This is a stylish pair of antique solid sterling salt dishes by the renowned silversmith Hester Bateman, they have hallmarks for 1770. This pair is masterfully crafted in sterling silver. They stand on three Queen Anne Hoof feet and have beaded borders. They also have blue glass liners and gilt interiors. Salt dishes were a symbol of wealth at the time due to the luxury of being able to afford salt as a seasoning. Condition: Excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 4 x Width 6.5 x Depth 6.5 & Weight 2.3 troy oz Dimensions in inches: Height 2 inches x Width 3 inches x Depth 3 inches & Weight 0.07 kg Hester Bateman - The Queen of British Silversmiths (1708-1794) - was an English silversmith who successfully ran her family business for thirty years following the death of her husband. She was succeeded in turn by her sons, grandson and great-grandson and the Bateman family silversmithing company lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century. She married her husband in 1732 and had five children. John Bateman died of tuberculosis in 1760, leaving his tools to his wife in his will. She took over the family business and registered her first hallmark at the Goldsmith's Hall in 1761, simply "HB" in script. From the time up to the late 1770s, not much Bateman work is known, possibly because she was supplying pieces other silversmiths that were subsequently overstamped with their marks. After about 1774, Hester Bateman worked to build up the business at 107 Bunhill Row, London with her sons John and Peter.They used the latest technology to produce their silverware as cheaply as possible and compete with other companies using Sheffield Plate.They used thin gauge sheet silver and machines to punch and pierce it. The family specialised in household silverware in a neo classical style and she expanded their range to include many goods such as tea caddies, jugs, salvers, salt cellars, wine labels, trays and ink wells.It is characterised by bright-cut engraving, beading around edges and piercing. Bateman retired in 1790 and was succeeded by her sons. Our reference: 04883 Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse. Shipping: We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge. A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase. To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE. Delivery and return policy: We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply. In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item. The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition. Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses. Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.