Images(4)

Salt Cellar

Date1767-1768

Artist/Maker Robert Hennell & David Hennell II

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling); glass

DimensionsOH: (rim) 2"; OL: 3 1/4"; OW: 2 9/16"; OH: (liners) approx. 1"; OL: (liners): 2 15/16"; OW: (liners) approx. 2 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-642,2A&B

DescriptionSalt Cellar: Short straight-sided frame of oval plan with applied feathered rim of shaped contour, openwork sides of geometric and scrolled design, and open base for holding dark blue glass liner; body supported on four short cast and applied cabriole legs terminating in ball and claw feet. Engraved crest of a lion sejant on a wreath bar on circular plate in center of openwork side on each.
Label TextDavid Hennell and his son Robert, on the completion of the latter's apprenticeship, formed a partnership in 1763 and entered the mark that appears on these salts. The firm continued to specialize in the production of salts. From the late 1760s, they made large numbers of pierced oval salts in the neoclassical taste, of which these are early examples. The dark blue glass liners are probably original.

InscribedNo
MarkingsMaker's mark "D H" with "R" above and "H" below in block letters within a cruciform reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of body of each.
ProvenanceVendor: S.J. Shrubsole Corp., New York