Description A Georgian sterling silver tea caddy by Robert Hennell I, hallmarked London and dated 1784 during the reign of George III. The tea caddy is formed in an elegant quatrefoil shape with gently columned sides, reflecting the refined neoclassical taste of late eighteenth century English silver. The exterior is extensively decorated with bright cut engraving incorporating floral swags, bell flower garlands, blossoming flower heads and bowed ribbon ornament executed with confident precision. The hinged lid follows the shaped outline of the body and is surmounted by a finely cast acorn finial, a motif frequently associated with prosperity and endurance within Georgian decorative design. The quality of engraving and confident form reflects the high standards associated with the Hennell workshop during this period. The underside retains clear sterling silver hallmarks for London together with the maker’s mark of Robert Hennell I and the date letter for 1784, firmly placing the piece within the George III period when silver tea caddies remained an important symbol of domestic status. A finely engraved Georgian silver tea caddy by one of London’s established eighteenth century silversmiths, retaining strong definition and clear period hallmarks. View the full Tea Caddy Collection. View the full Silver Collection. Robert Hennell I (1712-1779) was a London silversmith and the founder of the Hennell family dynasty, one of the most enduring names in British silver production. He registered his first maker’s mark in 1736 and established a workshop that became known for well made Georgian silver, initially focusing on smaller items such as snuff boxes before expanding into larger domestic silver. The business was continued and developed by subsequent generations of the Hennell family, including Robert Hennell II, with the firm producing a wide range of hollowware, tea wares and table silver throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Silver bearing the Hennell marks is recognised for its consistency, quality and strong association with Georgian and later English domestic silver. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Robert Hennell I. Sterling Silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
