John Wendt (attr) Florentine Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Pie Server, NYC, c. 1870s

A beautifully engraved bird centers scrolling foliate decoration on the blade of this pie server. While the back of the handle is undecorated, the front exhibits an intricate swirling design enclosing a shield that has never been monogrammed.

John Wendt was the principal silversmith to the great New York jewelers, Ball, Black & Co., with Wendt's shop occupying the top two floors of Ball, Black & Co.'s famous building on Broadway. The pattern can be positively identified to him through design patent records.

Provenance:
Collection of Dale E. Bennett.

This lovely server measures 9 inches long by 2.75 inches across the blade. It is marked "STERLING" and "PATENT" and weighs 2.05 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with light wear from use.