18th century Hester Bateman silver ladle, circa 1780

An 18th century Hester Bateman silver ladle
A deep ladle to a plain stem with a fluted and scrolling handle, engraved to the underside with a crest of a horned goat head.
Sterling silver, hallmarked Hester Bateman, London, marks rubbed but circa 1780

Hester Bateman (1708–1794) is probably the most well known of all English lady silversmiths, she favoured bright cut decoration in her flatware.

Hester Bateman carried on her husband's (John) silversmith after his death, Hester registered her first mark with Goldsmith’s Hall in 1761. At the time women were not allowed to use their initials alone as a maker’s mark but exceptions were made in the case of widowed craftswomen. What set the Bateman’s work apart from many of their contemporaries was Hester’s attention to detail and the quality of her designs. Her style favoured the neo-classical which was the popular style of the late 18th century. 

7" (17.5cm) L, the bowl 2" (5cm) in diameter.