What is the history of silver insurance plaques and fire marks?

In eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain, insurance companies issued metal plaques and badges to identify properties or officials linked to specific assurance societies. While most fire marks were cast in lead or iron for exterior display, sterling silver versions were crafted for presentation, ceremonial use, or indoor representation by prominent London firms.

What materials were traditionally used to construct Georgian silver plaques?

Georgian silver plaques were wrought from sterling silver, comprising 92.5 percent pure silver alloyed with copper for structural integrity. The relief designs were achieved using repousse hammering and chasing techniques, often finished with engraved detailing and stamped silver hallmarks.

How can you identify authentic George III sterling silver items?

Authentic George III silver features official London assay hallmarks stamped into the metal. These include the lion passant for sterling purity, the crowned leopard head for the London assay office, a date letter, a duty mark depicting the sovereign profile, and a registered makers mark.

How do you style an antique silver plaque in a modern interior?

Small silver plaques can be framed in custom shadow boxes or mounted directly onto dark wood panels and narrow wall strips. They pair well with traditional cabinetry, framed botanical prints, and dark academia study settings to create a focal point.

How should Georgian sterling silver be cleaned and preserved?

Clean sterling silver using a soft, lint-free cloth and specialized silver polish applied sparingly to remove tarnish. Avoid abrasive metal cleaners or submersion in harsh chemicals, which can erode delicate chased relief work and surface hallmarks.

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George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

19th century

Sold by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London 1801

A rare and highly collectible George III period sterling silver plaque depicting Britannia, produced in London circa 1801 by the renowned silversmiths Robert Hennell I & David Hennell II. This is an exceptional piece of early English institutional silver with strong neoclassical design and historical significance.

Description

Finely cast and chased in high relief, the plaque shows Britannia seated with shield, staff and harp beneath the inscription “LONDON ASSURANCE” and the number “13”. The composition is elegant and balanced, with flowing drapery and crisp detailing throughout.

The surface retains excellent definition, with polished highlights contrasting against deeper recessed areas, giving the piece a strong sculptural quality. It reads as both a work of art and a symbol of early corporate identity.

Makers & Origin

Bearing the maker’s mark “RH / DH”, this plaque is attributable to Robert Hennell I and David Hennell II, leading London silversmiths of the late Georgian period. Their workshop, based in Foster Lane, is well known for high-quality silver with refined neoclassical influence.

Pieces from the Hennell workshop are widely collected and respected for their craftsmanship and clarity of design.

Historical Importance

Connected to the London Assurance Corporation, founded by Royal Charter in 1720, this plaque represents one of the earliest periods of organised insurance and financial enterprise in Britain.

Following the Bubble Act, London Assurance became one of only two authorised joint-stock insurance companies, making objects associated with it both rare and historically important. This example likely served an institutional or commemorative function rather than a domestic one.

Hallmarks

Clear London hallmarks including:

Lion passant (sterling standard)

Leopard’s head (London assay office)

Duty mark of George III

Date letter for 1801

Maker’s mark RH / DH

Dimensions

Height: 17 cm

Width: 14 cm

Depth: 0.6 cm

Weight: 7.8 troy oz (243 grams)

Condition

Good antique condition. Light surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with age. Slight softening to high points and small edge knocks. Natural patina present, enhancing depth and character. Structurally sound and ready for display.

Provenance

Private UK collection

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Why This Piece Stands Out

Rare George III hallmarked silver plaque

Strong neoclassical Britannia design

Direct link to early London insurance history

Highly decorative and conversation-led object

Suitable for collectors, interiors, or institutional interest

Search Terms (SEO)

george iii silver plaque britannia london assurance hennell antique english silver hallmarked 1801 neoclassical plaque georgian silver collectible

Physical Dimensions

Height

17cm (6.69")

Width

14cm (5.51")

Depth

0.6cm (0.24")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Georgian Sterling Silver Plaque to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1212185

Dealers Internal Reference

CAC-SK-0494

Dealers Notes

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Description

George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London 1801

“

A rare and highly collectible George III period sterling silver plaque depicting Britannia, produced in London circa 1801 by the renowned silversmiths Robert Hennell I & David Hennell II.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

This is an exceptional piece of early English institutional silver with strong neoclassical design and historical significance.

fig 1. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 1. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Description

Finely cast and chased in high relief, the plaque shows Britannia seated with shield, staff and harp beneath the inscription “LONDON ASSURANCE” and the number “13”. The composition is elegant and balanced, with flowing drapery and crisp detailing throughout.

fig 2. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 2. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

The surface retains excellent definition, with polished highlights contrasting against deeper recessed areas, giving the piece a strong sculptural quality. It reads as both a work of art and a symbol of early corporate identity.

fig 3. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 3. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Makers & Origin

Bearing the maker’s mark “RH / DH”, this plaque is attributable to Robert Hennell I and David Hennell II, leading London silversmiths of the late Georgian period. Their workshop, based in Foster Lane, is well known for high-quality silver with refined neoclassical influence.

fig 4. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 4. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Pieces from the Hennell workshop are widely collected and respected for their craftsmanship and clarity of design.

Historical Importance

Connected to the London Assurance Corporation, founded by Royal Charter in 1720, this plaque represents one of the earliest periods of organised insurance and financial enterprise in Britain.

fig 5. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 5. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Following the Bubble Act, London Assurance became one of only two authorised joint-stock insurance companies, making objects associated with it both rare and historically important. This example likely served an institutional or commemorative function rather than a domestic one.

fig 6. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 6. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Hallmarks

Clear London hallmarks including:

Lion passant (sterling standard)

Leopard’s head (London assay office)

Duty mark of George III

Date letter for 1801

Maker’s mark RH / DH

Dimensions

Height: 17 cm

Width: 14 cm

fig 7. An oval George III sterling silver plaque featuring an embossed relief of Britannia holding a spear beside a shield and harp with embossed text reading London Assurance. — fig 7. George III Sterling Silver Britannia Plaque, London Assurance, Hennell, London C1801

Depth: 0.6 cm

Weight: 7.8 troy oz (243 grams)

Condition

Good antique condition. Light surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with age. Slight softening to high points and small edge knocks. Natural patina present, enhancing depth and character. Structurally sound and ready for display.