Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver Figural Centerpiece by John Wendt for Ball, Black & Co.
Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver Figural Centerpiece by John Wendt for Ball, Black & Co.
A late 19th-century American sterling silver centerpiece by John Wendt for Ball, Black & Co., featuring neoclassical figural supports and sculptural detailing, marked “English Sterling.”
This impressive sterling silver centerpiece was designed by John R. Wendt (1826–1907) and produced for the prestigious New York retailer Ball, Black & Co., one of the most prominent luxury silver firms in 19th-century America.
The centerpiece displays strong neoclassical influence, characterized by a broad shallow bowl supported by finely modeled kneeling winged cherubs, resting on a stepped architectural base. The rim is adorned with sculptural motifs, including a central mask and scrollwork, demonstrating Wendt’s mastery of ornamental silver design.
John Wendt was a German-born silversmith who became one of the most influential American silver designers of the 19th century. He collaborated with Augustus Rogers in Boston and later served as a principal silversmith for Ball, Black & Co. His works are represented in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
As was common practice, this piece is marked with the retailer’s stamp rather than the maker’s personal mark, a typical characteristic of Wendt’s production for Ball, Black & Co. Centerpieces of this scale and quality were luxury table objects intended for formal dining and grand interiors.
Additional Information
Seller Information
Shipping and Return
Shipping Information
Standard Shipping
7-14 business days
Full authentication and secure delivery
Express Shipping
5 business days
Additional charge applies
Insurance & Security
All shipments are fully insured
Secure packaging for valuable items
Tax Information
General GST
3% GST applies to most collectibles
Charged at checkout
Luxury Timepieces
18% GST applies to all watches
Per government regulations
International Orders
Import duties may apply
Buyer is responsible for any customs fees
Returns Policy
At Niveza, we take pride in the quality and authenticity of the items listed on our platform. Due to the unique and valuable nature of our collectibles:
- All sales are final unless the item received does not match its description or images
- Return requests must be submitted within 24 hours of receiving your item
- All return requests are handled on a case-by-case basis
- Final approval for returns requires seller acceptance
Please read item descriptions carefully and submit any questions before placing your order. For any concerns about your purchase, please contact our support team at support@niveza.co.in.
The Niveza Promise
Our Commitment at Niveza
At Niveza, we are committed to offering a seamless and trustworthy platform for collectors, buyers, and sellers. Every item listed goes through a meticulous authentication process by our experts, ensuring you receive only genuine and valuable pieces. Whether you’re investing in rare timepieces, antique jewelry, or fine art, we guarantee:
Authenticity
All items are verified by experts for provenance and quality.
Quality
We ensure that only the finest, well-preserved pieces are listed on our platform.
Security
With encrypted transactions and insured shipping, your purchase is safe from start to finish.
Customer Support
Our dedicated support team is here to assist you at every step of your journey.
This impressive sterling silver centerpiece was designed by John R. Wendt (1826–1907) and produced for the prestigious New York retailer Ball, Black & Co., one of the most prominent luxury silver firms in 19th-century America.
The centerpiece displays strong neoclassical influence, characterized by a broad shallow bowl supported by finely modeled kneeling winged cherubs, resting on a stepped architectural base. The rim is adorned with sculptural motifs, including a central mask and scrollwork, demonstrating Wendt’s mastery of ornamental silver design.
John Wendt was a German-born silversmith who became one of the most influential American silver designers of the 19th century. He collaborated with Augustus Rogers in Boston and later served as a principal silversmith for Ball, Black & Co. His works are represented in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
As was common practice, this piece is marked with the retailer’s stamp rather than the maker’s personal mark, a typical characteristic of Wendt’s production for Ball, Black & Co. Centerpieces of this scale and quality were luxury table objects intended for formal dining and grand interiors.
Additional Information
Seller Information
Shipping and Return
Shipping Information
Standard Shipping
7-14 business days
Full authentication and secure delivery
Express Shipping
5 business days
Additional charge applies
Insurance & Security
All shipments are fully insured
Secure packaging for valuable items
Tax Information
General GST
3% GST applies to most collectibles
Charged at checkout
Luxury Timepieces
18% GST applies to all watches
Per government regulations
International Orders
Import duties may apply
Buyer is responsible for any customs fees
Returns Policy
At Niveza, we take pride in the quality and authenticity of the items listed on our platform. Due to the unique and valuable nature of our collectibles:
- All sales are final unless the item received does not match its description or images
- Return requests must be submitted within 24 hours of receiving your item
- All return requests are handled on a case-by-case basis
- Final approval for returns requires seller acceptance
Please read item descriptions carefully and submit any questions before placing your order. For any concerns about your purchase, please contact our support team at support@niveza.co.in.
The Niveza Promise
Our Commitment at Niveza
At Niveza, we are committed to offering a seamless and trustworthy platform for collectors, buyers, and sellers. Every item listed goes through a meticulous authentication process by our experts, ensuring you receive only genuine and valuable pieces. Whether you’re investing in rare timepieces, antique jewelry, or fine art, we guarantee:
Authenticity
All items are verified by experts for provenance and quality.
Quality
We ensure that only the finest, well-preserved pieces are listed on our platform.
Security
With encrypted transactions and insured shipping, your purchase is safe from start to finish.
Customer Support
Our dedicated support team is here to assist you at every step of your journey.














