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.

Marks. Stamped on the top edge with a full set of English silver hallmarks, handle with lion and makers mark.

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.

The silver basket is in very good condition.

Maker: Robert Hennell II

Robert Hennell II, son of John Hennell, elder brother of Robert Hennell I. Hennell Family (worked from 1728). David Hennell I was apprenticed to Edward Wood 1728. Married Hannah Broomhead 1736. First mark, as largeworker 1736. 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 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.

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