Object Description
An extremely rare set of 12 bottom marked Hester Bateman table forks made in London.
Whilst spoons by Hester Bateman are plentiful, forks by her are extremely rare (especially a full set of 12). 1780/81 was the last year of bottom hall marking on flatware – the hallmarks subsequently were moved to the upper part of the reverse.
The table forks are in very good condition with a pleasing patina and still retain contemporary initials and a family crest. Along with the English hallmarks, there is a French tax control mark showing that the forks have at some stage been taken there.
Dimensions: length 20 cm; weight 23 troy oz.