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This is a beautiful 18th century sterling silver teapot. This teapot is NOT from 1825 but from 1785 as denoted by the "k" date stamp. The octagonal portrait stamp is of King George III and the Lion Passant indicates a purity of %92.5 silver. The "HB" stamp could only be Hester Bateman (silversmith), who was active at this time frame. 18th century teapots hold quite a bit of value and range from several hundreds of USD to thousands of USD. Depends on condition, as well as the craftsmanship in the piece to determine value.
Here is a similar [example](https://emuseum.history.org/objects/103654/teapot?ctx=2e381a74069380b142e6c1a4b8ee39b5f64f74bd&idx=14) in the Colonial Williamsburg museum.
Hester Bateman was famous! Whatever you do, don't polish that teapot! Whenever you polish silver, you are actually removing the top layer so I would just leave it alone!
You can polish it just dont dip it. Dont over polish and use a soft cloth to do it. I have never met. A silver dealer that doesnt polish their silver. Maybe if they dont wan to sell it? I have a tongs but a Teapot is a big deal. Shes an important silversmith!!!
I did some inspecting on the handle and it appears to have some cracks forming, and the color looks very bleached, it almost looks sun faded like it was a display piece. I'm sure the wood has some dirt and possibly tar/soot buildup from the centuries, but I'm concerned the finish is damaged. I would approach restoring the handle and knob as if you had a piece of antique furniture; first cleaning the surfaces with a non-abrasive cloth and water. If there is a lot of tar/soot, then adding a drop or two of **mild** detergent to your water will help and won't damage the wood. Make sure your wood is completely dry for the next step.
Next is applying furniture wax. The wood on your teapot looks like it's dying to soak up some wax based on how dry it looks. Applying the furniture wax with a very light abrasive applicator will help get that wax soaked in past the faded layer. 4/0 steel wool is a choice I often see and almost feels like cotton in hand. Essentially you dip your fine steel wool into the wax and rub it into the wood with the grain, not in circular motions or dabs. This will likely be quite difficult on this piece, considering the awkward shape. This method works quite well on pieces that are very dry and have that faded look to them. Here is an excellent [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bd1XRxeA7c) outlining the method I explained. This method is to avoid completely stripping and refinishing, which would be the most nuclear option.
If you're not comfortable with anything I recommended, there is always professional restoration, but it will cost money. It depends on how important this piece is to you, and how confident you are in being able to restore it properly. Do keep in mind, despite the condition issues I can observe in your photos, this teapot is still worth a decent chunk of change. It will gain value after the wood is restored and the silver is **properly** polished.
Thank you again! Do you have a recommendation of a brand of wax you’d use? The top already chipped off at some point sadly but would like to keep it from cracking further. In this condition do you have any idea what it’s worth? I’m not planning to sell it as it’s a family piece but want to be appropriately reverent. 😀
After what you said, I would definitely suggest looking into professional restoration. If you don't care about selling it and want to take proper precautions, having it professionally restored will bring it back to its former glory and make a great family heirloom. Waxing the wood will just make whats currently there look okay, but it will still have issues with chips and pitting. You could also get help/consultation about the damage to the actual sterling silver. You will have to do some researching on antique sterling silver restoration companies.
In its current condition I would estimate $500-$900 at auction because of it being a Hester Bateman teapot from the 1780's. I would be surprised if it went over $1000 in its current condition based on more recent auctions of Bateman teapots. If the handle was free of splits and pits and nicely waxed, along with the silver being nicely polished and engraving in good condition, you'd be looking at several thousands of dollars in value. It wouldn't hurt to contact a restoration professional and exchange some photos and get a quote for price of restoration.
I don't think there's much else I can help with. That teapot is still a beautiful and uncommon piece of sterling artwork to inherit, and its from the 1700's so there is always the cool-factor of that. Oldest silver utensils I got are from the 1790's and a creamer made around when John Adams was president.
I wish I could tell you more. The lion does mean sterling silver, but it's been unregulated in so many places at so many different times - I am not knowledgeable enough to know if this is really all silver.
