AN AUSTRALIAN SILVER-MOUNTED EMU EGG CENTREPIECE/INKSTAND, J.M. WENDT, ADELAIDE, CIRCA 1870 |

the egg mounted with fern palms and flanked by bronze Aboriginal figures, the central cameo recess pierced with a kangaroo and ostrich among foliage, resting on a rocky base adorned with foliage, the cover surmounted by an eagle resting on a fern branch, all on an oval wooden pedestal

Marked to rim of base. No obvious losses of repairs. Fine condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Joachim Matthias Wendt (1830-1917), silversmith, was born on 26 June 1830 at Dägeling, near Itzehoe, Holstein, son of Joachim Matthias Wendt, smith, and his wife Christina, née Schlichting, who died when he was aged 9. Raised by his father and two sisters, he was apprenticed to a watchmaker and learned the silversmith's craft. He migrated to Adelaide in 1854 where he set up as J. M. Wendt, watchmaker and jeweller. His business flourished, enabling him to move to premises in Rundle Street. The quality of his workmanship and design was recognized at the New Zealand Exhibition of 1865, held in Dunedin, where his silverware and jewellery won first prize. For the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Adelaide in 1867, Wendt's firm produced four presentation caskets; the duke commissioned further work and appointed him 'Jeweller to His Royal Highness' in the colony of South Australia. Wendt's staff had expanded to include twelve silversmiths and in 1869 he opened another shop at Mount Gambier. That year on Christmas Day at his North Terrace home he married with Unitarian forms Johanna Maria Caroline, late Koeppen, née Ohlmeyer, a widow with four children.

Wendt's silverwork included extravagant naturalistic creations, stylish Edwardian domestic designs and pieces which showed restrained Regency taste. At its best, it ranks with the finest produced in Australia in the second half of the nineteenth century. Among his important commissions was the salver presented to E. M. Young in 1870 (now held by the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra); Wendt also submitted a pair of prize-winning epergnes to the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878. Commercial success encouraged him in 1888 to open a further branch at Broken Hill, New South Wales; his model of the Block 10 mine was executed five years later. In 1901 he supervised the production of the silver casket which was presented by the citizens of Adelaide to the Duke of York. Seeking profitable investments, Wendt became a member of the syndicates that built the Adelaide Arcade (which he subsequently owned) and the Theatre Royal in Hindley Street.