ROBERT HENNELL I GEORGIAN ENGLISH STERLING SILVER SUGAR BASKET, navette-form well with gold-washed interior, a hinged reeded bail handle, and an ovoid pedestal-type foot, possibly original engraved decoration to exterior with engraved "SSP" initials to one side. Base marked with an "R[pellet]H" maker's mark for Robert Hennel I and four hallmarks of a crown leopard's head city mark for London, a lion passant for sterling fineness, an "O" date mark for either 1789 or 1809, and a King George III duty mark, handle also with lion passant mark. Total weight: 6.635 ozt. Circa 1789 or 1809. 6 1/2" HOA, 4 1/8" HOA rim, 5 3/4" x 3 1/2" OA rim.
Provenance: Deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA to benefit collections care, preservation and future acquisitions.
Very good overall condition with some wear, surface scratches, and nicks, a few scattered minor dents, some spots of loss to gold-washed finish, rim with a short split at one terminal of handle, engraving with very minor worn spots, handle with slight bending, foot having two dents to edge with one dent having a possible old repair.