Summary: A Georgian sterling silver punch ladle with whalebone (baleen) handle and 1758 shilling coin, marks for Hester Bateman (1708-1794), “The Queen of British Silversmiths”, circa 1761-1791. A central 1758 shilling is placed at the base of an oval bowl with gadrooned border, attached to a flat feathered bright cut silver shoulder with rounded tri-furcated moulding joining it to a long whalebone stem with wrythen twist handle and sterling terminal.
Whalebone was heated under pressure with steam until malleable, and then twisted into ornate spirals, which hardened and retained their design after cooling. (Helliwell, Collecting Small Silverware, pg 76).
Dimensions: 14 7/8” long x 2 ¾” wide x 2 1/8” deep
Markings: Hester Bateman “HB” script makers mark on Hester Bateman registered this mark circa 1761 and used it until her retirement in 1791.
Condition: An antique, over two-hundred twenty-one (221) years old, this punch ladle is offered in excellent original condition. For Accuracy Only: there is very light wear visible inside the bowl; this is expected and not damage – a sign of authenticity. The initial “H” is found engraved on the drop and, given the font, likely contemporary to creation. The patina of the silver and baleen (whalebone) handle is warm and rich, and the workmanship crisp and clean. Ready for display it will make a find addition to any discerning collection / interior.
NOTE: This item cannot be shipped outside of Canada.
