George III Silver Wine Coasters


Date: 1777

Maker: Robert Hennell I

Country: England

Stock: 9881

Description

A very pretty pair of antique silver bottle stands with pierced silver borders and solid hardwood centres. Simple elegant design with bead borders, foliate swags and classical motifs. To the front there an oval cartouche containing the letter “F” engraved.

Height 3.4cm. Diameter 12cm.

London 1777.

Maker Robert Hennell I.

Sterling silver.

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.
“The early name for such pieces was a 'stand' or 'slider'; the term 'coaster', first recognized in 1887, was derived from the custom that, after finishing dinner, the cloth was removed from the table, the ladies withdrew, and the bottle of port was 'coasted' around the table by the men.” G. Bernard Hughes - 'Old English Wine Coasters’.

Marks. Both stamped with a full, clear and matching set of English silver hallmarks stamped on the edge of the base.

Biography

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.

Condition

The silver wine coasters are in very good condition. There is beize to one base only.

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