Antique Georgian Silver Entree Dish - Hester Bateman

This is a fantastic example of a Georgian solid sterling silver entrée dish, the base crafted by the highly esteemed Hester Bateman. The base is hallmarked for London 1795 and the maker's mark, whilst slightly rubbed, is easily discernible for Hester Bateman. It is a solid 769g. The 'Flap' handles are decorated with faces and carry partial hallmarks and are in themselves 50mm thick. There are surface abrasions to the inside and bottom of the base. The fabulously decorated lid carries the sterling mark and another mark on the rim which is hard to identify. It weighs 444g. The finial is unmarked and fits well. The lid is decorated fantastically with angel faces and dragons and whilst it may not be the original lid, it fits snugly onto the base. Whilst this entree dish is assayed a year after Hester Bateman's death, it must be remembered that this was a family business and that it is known that Hester Bateman's stamp was used on pieces manufactured by the Company, and not necessarily by her own fair hands. This dish was one of a set (it is stamped with '4') which may simply have been assayed some time after manufacture.