Makers are Peter & William Bateman. This pair of serving sugar tongs was made by Peter and William Bateman of the famous Hester Bateman family of Silversmiths in London, England through the 18th and 19th Centuries. The hallmarks are a bit worn and read from left to right beginning with the “PB WB” for Peter Bateman and William Bateman. On the other side of the inside of the tongs, is the lion for sterling silver, the upper case Q for 1811 and the head and bust for the tax stamp. Bateman’s worked in London from the mid-18th Century well into the 1820’s. All Bateman’s handmade silver is highly collectible, Hester’s work the most sought after but William is considered by many to be the most talented of the family and produced many quality pieces during his career. The attention to detail and overall design of Williams' antique silver pieces are notable and reflect an element of design that is sometimes lacking in his relatives work.

All of the Bateman’s family has Silver Service in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

These tongs measure just under 6 inches long and are in fantastic condition and represent superb quality.