Peter, Ann & William Bateman Antique English Silver Tea Pot Stand, London, 1803/04

Beautifully shaped with cut corners, this tea pot stand is a fine example of the silver made by this famous family of silversmiths. While unusually shaped, the decoration has the typical Bateman elegance. Lines of chased dots conform to the shape around the rim and the edge of the interior plane. In the center, an oval surrounds the original crest, that of a sailor holding an anchor and cannon ball. The four feet are beautifully fluted in the neoclassical taste.

Family matriarch Hester Bateman needs little introduction as one of the most famous female silversmiths. Her children and grandchildren, Peter, Jonathan, Ann and William, continued the business after her retirement singly and in various partnerships during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This is a very nice example of their work. Today, these are usually sold as 'card trays' but were originally intended to use under teapots to protect the table surface from the heat.

Measuring 5.75 inches long by 4.625 inches deep and .875 inches high, this wonderful stand weighs 4.15 troy ounces. It is in very good antique condition with some typical wear/ abrasions to the surface (visible in the photos) and fully marked underneath.