George III Sterling Silver Tea Caddy By Robert Hennell

Description

This George III Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Robert Hennell, hallmarked London 1786, is of oval form with concave fluted sides and finely executed bright cut engraving throughout. The exterior is decorated with elegant drapery swags and pendant tassels, arranged across the fluted body beneath a shaped border, creating the refined neoclassical appearance typical of late 18th century silver.

The hinged domed cover is similarly engraved and surmounted by a pineapple finial. The underside bears full hallmarks for sterling silver, London 1786, by Robert Hennell, identifying the maker and date of manufacture. Robert Hennell was part of the renowned Hennell family of silversmiths, one of the most important English silver-making dynasties of the Georgian period.

The interior retains its original silver surface, with the hinged lid opening to reveal the space intended for storing loose tea leaves, reflecting the importance of tea drinking culture within fashionable Georgian households.

View the full Tea Caddy Collection.

Mark Goodger Antiques has handled Georgian, Regency and Victorian tea caddies for decades, covering examples in tortoiseshell, pressed horn, burr woods, fruitwood, japanned surfaces, Tunbridge ware and silver. Our stock regularly includes sarcophagus forms, bombe shapes, novelty fruit caddies and rare interior configurations.

Through continued study of construction methods, veneer combinations, period inlay techniques and interior composition, we place particular emphasis on authenticity and correct attribution. Understanding which materials were used together, how interiors were finished, and how hinges and mounts were constructed is essential when assessing genuine eighteenth and nineteenth century tea caddies.

Measurements

15cm High x 14cm Wide x 9.5cm Deep (5.9 x 5.5 x 3.74 Inches)

Who was 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.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

View the full Silver Collection.

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.

Additional information