John R. Wendt was issued the earliest design patent for medallion flatware in 1862, followed by Gorham’s designer, George Wilkinson two years later, John Polhamus in 1865, and Philo B. Gilbert in 1867. The popularity of medallion patterns is affirmed by these and another twenty unpatented designs identified today. Wendt maintained a close business relationship with Ball, Black & Co.; in fact, both were located at the same Broadway address. As Wendt was a whole saler, his silver rarely bears a manufacturer’s mark.

Technical notes: The medallion is only on one side. Within the bow is an inner cylinder secured by a finial screw. The rosettes are bolted on.

Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff. American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.