coasters are in very good condition. The engraved crests have lost a little definition. The silver marks are stamped on the edge of the base and, for this reason, are slightly worn but still readable. The baize underneath is probably original but tatty. There is a minor fault to one of the wooden centres.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details