A set of four George III silver sauce tureens and covers, Robert Hennell, London, 1776/77

in two sizes, oval, partially lobed, each of the bases supporting an openwork stem of four rams' feet rising to cast rams' heads, laurel festoons between, the detachable covers chased with stiff leaves below vase-shaped finials, the two smaller tureens and covers, 1776, numbered 3 and 4, the undersides respectively with scratch weights: '45_"16' and '45_"14,' the two larger tureens and covers, 1777, numbered 1 and 2, the undersides respectively with scratch weights: '53_"14' and '53_"5'

All tureens clearly hallmarked to underside, clearly part marked to rim. One of the smaller tureens with repaired breaks to each of the two middle supports. All covers fit a little loosely to the bodies when correctly matched, some sit more flush than others. Very good gauge and crisp detailing. Fine surface scratches, good condition overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A pair of sauce tureens of this pattern, without covers, Robert Hennell, London, 1777, have been recorded (Christie’s, London, 30 January 1980, lot 100) as well as a number of salt cellars, including one, also R. Hennell, London, 1776, illustrated in Percy Hennell, Hennell Silver Salt Cellars 1736 to 1876, London, 1986, p. 94, pl. 73.

The manner in which these present tureens are engraved with their numbers and scratch weights would suggest that they were retailed by Parker & Wakelin or their successors, Wakelin & Tayler. For comment on the connection between this firm and Hennell’s, see Helen Clifford, Silver in London. The Parker and Wakelin Partnership 1760-1776, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2004, pp. 95-97.