Stock No. 2631	Pair William IV sterling silver butter shells
	Very attractive pair of William IV sterling silver butter shells of substantial weight and excellent quality. London 1834 by Robert Hennell III. The flat edge by which the shell is held is decorated with a beaded scrolling border which joins onto a central, shaped, rococo shield. The shield on both shells has a contemporary engraving of a family crest of a lion rampant. The hallmarks are stamped on the flat part of the reverse of each shell and are very crisp indeed with the exception of part of the maker's mark which has been rubbed or, more probably, mis-struck. Both shells are supported on the reverse by three feet in the shape of snail or cockle shells.
	Maker :- Robert Hennell III

Condition :-Extremely good, with a good patina and excellent definition
Hallmarked :- London 1834
Size :-	5.8 inches (14.7 cm) long x 5 inches (12.7 cm) at widest point
Weight :- 9.35 ozt (290.6 g)
These butter shells are very decorative and can be put to many uses. Their design reflects the very best of the rococo revival which was prevalent at that time. Robert Hennell III (1794-1868) was the son of Robert Hennell II and had been apprenticed to his father. He was part of the dynasty of Hennell silversmiths which began with David Hennell I, who was apprenticed to Edward Wood in 1728. The work carried out by the Hennells was always of extremely high quality.

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