{"product_id":"georgian-sterling-silver-britannia-plaque-for-the-london-assurance-corporation-c1801","title":"Georgian Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque for the London Assurance Corporation C1801","description":"\u003ch2 data-end=\"213\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"86\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eGeorgian Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque for the London Assurance Corporation 🏛️\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"213\" data-start=\"0\"\u003ePeriod George III, early 19th century (circa 1801), London\u003cbr data-end=\"150\" data-start=\"147\"\u003eHallmarked Sterling Silver, Robert Hennell I \u0026amp; David Hennell II\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"461\" data-start=\"215\"\u003eAn impressive early 19th-century London hallmarked silver plaque, combining refined neoclassical design with direct associations to the historic London Assurance Corporation—an institution central to the evolution of modern insurance and finance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"503\" data-start=\"463\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"854\" data-start=\"505\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"505\"\u003eSubject \u0026amp; Medium 🖌️\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"532\" data-start=\"529\"\u003eA finely cast and chased sterling silver plaque depicting an allegorical seated female figure, interpreted as Britannia or Assurance. She is shown with traditional attributes including shield, staff, and harp, beneath the inscription “LONDON ASSURANCE” and the number “13”.\u003cbr data-end=\"808\" data-start=\"805\"\u003eWeight: approximately 7.8 troy oz (243 grams).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"896\" data-start=\"856\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1240\" data-start=\"898\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"928\" data-start=\"898\"\u003eComposition \u0026amp; Technique 🧠\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"931\" data-start=\"928\"\u003eThe composition is executed in strong high relief, presenting a poised classical figure emblematic of protection, maritime strength, and institutional stability. The drapery is handled with fluidity, while accompanying elements—the shield, harp, and ground—are rendered with clarity and compositional balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1480\" data-start=\"1242\"\u003eThe surface exhibits careful chasing with subtle variation in texture. Polished raised areas contrast effectively with recessed passages, creating depth and a sculptural, medallion-like quality typical of accomplished Georgian silverwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1522\" data-start=\"1482\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1718\" data-start=\"1524\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1547\" data-start=\"1524\"\u003eAbout the Makers 🎭\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1550\" data-start=\"1547\"\u003eThe maker’s mark (RH over DH) is attributable to Robert Hennell I (c.1741–1811) and David Hennell II (1763–1839), part of a distinguished London silversmithing dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1938\" data-start=\"1720\"\u003eOperating from Foster Lane, a recognised centre for fine goldsmithing, the Hennell workshop was active during a period defined by neoclassical influence and increasing demand for both domestic and institutional silver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2101\" data-start=\"1940\"\u003eTheir work is characterised by:\u003cbr data-end=\"1974\" data-start=\"1971\"\u003e• Precise and confident casting and chasing\u003cbr data-end=\"2020\" data-start=\"2017\"\u003e• Harmonious neoclassical proportions\u003cbr data-end=\"2060\" data-start=\"2057\"\u003e• Consistently high finishing standards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2245\" data-start=\"2103\"\u003eThe present plaque aligns with their more formal output, likely intended for institutional or commemorative use rather than domestic function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2287\" data-start=\"2247\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2580\" data-start=\"2289\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2319\" data-start=\"2289\"\u003eHistorical Significance 📜\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2322\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eThis plaque is closely associated with the London Assurance Corporation, established by Royal Charter in 1720. It stands among the earliest surviving insurance institutions, formed in the aftermath of the South Sea Bubble and sanctioned under the Bubble Act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2824\" data-start=\"2582\"\u003eArtefacts bearing its name reflect the emergence of organised financial risk management, particularly in maritime trade. Such objects represent the early visual identity of corporate enterprise within Britain’s expanding commercial framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2949\" data-start=\"2826\"\u003eExamples of this type are generally considered commemorative or internal pieces, rather than standard fire insurance marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2991\" data-start=\"2951\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3082\" data-start=\"2993\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3023\" data-start=\"2993\"\u003eSymbolism \u0026amp; Iconography 🏺\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3026\" data-start=\"3023\"\u003eThe iconography conveys layered institutional meaning:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3285\" data-start=\"3084\"\u003e• Britannia – Authority, national identity, and protection\u003cbr data-end=\"3145\" data-start=\"3142\"\u003e• Harp – Suggesting Irish connections and broader trade reach\u003cbr data-end=\"3209\" data-start=\"3206\"\u003e• City Shield – Anchoring