John Wendt (attr.) Antique 'Medallion' Sterling Silver Child's Mug, New York City, c. 1867

One of the nicest 'medallion' cups we've ever had, this medallion child's cup is of very heavy gauge silver and the decoration is exceptional and dramatic. The cylindrical body is hand-engraved with a wonderful wreath on each side surrounding an applied cartouche, one with a beautiful medallion. On one side the cartouche is engraved 'J.O.H./ July 1st, 1867'. The other cartouche has a beautiful applied cast bust of Mercury sporting his winged helmet. Accentuating the strong design is a row of beading around the base and an unusual strap handle.

This lovely sterling silver child's cup is marked underneath '925/1000' within a shield – a mark used by John Wendt when he was the principal silversmith of Ball, Black & Co. in New York. The outside of the foot is stamped by the retailer 'BALL, BLACK & Co/ NEW YORK'. It measures 4 inches high by 4 inches across the handle, weighs a hefty 9.40 troy ounces and is in excellent condition retaining most of its original gilding on the interior.