Rare pair of candle snuffer trays, London 1788 Robert Hennel

This type of trays served as a support for the candle extinguishing scissors whose function we mentioned when publishing the object in question. In particular, the trays were simple supports which over the centuries reached an oblong shape with different types of decorations according to the fashions of the various eras. After 1770 the elongated line that characterizes them could be confused with pen holders and they could certainly fulfill this function today.
The pair we are proposing is rare in terms of conservation as it has never been separated over the centuries. The boat shape is less usual than the classic ogival of the late 18th century. Both bear the same hallmarks relating to the city of origin, i.e. London identified by the leopard's head (in this period it wears a crown), the passing lion which identifies the fineness of the 925/1000 silver, the letter "n" which corresponds precisely to the year 1788, the effigy of King George III ascended the throne in 1760 for a period of 60 years despite periods of illness and regency. The marks of the famous and prestigious signature Robert Hennel (1741-1811), son of the founder David (1712-1785), are also evident.

Robert Hennel

The founder of the "Hennell dynasty" was David Hennell (I) (1712-1785), apprenticed to Edward Wood in 1728.

David Hennell gained his independence of employment (1735) and opened his business in Gutter Lane in 1736.

In 1763 he was joined in the business at the Foster Lane workshop by his son Robert (I) (1741-1811), entering into a joint brand in 1763 and 1768. David Hennell retired in 1773 and the family business was continued by Robert Hennell (I).

In 1795 David Hennell (II) (1767-1829) entered into partnership with his father by registering a new joint trademark (Robert Hennell (I) and David Hennell (II).

In 1802 his brother Samuel Hennell (1778-1837) joined the partnership, but shortly afterwards David Hennell II retired from the business and the business was continued by Samuel Hennell and his father Robert Hennell (I).

After his father's death (1811) Samuel Hennell took over the business forming a brief partnership (1814-1816) with John Terry who had married one of his nieces. In 1816 Samuel Hennell returned to work alone.

Robert Hennell (II) (born 1763) was the grandson of Robert Hennell (I). He was apprenticed in 1778 to his uncle and John Houle (engraver). He obtained his business in 1785 probably working only on engraving until 1808, when he entered into collaboration with Henry Nutting. The partnership lasted until 1809 when Robert Hennell (II) entered into a mark alone (35 Noble Street, Foster Lane).

In 1817 the firm moved to 3 Lancaster Court, Strand and to 14 Northumberland Street, Strand in 1828.

In c.1817 his son Robert Hennell (III) (1794-1868) joined the firm Robert Hennell & Son and after his father's retirement (1833) took over the family business. Two of Robert Hennell's (III) sons were apprenticed to their father: Robert Hennell (IV) (1826-1891), apprenticed 1842, freed 1849, and James Barclay Hennell (1828-1899), apprenticed 1843, freed 1850 .

In 1868, on the death of Robert Hennell (III), the company was taken over by his two sons Robert Hennell (IV) and James Barclay Hennell.

Robert Hennell (III) retired in 1877 and James Barclay Hennell continued to operate the business alone until 1887, when the firm was sold to Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater.

To this day the legacy of the Hennell name is carried on by Frazer & Haws and Hennell of Bond Street.

measures 20 cm by 9 cm by 5 cm

very good conservation

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The product cannot be reordered as it is a unique piece.
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If there are signs of aging they are to be considered part of its history.
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