Robert Hennell II Sterling Silver Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a Tureen, Bowl, or Tray based on hallmark placement) · Robert Hennell II (part of the prominent Hennell family of London silversmiths). Founding lineage traces back to David Hennell I (1736). Robert II was known for exceptional high-end Regency and Victorian silver for the British aristocracy.
Pattern: Custom or Studio Pattern; typical of 19th-century bespoke commissions rather than mass-produced flatware lines.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tureen, Bowl, or Tray based on hallmark placement)
Maker
Robert Hennell II (part of the prominent Hennell family of London silversmiths). Founding lineage traces back to David Hennell I (1736). Robert II was known for exceptional high-end Regency and Victorian silver for the British aristocracy.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Authentic Hennell pieces are solid sterling silver, never plated, though interiors may sometimes feature heavy gold vermeil wash.
Dimensions
Standard hollowware dimensions vary; typically between 20-40cm in diameter with substantial weight (often 500g to 2000g+ troy ounces) due to the heavy-gauge silver preferred by the Hennell workshop.
Description
An exquisite example of British silversmithing excellence, featuring the hallmark of Robert Hennell II. The Hennell name is synonymous with the Golden Age of English silver, characterized by monumental proportions and flawless execution. This piece represents the understated elegance provided to the London merchant class and nobility during the early 19th century.
Key Features
The 'RH' within a crown is the primary diagnostic feature. The deep striking of the hallmark indicates the metal was thick enough to withstand the punch without deformation, a sign of high-quality craftsmanship.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Authentic Hennell pieces are solid sterling silver, never plated, though interiors may sometimes feature heavy gold vermeil wash.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with hand-engraved elements; the image shows significant surface wear (fine scratching) consistent with over-polishing or utilitarian use over centuries.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image clearly displays the 'RH' initials set within a crested crown-shaped punch. This is a distinctive personal hallmark for Robert Hennell II, often used alongside the London Lion Passant and Leopard's Head Assay marks.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of sterling silver; the thickness of the material around the punch suggests a high-gauge silver. Planished by hand and then polished.
Functional Features
Likely part of a larger serving set; the surface shows heavy use, suggesting a functional dining item such as a platter or bowl rather than a purely decorative trophy.
Handle & Grip Details
Typically cast sterling silver scroll or foliate handles, silver-soldered to the main body; often featuring insulators if used for hot service.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought evidence is seen in the slight irregularities of the metal surface around the hallmark. The punch is struck with significant force, showing the smith's mastery over high-purity sterling.
Authentication Indicators
The punch geometry for the 'RH' is consistent with known registries for Robert Hennell II. The wear patterns are chaotic and irregular, consistent with genuine age rather than artificial distressing.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in the Hennell workshop, which was world-renowned for upholding the strictest quality standards of the London Assay Office.
Era & Period
Early Victorian Period (c. 1837-1850). The 'RH' mark in this specific configuration was utilized during the transition from Regency styles to the more ornate Victorian aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1835-1848 based on the characteristic RH punch style and the wear pattern on the surrounding metal.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of status in the 19th-century English household. Sterling hollowware was often the most liquid and valuable asset a family owned, frequently serving as an heirloom and a store of wealth.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'scuffing' and fine surface scratching visible around the hallmark, suggesting the piece has been cleaned with abrasive cloths or used frequently. The depth of the hallmark remains crisp.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $4,500 USD depending on the specific form of the object (Teapots vs. Large Trays). Price is heavily influenced by the total troy ounce weight.
Care & Maintenance
Should be cleaned only with high-quality non-abrasive silver foams (e.g., Wright's). Avoid machine buffing which will further erode the hallmark detail. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Pieces by Robert Hennell III (more ornate) or Paul Storr (more neoclassical). While similar in quality, Storr pieces typically command a 30-50% premium over Hennell.
Interesting Facts
The Hennels were among the few silversmithing dynasties to survive through four generations of continuous business in London, competing directly with the likes of Paul Storr.