Fine sterling silver inkwell by Hester Bateman, English, c 1791.
Very traditional in Hester Batemans design and motif. Ovid body with decorative gadrooning, and with cetral sunburst.
The colorless glass ink liner later added.
Measures 6 1/2" l x 4 1/2" w x 2" h
HISTORY:
Hester Bateman was born in 1704 and married John Bateman (a goldsmith) c1725. They had six children: John, Letticia, Ann, Peter, William, and Jonathan. The family lived at 107 Bunhill Row in the Parish of St. Luke in North London for more than a century.
Hester, upon John‘s death in 1760, inherited his shop and tools. Women-owned businesses -- in these times -- were generally not accepted. Undaunted, Hester registered her mark (a scrolled HB) at Goldsmiths Hall in 1761. Hester, over the next thirty years, aided by her children Peter and Jonathan and Jonathan's wife, Ann, shrewdly developed this small silver business into a thriving silver manufacturing firm.
Hester’s company produced a wide range of fine silver articles with fantastic attention to design & quality. Common characteristics included fine bright-cut engravings and the now classic, period beaded edges. Her company received many commissions from The City Guilds, various religious establishments and private, wealthy individuals.
Total weight is a very sturdy 14.2 ounces
Price: $3,500.00
All pieces subject to prior sale
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