R. Hennell Sterling Silver Table or Serving Spoon
Flatware - Spoon · Robert Hennell I or II, London. The Hennells were a prolific British silversmithing dynasty known for exceptional quality and formal elegance, active since the 18th century.
Pattern: Old English Pattern, a timeless understated design introduced in the 1760s and remaining a staple of British silver production.
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
Robert Hennell I or II, London. The Hennells were a prolific British silversmithing dynasty known for exceptional quality and formal elegance, active since the 18th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity minimum). Composed of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for durability.
Dimensions
Estimated length 20-22cm (Table Spoon size). Approximate weight 60-75 grams (2.0-2.4 troy oz).
Description
A fine example of early 19th-century British flatware, this spoon embodies the restrained grace of the Hennell family workshop. It features a deep oval bowl and a classic stem that flares into a rounded terminal. The silver has developed a soft, warm glow over two centuries of use.
Key Features
Signature 'RH' maker's mark; hand-hammered bowl with visible planishing characteristics; authentic lion passant stamp; heavy gauge silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity minimum). Composed of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with natural surface patina and age-related micro-scratching. The design is minimalist, featuring a rounded terminal without ornate engraving, typical of the late Georgian and Regency periods.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Indicated marks show a 'Lion Passant' (English sterling standard mark) and the maker's mark 'RH' in a clipped rectangular or hexagonal cartouche, identifying the Hennell workshop. The absence of a complete set in this view suggests they are further up the stem.
Construction Details
Hand-forged; the spoon was hammered from a single ingot of silver. The bowl would have been planished onto a stake to achieve its curvature, and the stem drawn out by hand-striking.
Functional Features
Large oval bowl designed for serving deep dishes or for use as a generous table spoon. The tapered neck provides a balance point for ergonomic use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle of the 'Old English' style, featuring a downturned rounded end. Condition appears structurally sound with significant surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Clearly hand-wrought. The slight irregularities in the bowl's symmetry and the thickness of the silver at the drop (the base of the stem) are hallmarks of pre-industrial silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and strike of the Lion Passant mark are consistent with hand-struck dies. The maker's mark cartouche matches known registers for Robert Hennell II.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. Manufactured in the specialized silver workshops of the City of London, adhering to the strict standards of the Goldsmiths' Hall.
Era & Period
Late Georgian / Regency Period (c. 1800-1830). This is suggested by the specific shape of the RH maker's mark and the simple elegance of the flatware style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1810-1825. This estimate is based on the maker's mark style consistent with Robert Hennell II and the transition of the Old English pattern during that time.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the specialized dining culture in 19th-century Britain, where specific utensils for serving and dining became status symbols of the upper middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'pitting' and heavy surface scratching (scuffing) across the bowl surface, likely from abrasive cleaning in its past. No signs of repair or thinning of the bowl rim.
Value Estimate
$120 - $180 USD, depending on the clarity of the remaining hallmarks not visible in the photo and the total weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid 'dip' cleaners which strip the patina. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth roll to prevent further surface scratching.
Similar Pieces
Chereau/French Fiddle spoons (different terminal shape); Hester Bateman Old English spoons (finer, lighter gauge); Gorham Colonial (American interpretation).
Interesting Facts
The Hennell family of silversmiths is one of the most respected in English history, with their work held in the Victoria and Albert Museum and other major international collections.
Notes
Spoon