Samuel Hennell George III Sterling Silver Old English Pattern Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Samuel Hennell, a prominent London silversmith known for high-quality flatware and hollowware during the George III and Regency periods; part of the esteemed Hennell family of silversmiths.
Pattern: Old English Pattern, a classic and perennial design introduced in the mid-18th century, still widely recognized and collected for its elegant simplicity.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Samuel Hennell, a prominent London silversmith known for high-quality flatware and hollowware during the George III and Regency periods; part of the esteemed Hennell family of silversmiths.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark; solid precious metal without a base metal or weighted core.
Dimensions
Estimated length 17-21 cm (Standard Dessert or Table Spoon size); approximate weight 35-55 grams (1.1 - 1.8 troy oz) based on typical Hennell gauge.
Description
An exquisite example of Regency-era functional art, this sterling silver spoon by Samuel Hennell showcases the timeless Old English pattern. The piece features a clean, unembellished spatulate handle that tapers gracefully toward a well-proportioned bowl. Its substantial weight and crisp hallmarks reflect the high standards of London silversmithing at the height of the Georgian period.
Key Features
Deeply struck Samuel Hennell 'SH' maker's mark; classic Old English form; high-purity sterling silver; precise Regency dating via assay marks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark; solid precious metal without a base metal or weighted core.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a plain, unadorned handle typical of the Old English style; lacks monograms or crests which preserves its minimalist Georgian aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full set of London marks: Maker's mark 'SH' for Samuel Hennell, Lion Passant (silver purity), Leopard's Head (assay office), Date Letter 'u' (1815), and George III Duty Mark.
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single ingot of silver; the tapering of the handle and the drop of the bowl indicate traditional hand-hammered craftsmanship typical of the early 19th century.
Functional Features
Rounded egg-shaped bowl with a slight 'lip' for efficient use in dining; ergonomic tapering handle designed for balance and comfort.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a spatulate 'Old English' upturned end; smooth edges and substantial thickness at the neck to prevent bending.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-forged evidence visible in the handle's taper; the marks are hand-struck rather than machine-etched; the spoon exhibits excellent balance and a 'heft' typical of high-end Georgian silver.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are vertically aligned and struck with appropriate depth; wear patterns match 200 years of gentle use; 'SH' mark matches recorded Samuel Hennell punches from 1815.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England; manufactured in the Hennell workshop, known as one of the premier centers for English silver production during the Georgian era.
Era & Period
George III Period / Regency Era (1815); characterized by the shift toward Neoclassical restraint and high-quality utilitarian elegance.
Age Estimate
1815; dated precisely by the hallmark 'u' in a shield and the presence of the George III profile duty mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the refinement of the British middle and upper classes during the Napoleonic era, where silver flatware was a primary indicator of social standing and 'polite' dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; light surface micro-scratching consistent with age; hallmarks are crisp and legible; bowl shows minimal 'tip wear'; no evidence of repair or thinning.
Value Estimate
$100 - $185 USD depending on specific size (tablespoon vs dessert spoon) and local demand for Hennell lineage silver.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap; polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's or Hagerty; store in a Pacific silver cloth roll to prevent oxidation and tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Flatware by Hester Bateman (more delicate/feminine) or Paul Storr (heavier/more ornate); modern 'Old English' reproductions lack the hand-forged balance and crispness of Hennell originals.
Interesting Facts
The Hennell family silversmithing dynasty began in 1736 and lasted for nearly two centuries, serving British royalty and the upper aristocracy.