Description

An early English sterling silver teapot of globular form. Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Lovely plain shape with a straight spout and engraved decoration to the upper body. An attractive feature is the blobby mercury solder underneath which is completely original in the manufacture. Generally speaking bullet teapots were only made during the George II period.

Weight 372 grams, 11.9 troy ounces.
Height 12.5 cms (to top of handle). Spread 20.5 cms.
London 1749.
Maker David Hennell I.
Sterling silver

Marks. Stamped on the base with a full set of English hallmarks, the date mark is very faint looks like “O” for 1749. The lid has the lion mark only.

Literature: Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Although there are a few 17th century teapots in existence, there is little likelihood of finding one dating before 1710. The earlier the teapot the smaller they tend to be as tea was a very expensive commodity until the middle of the reign of George I

This pretty teapot is in very good and fully functional condition. The engraved decoration is sharp and probably part original. The pot has been tested for water retention and does not leak. The wooden handle is secure.

Maker: David Hennell

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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