Antique Sterling Silver Centerpiece Robert Hennell 1807 A masterpiece in neo-classical design from the period. Start Price USD 4,999.00 Current Price USD 4,999.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 7,500.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, August 28, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location Dallas, Texas See more about 'Antique Sterling Silver Centerpiece Robert Hennell 1807' Description malcolmberge Store Antique Sterling Silver Centerpiece Robert Hennell 1807 Rare to come up for auction is this masterpiece in neo-classical design. This centerpiece / epergne was made by Robert and Samuel Hennell in 1807. The Hennell family started a silver making dynasty by Roberts father David first registered in 1736. Robert joined his father in 1763 where his mastered his craft until 1797. In 1806 he joined forces with Samuel Hennell to create some of the finest small domestic wares such as baskets, salt cellars, epergnes and centerpieces to name but a few. They became pioneers of the neo-classic design in silver and the extreme popularity of centerpieces / epergnes is readily understood when one realizes that the Hennell's exerted their full efforts to produce a masterpiece to be had by a precious few. They were afforded the opportunity for the lavish display and magnificent ornamentation in in which they took so much delight.The neo-classic movement had recently taken hold attributed to Scotland's for most architect, designer Robert Adam due partially to the excavations in Herculaneum where many objects of classical antiquity and been unearthed and also as a reaction against the massive style of Baroque and Rococo, we start to see design elements of ancient Greece and Rome such as simple graceful lines, straight tapering reeded legs and an overall grace and elegance.We see many of these design elements in this exquisite piece such as the straight tapered reeded leg, Lions head and feet, majestic eagle,chevron borders and ribbon bound legs you can see a strong Roman influence.The piece is 13" high with the bowl in place and 10" without. The bowl is beautifully bright cut with a nice wavy rim, it has one very small chip in it that you would have to be looking for to see. I feel it may not be the original glass but is of the period and with a little adjusting fits well.The overall weight is over 50 oz the eagle is a solid 8.8 oz when removed. Nice clear hallmarks RH over SH, date letter M for 1807 just turned 200, crowned leopard for London and the monarch George III. This is a one of a kind masterpiece and perfect in every detail. Standard shipping in USA Prices vary for International.All items have a seven day money back guaranty with return postage to be paid by sender. Place a Bid!