John Wendt Florentine Sterling Sugar Shell

John Wendt's (New York) Florentine is, as the name avers, a Renaissance Revival design that was produced in the 1870's. This example is a 6 1/4" long sugar spoon with a shell bowl. There is no monogram or removal. The condition is very good. The pattern remains sharply defined, with no polishing wear. The bowl, which has a pale matte gold wash finish, is free of dents, but has a bit of speckling in the base where tarnish was polished away. Marks are Sterling, Patent, and the name of the retailer, J.H. Buell & Co.