Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 26 September 1896, page 8


A'VgSiG BUSINESS.

Mr. J. M.WENDT'S JEWELLERY SHOPS.

[BY A SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Over forty summers have come and gone since the jewellery business belonging to Mr. J. M. Wendt was started, and as it has been gradually growing ever since it is not sur prising that it has become one of the largest and best known establishments of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Mr. Wendt pos sesses the nriceless iewel of experience, and

none but golden opinions are heard as to the excellence of his stock and the generally satis factory way in which he caters for the trade. The windows of his extensive establishments fairly glitter with all that is alluring, and to show the extent of the business it may be men tioned that the value of the articles available for sale is set down at no less a sum than £35,000. This fact in itself is ample evidence of the enterprise of the gentleman who for so long has controlled the business. He still superintends the arrangements, but he is now leaving the more immediate management in the capable hands of his two energetic sons— Mr. H. Koeppen-Wendt and Mr. J. M. Wendt, jun. To show the reputation which Mr. Wendt has gained it need only be stated that orders are continually being executed for customers across the South Australian border, and on several occasions they have been received from the other side of the equator. It was Mr. Wendt who supplied the principal articles which were presented to the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the colony over 25 years ago, and bo pleased was that distinguished visitor with the quality of the work that it was from Mr. Wendtfs shop bis Royal Highness obtained the silverware

which he sent home to his illustrious mother the Queen. The large silver epergne presented to Sir P. Cunliffe Owen, the British Commis sioner at the Paris Exhibition, and which cost no less than 250 guineas, came from the same shop and so have numbers of other beautiful trophies and ornaments. At exhibitions the firm has obtained gratifying recognition of its work, the merit of which the public have for so long appreciated. Mr. Wendt has recently disposed of the Broken Hill branch of the business, having decided to concentrate all his attention on the Adelaide depots. Beside 70, Rundle-street, which he has recently leased for a further period of 28 years, there are also three large adjoinicg shops in the Arcade. Mr. Wendt, it may be mentioned, was one of those responsible for the building of the Arcade, and he was also one of the two first owners of the Theatre Royal. But this is by the way. No one should neglect an inspection of his beautiful collection of jewellery. To attempt to describe it in detail would be a Herculean task. If a South Australian 'wants to know the time' there is no need for him ' to ask a policeman,' for Mr. Wendt supplies watches for all, at prices ranging from 7s. 6d. to a hundred and fifty guineas, while he can sell a clock at figures varying from half a- crown to five and twenty pounds. A feature in timepieces is the enamel watch of blue or red, with bow to match attached, which should become very popular ; while anyone in search of a novel snuffbox should not fail to see the ingeniously-contrived arrangement by which a miniature canary is made to appear and whistle as merrily as the

best bird ever feathered. Those about to marry, or those who have married, or those who have friends who may some day approach Hymen's altar will find plentv to engage their attention. The useful can be procured there as well as the ornamental and the prices are arranged to suit all. The firm is just opening a shipment of ladies' combs which have been imported from Paris. They are all of the most fashionable patterns and will be a great novelty in South Australia. Of optical goods and instruments there is also a splendid collection, while the beautiful pendants and necklets, and the exquisite ostrich feather fans, and the valuable rings, and the hundred and one other choice ornaments fairly fascinate the fair sex. The firm has put up several tower clocks, which have given the greatest satisfaction, but for the matter of that there is not a branch of the trade in which it does not appear to advantage. To West Australia large quantities of jewellery and precious stones have been sent, and with both New South Wales and Queensland an excellent trade is done. The silver model of the surface works of the Broken Hill Block 10 mine, which was made to the order of the company, and presented by them to Mr. John Warren, was a beautiful example of the jewellers' art, and called forth the greatest commendation. The illustrations show a marvellously made gold and diamond necklace and brooch which has recently been manu factured by the firm ; also the Hunt Club Cup to be run for to-day, and the Waterloo Cup, which was won by Mr. C. Pearce at the Buck land Park coursing recently.

Waterloo Cup 1896, Presented by R. Barr Smith, Esq.

, E.P. Dish Coveks from 35s. each.

Gold Diamond Necklace.

Hunt Club Cup. i Presented by the President, Sir E. T. Smith.

E.P. Hot Water Can £1 15s.

^Sefed puttied weekly!* Jpn» Lakodok Bo^ttbok (carrying onbwtaeii u J. L^|pfcffii *^ *|fiirbffioe8 otlThe Advertiser, The Chronicle, and Tggppgtlag William and Waymoutii Streets, Adelaide, South Atutmli*