Georgian Silver Wine Coaster by Hester Bateman


Date: 1778

Maker: Hester Bateman

Country: England

Stock: 8445

Description

An elegant antique sterling silver bottle stand with pierced silver border and turned centres with silver button. The simple classical design, typical of the work by this sought after English lady silversmith, has a vertically pierced gallery with swags and classical motifs. To the front there is a vacant cartouche. Height 3.75 cms. Diameter 14 cms. Sterling silver. London 1778. Maker Hester Bateman.

Literature: Wine coasters were not made until the 1760's when they were produced from pierced sheet similar to the cake baskets of that date. They were usually made in pairs, sometimes fours, but it is rare to find an antique set longer than four.

The silver hallmarks were often stamped on the edge of the base and as a result the marks can sometimes be difficult to read, either because they were badly struck or because, over the years, they have become rubbed.

 

Biography

Hester Bateman

Hester Bateman (1708–1794) is probably the most well known of all English lady silversmiths and her work is highly collectible. She married in 1732 the goldsmith John Bateman, and together they worked a small silversmith business. Following the death of her husband in 1760 she successfully ran her family business for thirty years and was succeeded in turn by her sons, grandson and great-grandson and the Bateman family silversmithing company lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century.

Hester had at least five children - Jonathan, Peter, probably John (who may have been connected with the business, although he is only recorded as a watch and clock-maker), Letitia (who married Richard Clarke), and Ann. Only Peter, Letitia, and Ann were still living at the time of Hester's death. Hester registered her mark at Goldsmith's Hall ‘April 16, 1761, as Hester Bateman in Bunnhill Row and this mark was used until 1790. Hester died in 1794.

1790 registered mark of her sons PETER BATEMAN and JOHN BATEMAN. This partnership was of short duration as Jonathan, who married Ann Downlinff, died in 1791.
1791 registered mark PETER and ANN BATEMAN, Jonathan's widow.
1800 registered mark PETER BATEMAN, ANN BATEMAN and WILLIAM (I) BATEMAN. William Bateman was the son of Jonathan and Ann Bateman who in 1800 entered in partnership with his uncle Peter and his mother Ann.
1805, after the retirement of Ann, registered mark PETER BATEMAN and WILLIAM (I) BATEMAN.
From 1815 to 1840 WILLIAM (I) BATEMAN was registered alone.
From 1839 to 1843 WILLIAM (II) BATEMAN (son of William I) & DANIELL BALL.

Condition

This charming silver wine coaster is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. The silver marks are stamped on the edge of the base but are quite clearly stamped. There is a slight dent on the base where the silver marks are located. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

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