the corporation within London’s financial sphere\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3368\" data-start=\"3287\"\u003eTogether, these motifs communicate stability, credibility, and imperial ambition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3410\" data-start=\"3370\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3654\" data-start=\"3412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3436\" data-start=\"3412\"\u003eAssay \u0026amp; Hallmarks 🔍\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3439\" data-start=\"3436\"\u003eFully hallmarked for London, including:\u003cbr data-end=\"3481\" data-start=\"3478\"\u003e• Lion passant (sterling standard)\u003cbr data-end=\"3518\" data-start=\"3515\"\u003e• Crowned leopard’s head (London assay office)\u003cbr data-end=\"3567\" data-start=\"3564\"\u003e• Duty mark of King George III\u003cbr data-end=\"3600\" data-start=\"3597\"\u003e• Date letter (circa 1801)\u003cbr data-end=\"3629\" data-start=\"3626\"\u003e• Maker’s mark: RH \/ DH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3748\" data-start=\"3656\"\u003eThese marks securely date the plaque to the early 19th century within the George III period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3790\" data-start=\"3750\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3886\" data-start=\"3792\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3803\" data-start=\"3792\"\u003eSize 📏\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3806\" data-start=\"3803\"\u003eHeight: 17 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"3822\" data-start=\"3819\"\u003eWidth: 14 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"3837\" data-start=\"3834\"\u003eDepth: 0.6 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"3853\" data-start=\"3850\"\u003eWeight: 7.8 troy oz \/ 243 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3928\" data-start=\"3888\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4068\" data-start=\"3930\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3947\" data-start=\"3930\"\u003eProvenance 📚\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3950\" data-start=\"3947\"\u003ePrivate UK collection;\u003cbr data-end=\"3975\" data-start=\"3972\"\u003eacquired via the auction house Adam Partridge;\u003cbr data-end=\"4024\" data-start=\"4021\"\u003ecurated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4110\" data-start=\"4070\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4615\" data-start=\"4112\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4136\" data-start=\"4112\"\u003eWhy You’ll Love It ✅\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"4139\" data-start=\"4136\"\u003e✅ Genuine Georgian Silver – Early 19th-century London hallmarking\u003cbr data-end=\"4207\" data-start=\"4204\"\u003e✅ Institutional Rarity – Linked to a foundational insurance corporation\u003cbr data-end=\"4281\" data-start=\"4278\"\u003e✅ Hennell Attribution – From a respected London workshop\u003cbr data-end=\"4340\" data-start=\"4337\"\u003e✅ Financial History Context – Connected to the post–South Sea Bubble era\u003cbr data-end=\"4415\" data-start=\"4412\"\u003e✅ Symbolic Design – Rich in allegorical and heraldic meaning\u003cbr data-end=\"4478\" data-start=\"4475\"\u003e✅ Numbered Example – Suggesting specific institutional relevance\u003cbr data-end=\"4545\" data-start=\"4542\"\u003e✅ Strong Decorative Form – A sculptural and visually engaging object\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4657\" data-start=\"4617\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5011\" data-start=\"4659\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4682\" data-start=\"4659\"\u003eCondition Report 🔎\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"4685\" data-start=\"4682\"\u003eIn good condition overall, with wear consistent with age. The surface shows light abrasions and slight softening to raised areas. Minor knocks to the edges and small rim distortions are visible on close inspection. Natural patina is present within recessed areas, enhancing depth. Structurally stable and suitable for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-turn-start-message=\"true\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"057469c9-0034-4c0d-915e-bc309e104c2c\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"cde53e37-bf08-4d06-961b-09bec3cdfbee\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1-thinking\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group\/thread-bottom-container relative isolate z-10 w-full basis-auto has-data-has-thread-error:pt-2 has-data-has-thread-error:[box-shadow:var(--sharp-edge-bottom-shadow)] md:border-transparent md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:dark:border-transparent content-fade single-line flex flex-col\" id=\"thread-bottom-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-token-text-secondary relative mt-auto flex min-h-8 w-full items-center justify-center p-2 text-center text-xs md:px-[60px]\"\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"5339\" data-start=\"5336\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3622\" data-start=\"3609\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3732\" data-start=\"3623\"\u003eWorldwide Shipping Available — Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3864\" data-start=\"3734\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3862\" data-start=\"3734\"\u003eAvailable exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — Inquire now to secure this unique piece.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"5557\" data-end=\"5560\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56857672843642,"sku":"CAC-SK-0494","price":10000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/SterlingsilverRoyalAssuranceplaque.jpg?v=1777969323","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/en-ae\/products\/georgian-sterling-silver-britannia-plaque-for-the-london-assurance-corporation-c1801","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}