John Wendt 'Florentine' Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter, NYC, c. 1870's

This is a beautiful sugar sifter in the exotic 'Florentine' pattern, made by the important silversmith John Wendt, the principal silversmith for the important retailer Ball, Black & Co. in New York City.  While the back of the handle is undecorated, the front exhibits an intricate design of swirls enclosing a shield engraved with an 'EG' monogram.

The circular bowl, with creases going up the sides, has a gilt matte finish on the front and back.

This stunning pierced server is marked on the reverse 'STERLING/ PATENT'. It measures 7.5 inches long, weighs 2.10 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with slight staining in the bowl.

Provenance: From the collection of Dale E. Bennett