Peter & Ann Bateman Antique Sterling and Crystal Cruet Set, London, 1795/96

Peter and Ann Bateman were the son and daughter-in law of Hester Bateman. This beautiful cruet set is a great example of why the Bateman family became such famous silversmiths. The frame is boat-shaped with beautiful piercing and engraving of repeating circular rosettes and floral garlands.

The top and bottom of the frame have a thread border. This threaded motif is also used to decorate the cast and applied feet, the handles to the larger bottles, and the bottom rims of the other bottles giving the set a nice, subtle uniformity. The 2 casters have 3 rows of key-hole cutouts with bright-cut engraving. Beading decorates the exterior of the cruet frame, the handle and the bottle organizer. All this decoration and attention to detail make this set stunning.

This beautiful set measures 10.5 inches high by 7.5 inches long. The bottles are all original and all sterling pieces are fully hallmarked. The only thing not original is the lid to the mustard jar (originally it would have had a glass top but at some point it was replaced by a complementary silverplated lid). One of the silver lids has a little restoration to its rim and there are a couple very minor flakes on bottles. Overall, this is in excellent condition for this highly used form.