Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Inkstand by Robert Hennell III

Description

Antique English Sterling Inkwell Set
You are buying an ornate, solid sterling silver antique Victorian inkwell, stamp dated 1848 by silversmith Robert Hennell III.
Robert Hennell III
was part of the large Hennell silversmith family in London. When his father Robert Hennell II retired, Robert III entered his first mark in 1834.
The census of 1851 describes him as a silversmith aged 56 employing nine men and his wife Jane with his four sons: Robert (IV) a silver chaser, James Barclay, a silver plate worker, Charles (6 yrs) and Percy (4 yrs).
Robert III died in 1868 and his sons Robert (IV) and James Barclay took over the family firm.
Robert III worked in the styles popular at the time, particularly using forms copied directly from nature. The V&A Museum in London have some of his work on display.
Every piece included is hallmarked, including the 6 sterling screws on the bottom.
The set includes both the removable candle holder and the flame snuffer.
I do not know if the snuffer ever had a chain holder attached, but, if so, it has been lost over the years.
English Hallmarks include:
Lion Passant:  .925 Sterling
Leopard's head without crown:  London
Lowercase Blackletter "n":  1848
Queen's Head, left facing:  Queen Victoria
RH in a rectangle  :  renowned silversmith Robert Hennell III
There is a Coat of Arms on both sides of the top of the tray:  Peacock in a coronet, with the motto
Le Bon Temps Viendra
(the good times come).  Member of the British House of Harcourt have often used this coat of arms and motto.
Height:  approximately 5 3/4" to top with candleholder installed
Length:  approximately 11 3/4" to longest arears
Width:  approximately 7 1/2" to widest areas
Each inkwell is approximately 2 3/4" in height
with lids on
The solid sterling set, including detachable candle holder and flame snuffer, weighed 1,118.4 grams on my precious metal scale.
Any light polishing or cleaning desired will be the chore of the new owner.
Set will be shipped "Buyer Signature Required" for delivery!
Continental US shipping only !