Antique Hester Bateman Silver Lidded tankard 1784

A wonderful antique English lidded tankard by the celebrated silversmith Hester Bateman. It is beautifully made in sterling silver and there is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

It bears the hallmarks for London 1784 and the maker's mark of Hester Bateman.


This tankard is beautiful in it's simplicity.


Measurements:

Height 20 cm

Weight 23 oz


Condition:

This handsome tankard is in excellent condition. Please see photos for confirmation of its condition.



HesterBateman -the most famous of all women silversmiths, registered her first mark with the London Goldsmiths Company on the 16 April 1761 at the age of fifty two. She was widowed by JohnBatemanin 1760 and took over his metalwork business transforming it into one of the most successfulsilversmithingworkshops. Located inBunhillRow, London with her sons John, Peter and Jonathan and later her daughter-in-law Ann married to Jonathan, their son William and grandson William II became highly skilled silversmiths working at theBatemanworkshop, producing some of the best silver pieces of their generation.

The main reason for their success was due toHester'sattention to design and detail to quality. All the pieces that left the workshop would be inspected to the highest standard and with this attitude the business grew. Many pieces ofHester'ssilver show identifying characteristics such as beading around edges and the fine designs of bright-cut engraving. Keen collectors can recognise these pieces even before they pick up the item to look at the hallmarks. This awareness has helped many a collector and dealer searching through silver in shops, antique fairs and auctions.

They received many commissions from The City Guilds, private houses as well as religious establishments. One such item, requested by St. Paul's Cathedral, London was a Verger's Wand which can be seen in the Cathedral and is still in use today, I am sureHesterwould be very proud of this.