English Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs by Peter & Jonathan Bateman, London, 1790/91
Hester Bateman is one of the most famous female silversmiths. These lovely tongs were made by her sons Peter and Jonathan. The shaped sides are hand-engraved with a twisted ribbon bright-cut decoration
terminating with pad ends. The reserve at the elbow has had a monogrammed removed.
Peter and Jonathan were Hester's second and third sons respectively and took over her business upon her retirement in December of 1790. Jonathan entered his
mark with Peter in December of 1790 and died in April of 1791. This particular Bateman mark is very rare due to the short period it was used. It is the most highly sought after of all the Bateman marks.
These beautiful sugar tongs are marked with the duty mark, lion passant (sterling) and the makers mark 'PB/IB'. They measure 5.25 inches long, weigh 0.85 troy ounces and are in good antique condition.
