John Wendt Antique Sterling Silver 'Bird' Ice Serving Spoon, NYC, NY, c. 1870s

John Wendt's 'Bird' pattern is a scarce and stunning design, and ice servers are quite uncommon, which makes this item a wonderful and rare find. The handle is an exotic scene of a bamboo plant rising from the bowl and splitting to encircle the top area. Within a stippled background, a magnificent bird, perched on the vine, stretches upwards to feast on some berries. The reverse of the handle is engraved with a 'BL' monogram. 

The bowl is shaped, has scalloped shoulders, and is beautifully pierced. Both sides are covered in lovely gilding, and the interior has a matte finish. 

'Bird' was one of the first American flatware patterns in the Japanese taste, similar to Tiffany's Japanese pattern (the first) and Whiting's Japanese pattern. It is rarely seen on the market today, especially in this beautiful, crisp condition.

This stunning server is marked on the back 'STERLING/ PATENT' and by the great New York City retailer 'STARR & MARCUS.' It measures 8.75 inches long, weighs 2.30 troy ounces, and is in excellent antique condition.