Silver fob seal by Hester Bateman

A silver fob seal by Hester Bateman (1709-1794), London, 1785.

Makers mark, Kings head duty stamp and sterling lion only.

Hester Bateman (ne: Needham) was born in 1709 in London. Little is known about her early years other than her family were poor and she received no formal education, but Hester would become a renowned silversmith and businesswoman.

Between 1730–32 Hester married John Bateman, who worked in gold and silver, and is thought to have been a maker of watch chains. They had six children together – John Joseph (Joss), Letitia, Ann, Peter, William and Jonathan.

In 1760 John died, leaving Hester his workshop and all his tools. The following year Hester took over the family business, assisted by two of her sons, John and Peter. She registered her mark at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in London the same year. At this time women weren’t allowed to use their initials alone in a maker’s mark, unless they were widowed.