b'92J. M. WENDT a superb Australian desk set, Colonial silverJoachim Matthias Wendt was born in Schleswig-Holstein, and emu egg decorated with Aboriginal figures, kangaroo,then part of Denmark, in 1830. He was apprenticed to a emu and goanna finished gilded highlights, mounted in a rockywatchmaker, also learning the crafts of silversmith and jeweller. form landscape with ferns and leaves, original blackwoodIn 1848 the province was conquered by Prussia, encouraging plinth base, 19th century, Wendt to emigrate to South Australia, where he arrived in 1851. stamped J. M. W. with crown and lion marks, He first opened a shop in Pirie Street, shortly after, moving to a 22cm high, 22cm wide, 16cm deep larger shop in Rundle Street. The family business is still carried on there, by descendants. Branches of the business were also established in Mt. Gambier and Broken Hill.Wendt produced a great variety of skilfully created pieces and many outstanding trophies. He was awarded a royal warrant as jeweller to the visiting Duke of Edinburgh in 1867.$15,00025,0002'