Object Description
An elegant antique sterling silver coffee pot of plain design with a shaped body on pedestal foot. Lovely classical style typical of Hester Bateman, the sought after English lady silversmith. The pot has bead borders and hand engraved armorial within a decorative cartouch to the front.
Contains 1100 ml.
Weight 855 grams, 27.4 troy ounces.
Height 32.5cm. Spread 21cm.
Sterling silver.
London 1781.
Maker Hester Bateman.
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.