ENGLISH STERLING SILVER GEORGIAN CAKE BASKET

MADE BY HESTER BATEMAN 1790

Pleased to offer this wonderful example of English silver in the form of a large cake basket made by the one of the most well regarded and collected female silversmiths in English history.  In the 18th century female silversmiths were rare, as women at the time were not allowed to own property or a business. When her husband died of consumption, she inherited his tools and with her 6 children established one of the most well regarded family of silversmiths.  Her father was a goldsmith that allowed Hester to have experience in his shop. She registered her first mark of HB in script in 1860.

This cake basket was made the year she retired, and is a excellent example of the culmination of all her skills.  Known for her bead work and reticulation with bright cut work, her work is now highly collected and seen in museums.

This Georgian swing handle of oval form basket displays a bright cut rim with highly reticulated pattern of scrollwork interspersed with stars. Additional bright work along the inner rim of bright cut work of circles with linear swags.  The center of the bowl displays Victorian "after decoration" of flora and fauna against a mottled background. The bowl sits atop and reeded oval base with additional reticulation and bright cut work.

The basket is 13 1/2 inches long by 10 inches wide and stands 4 inches tall. It weighs 650 grams (1lb 6oz)  Stand firm and level.  The handle is smooth & firm stays upright. Clearly punched with the lion passant for assayed English silver, Leopards head with crown for London, date letter of a "p" for 1790 and regents head for George III.  Makers mark of a scrolled HB in script.  This mark consistent with her mark used from 1778-1790.  Handle bears same mark with lion passant. 

A stunning example of Hester Batemans's work for use or display

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