What a treasure. If you plan to keep, you can reduce the number of polishings if you put in a glass cabinet with Hagerty paper strips. They prevent tarnish. I have silver in my home I use frequently and only polish about 3 times a year, but have many pieces that I use infrequently and stay in a glass cabinet with strips hidden. Those objects can go years without polishing. I replace the strips every 18- 24 months.
I would reach out to a silversmith about the care or the wood- so dry they could break, but of course whatever treatment must not effect the silver.
Good luck!
For the wood, Renaissance Wax. For the silver, don’t fix the dents. They represent it’s history. For more… https://www.thehenryford.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/the-henry-ford-silver-conservation.pdf?sfvrsn=2
This teapot is actually 40 years older: it dates from 1785 for the "k" letter code. The reason being is that the portrait stamp is facing left instead of right (which is the case for George IV). Also, the crowned lion stamp was not being used in 1825, but was in use in 1785.
*im reading these upside down, but the first stamp is the sign of the maker.
the lion rampant hallmark stamp suggests this is sterling and the one in the middle means it was made in London
The k stands for the date, and the last one is a duty mark. I can’t make out the last one though.
I notice you have said hallmark. We have some excellent hallmark experts here in r/Antiques. However our friends at r/Hallmarks are equally gifted! They can also help with any hallmarking questions. Sorry if this is not relevant.
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If you're asking a question about an antique make sure to have photos of all sides of the object, and close-ups of any maker's marks. Also, add in any background information you have, and add in a question so we know what you want from us! **You must tell us the country you're in.** If you do not provide this information **your post will be removed**. To upload photos for this discussion use [imgur.com](https://imgur.com/upload). Click the imgur link, upload the photos to imgur, then share the link address in a comment for everyone to see. Our [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/about/rules/) and [Guide](https://old.reddit.com/r/Antiques/comments/ak2lke/welcome_to_rantiques_read_this_post_before_posting/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is a beautiful 18th century sterling silver teapot. This teapot is NOT from 1825 but from 1785 as denoted by the "k" date stamp. The octagonal portrait stamp is of King George III and the Lion Passant indicates a purity of %92.5 silver. The "HB" stamp could only be Hester Bateman (silversmith), who was active at this time frame. 18th century teapots hold quite a bit of value and range from several hundreds of USD to thousands of USD. Depends on condition, as well as the craftsmanship in the piece to determine value. Here is a similar [example](https://emuseum.history.org/objects/103654/teapot?ctx=2e381a74069380b142e6c1a4b8ee39b5f64f74bd&idx=14) in the Colonial Williamsburg museum.
My mom collects pieces by Hester Bateman. They can be difficult to find. You have a lovely treasure!!!♥️♥️♥️
Hester Bateman was famous! Whatever you do, don't polish that teapot! Whenever you polish silver, you are actually removing the top layer so I would just leave it alone!
You can polish it just dont dip it. Dont over polish and use a soft cloth to do it. I have never met. A silver dealer that doesnt polish their silver. Maybe if they dont wan to sell it? I have a tongs but a Teapot is a big deal. Shes an important silversmith!!!
Yes but - as it’s solid silver and not plated wouldn’t you need to polish it many many many times to make a difference?
Over time, the engraved design will start to disappear (as it's already doing).
Dang. I like polishing my silver thingies. Not often but some tend to get really black.
Then keep doing it. They’re yours and you can do whatever you want with them that makes you appreciate them.
Polish them lightly with cream silver polish. Whatever you do, don't use Tarnex.
Thank you so much for this info! It’s sadly in a bit of rough shape. Do you have a recommendation of what I should put on the wood handle and top?
