Hester Bateman Silver Fob Seal, c.1780

This is rare find originally from the workshop of Hester Bateman - a silver fob seal used to impress a personal script monogram and wheatsheaf crest in sealing wax.

The seal would have likely hung from the same albert chain that carried a pocket watch to be available to ensure letters and documents were marked in the wax with the sender's personal cipher. This example is stamped with the lion passant and famous "HB" in script maker's mark for the lady silversmith Hester Bateman. The lack of a duty mark helps to date the piece to before 1784 and with Hester Bateman's working period it can be narrowed down to the 1775-1784 date range.

This George III period fob seal remains in excellent condition.