Fine Hester Bateman (1708-1794) Sterling Silver Teapot and Stand, hallmarked London, 1788-1789, of wavy oval section and decorated with engraved floral and drapery swags centering pricked oval and wrigglework cartouches, with a cavetto collar, gadrooned tapering conical spout, hinged and gadrooned domed lid with pineapple finial and gadrooned wooden handle, the whole presented on a conforming stand with beaded edge and raised on four flat column feet, later monogrammed "FHE", overall h. 7-1/2", l. 10", w. 5-1/4", 51.57 total t. oz. (including wooden handle).

A very fine piece in quite good condition. No issues noted beyond the expected light wear consistent with age and use. Exhibits the usual hasty soldered joins typical of the Bateman family output. Wear to the (probably original) wooden handle, but still tight and solid. The underside of the stand has some original small hammering/annealing flaws. Hallmarked (on the underside of both the teapot and stand) with: 1) the sterling lion passant; 2) the London crowned leopard's head; 3) the date letter "n" for 1788-1789; and 4) the "HB" maker's mark of Hester Bateman. Marks excellent (and preserved with small dots of clear lacquer). A superlative Hester Bateman piece in every respect.