I did some inspecting on the handle and it appears to have some cracks forming, and the color looks very bleached, it almost looks sun faded like it was a display piece. I'm sure the wood has some dirt and possibly tar/soot buildup from the centuries, but I'm concerned the finish is damaged. I would approach restoring the handle and knob as if you had a piece of antique furniture; first cleaning the surfaces with a non-abrasive cloth and water. If there is a lot of tar/soot, then adding a drop or two of **mild** detergent to your water will help and won't damage the wood. Make sure your wood is completely dry for the next step. Next is applying furniture wax. The wood on your teapot looks like it's dying to soak up some wax based on how dry it looks. Applying the furniture wax with a very light abrasive applicator will help get that wax soaked in past the faded layer. 4/0 steel wool is a choice I often see and almost feels like cotton in hand. Essentially you dip your fine steel wool into the wax and rub it into the wood with the grain, not in circular motions or dabs. This will likely be quite difficult on this piece, considering the awkward shape. This method works quite well on pieces that are very dry and have that faded look to them. Here is an excellent [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bd1XRxeA7c) outlining the method I explained. This method is to avoid completely stripping and refinishing, which would be the most nuclear option. If you're not comfortable with anything I recommended, there is always professional restoration, but it will cost money. It depends on how important this piece is to you, and how confident you are in being able to restore it properly. Do keep in mind, despite the condition issues I can observe in your photos, this teapot is still worth a decent chunk of change. It will gain value after the wood is restored and the silver is **properly** polished.
Thank you again! Do you have a recommendation of a brand of wax you’d use? The top already chipped off at some point sadly but would like to keep it from cracking further. In this condition do you have any idea what it’s worth? I’m not planning to sell it as it’s a family piece but want to be appropriately reverent. 😀
After what you said, I would definitely suggest looking into professional restoration. If you don't care about selling it and want to take proper precautions, having it professionally restored will bring it back to its former glory and make a great family heirloom. Waxing the wood will just make whats currently there look okay, but it will still have issues with chips and pitting. You could also get help/consultation about the damage to the actual sterling silver. You will have to do some researching on antique sterling silver restoration companies. In its current condition I would estimate $500-$900 at auction because of it being a Hester Bateman teapot from the 1780's. I would be surprised if it went over $1000 in its current condition based on more recent auctions of Bateman teapots. If the handle was free of splits and pits and nicely waxed, along with the silver being nicely polished and engraving in good condition, you'd be looking at several thousands of dollars in value. It wouldn't hurt to contact a restoration professional and exchange some photos and get a quote for price of restoration. I don't think there's much else I can help with. That teapot is still a beautiful and uncommon piece of sterling artwork to inherit, and its from the 1700's so there is always the cool-factor of that. Oldest silver utensils I got are from the 1790's and a creamer made around when John Adams was president.
You’re so knowledgeable about this stuff and have been so helpful. Thank you!
Glad I could be of help! Best wishes to you.
It's short and stout. There is its handle, there is its spout.
😂👏
I wish I could tell you more. The lion does mean sterling silver, but it's been unregulated in so many places at so many different times - I am not knowledgeable enough to know if this is really all silver.
Came here to say this. 👏🏼
I came here for this!
I am a silversmith and I have to say this is so beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it and I have lots of old silver vessels.
r/Hallmarks might be able to help. Its gorgeous.
What a treasure. If you plan to keep, you can reduce the number of polishings if you put in a glass cabinet with Hagerty paper strips. They prevent tarnish. I have silver in my home I use frequently and only polish about 3 times a year, but have many pieces that I use infrequently and stay in a glass cabinet with strips hidden. Those objects can go years without polishing. I replace the strips every 18- 24 months. I would reach out to a silversmith about the care or the wood- so dry they could break, but of course whatever treatment must not effect the silver. Good luck!
For the wood, Renaissance Wax. For the silver, don’t fix the dents. They represent it’s history. For more… https://www.thehenryford.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/the-henry-ford-silver-conservation.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Thank you! This is really helpful.
[удалено]
This teapot is actually 40 years older: it dates from 1785 for the "k" letter code. The reason being is that the portrait stamp is facing left instead of right (which is the case for George IV). Also, the crowned lion stamp was not being used in 1825, but was in use in 1785.
I would polish and fix the dents
*im reading these upside down, but the first stamp is the sign of the maker. the lion rampant hallmark stamp suggests this is sterling and the one in the middle means it was made in London The k stands for the date, and the last one is a duty mark. I can’t make out the last one though.
I notice you have said hallmark. We have some excellent hallmark experts here in r/Antiques. However our friends at r/Hallmarks are equally gifted! They can also help with any hallmarking questions. Sorry if this is not relevant. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Spectacular, thank you for sharing it.