Hester Bateman Georgian Antique Silver Female Silversmith
Antique Silver By Hester Bateman
Hester Bateman is probably the most famous female silversmith originating from London, she lived from 1708 to 1794, and not only could she manufacture silver products, she could also sell them! she was also a remarkable business women.
The silver pieces she produced varied from silver spoons, salt pots, silver sauce boats to silver teapots, her range of products was remarkable. Many items can still be bought for very reasonable prices, through dealers or online from such sites as eBay, see below:
Stunning 1774 George III SILVER Hester Bateman Jug 91g
Magnificent Georgian HESTER BATEMAN Coffee pot 1782 28ozs or 800grams no reserve
Georgian Silver sugar tongs - 1786 - 91 - Hester Bateman
NICE HESTER BATEMAN SOLID SILVER TEASPOON 1780?
STERLING SILVER PAIR HALLMARKED 1775 HESTER BATEMAN SERVING SPOONS NO RESERVE
Rare 18th Century Solid Silver Table/Serving Spoon - Hester Bateman 1776
It must be said that Hester Bateman’s work was not of the highest quality compared with many other silversmiths of the period. The silver sheet was often thin, so after a few years cleaning would wear through, also marks and designs would show a lot of surface wear detracting from the items appeal and so affect its value. Any antique silver Hester Bateman pieces found today if in top condition will go for a considerable premium.
Hester Batemans mark of HB was also used by other silversmiths, but it’s usually distinguishable by the flowing letters and curled letter ends. Many items of Hester Bateman’s work was sold on commission to retailers who would overstuck Hester’s mark with their own.
Hester Bateman started producing silver items for the domestic market in the 1760s, starting with silver flatware, particularly spoons and diverged out into other areas of domestic silverware. She retired in 1790 and the business was continued by her sons Peter and Jonathan Bateman, Jonathan was succeeded by his widow Ann and in 1800 joined by Hester’s grandson William. The family business was still making silver items until the death of William number two in the 1870s, so the business spanned from the hight of the neo-Classical to the great Victorian era.
Hester Bateman’s work is highly sought after, especially in good condition, even though it is agreed that William’s work was far the better. Many antique silver Hester Bateman items are sold to America who highly regard any pieces by the Bateman family, especially with the famous flowing marks of HB Hester Bateman.
