Description

An elegant pair of antique sterling silver salts of oval form by this very sought after lady silversmith. Plain classical style with bead borders, bands of bright cut engraving and a pierced scrollwork frieze. There is an engraved crest within an oval cartouche to the front. Original blue glass liners. Weight of silver 109 grams, 3.5 troy ounces. Height 5 cms. Length 8.5 cms. Width 6 cms. London 1786. Maker Hester Bateman.

These charming antique salts are in excellent condition with no damage or restoration. The engraving is crisp. The silver marks are matching, clear and easy to read. The glass is original and in excellent order – there is a slight graze to the top of one liner (see photo). 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.

Maker: 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.

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