John R. Wendt 'Medallion' Antique Sterling Silver Pickle Set, New York, retailed by J. E. Caldwell, Philadelphia. PA, c. 1865

Beautiful profile portraits adorn the tops of this rare pickle fork and knife set in Wendt's 'Medallion' pattern. The 3-dimensional busts are stunning against the lined background within an oval surmounted by a ball. The figure is of the Roman Goddess Juno.1These oval portrait medallions rest atop a Egyptian lotus blossoms. The handles, which are designed as fluted columns, have rosettes at the midpoints. The unusually shaped blade and tine area of the fork are hand engraved with lovely classical decoration.

This wonderful set is marked on the back 'PATENT/ 925' and by the great Philadelphia retailer 'JE CALDWELL & Co'. The fork and knife measure 6 and 6.75 inches long respectively, weigh a combined 1.70 troy ounces and are in very good antique condition.

Endnote:

1. D. Albert Soeffing, Silver Medallion Flatware, New Books, Inc, New York City, 1988, p. 76-77.