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Hi to the experts - any help appreciated. Bought this pretty cream jug today as I like the proportions. Was sold as London 1902. But a closer look at the marks - which are hopelessly rubbed - and the construction and feel of the piece and am wondering if it's not London 1782 - a Georgian piece that the Victorians have got their hands on. The leopard's head mark is quite a long narrow one, suggesting it could be crowned. The one mark that would tell all - the lion passant - is rubbed beyond redemption. I'll try and get a better one in daylight. And then there's that makers mark - dare I suppose it might be the great Hester Bateman herself. Or is my imagination running riot? - Any thoughts appreciated - Regards Frank





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Frank
l would not call myself an expert, l cannot see clearly the marks you have published, although l appreciate they are rubbed my first question would be is there any signs of a duty mark, if not then this would take out the 1822 "g" the 1902 "g" is in a shield which is different along the bottom edge, yours looks like the 1782-83 mark.
As for the makers looking in Fallons for 1902 there do not appear to be any makers with that letter "B". As for the period 1822 the same applies looking at makers mark from that period.
The "B" in your photograph l feel is a good match for Hester Bateman, the style l would describe as "Adam" and probaly as you said has been "victorianised"
A nice piece of silver
Nigel
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Hi Nigel - Many thanks for your detective work. Definitely no duty mark on the piece. Thought there was something unusual about the marks, but it was only when I turned the maker's mark over that I thought to look pre-duty mark. Must admit I enjoy the Adams style, despite the Victorian embellishments. There is some minor damage on the foot, but it doesn't detract. Also unsual to find a Hester piece in Durban, the only Bateman silver we sometimes see is William, or more rarely Peter and Anne.
There is something about the proportions I think of the Georgian pieces that make them so appealing, everything slightly taller, more slender. It makes the Edwardian revival seem comparatively squat - regards Frank
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