Hester Bateman shell-backed tablespoon

Extremely elegant and graceful George III shell-back ,Old English tablespoon. Made by Hester Bateman in London in 1779. The spoon has a very elegant almond shaped bowl. The reverse of the bowl is stamped with a stylised, eight-lobed shell. The tip of the reverse of the stem is engraved with a contemporary three letter monogram in the flowing bright cut style of the day, with a bright cut curved band above and below. The hallmarks at the base of the reverse of the stem are extremely crisp indeed and consist of the makers mark, the lion passant sterling mark, the crowned leopards head for London and the London date letter for 1779. The kings head was not yet in use.



Hester Batemans work always had an indefinable elegance of line. The spoons pattern is so simple and timeless that it would blend in happily with any other design of tableware and the spoon would be ideal for serving vegetables or puddings. It is in such good condition that it would make an excellent gift.

8.40 inch 21.34 cm