A sterling silver teapot with timber handle and bone finial by Peter & William Bateman of the famed silversmithing Bateman family. The teapot sits atop ball feet and features engraved vines, a ribbed scalloped band, and a patterned frieze. To one side of the teapot there is a crest comprising of a lion underneath a coronet. It's likely the piece originally belonged to an Earl or Countess as the coronet features four leaves and five 'spikes' which is known to differentiate an Earl or Countess from other aristocrats. The piece is assayed for manufacture in London in 1808 and features the hallmark of Peter and William Bateman who were Hester Bateman's son and grandson respectively. Hester Bateman (1709-1794) was undoubtedly the most notable 18th Century female silversmith and her children and grandchildren continued on the Bateman silversmithing legacy. Bateman manufactured silver is highly coveted despite being often economically made. This particular teapot is in lovely condition for a piece that has surpassed 200 years in age, and is still a very useable item.
Marked - Four hallmarks for London, 1808 & hallmark for Peter & William Bateman
Measures - 17cm H x 27cm W
Total weight of piece - 371.5 grams