Impressive Antique Presentation Trowel (1905)
This very early, impressive, silver-plated presentation or ceremonial trowel has been superbly engraved with a dedication and decorated with a zig zag and floral border. It was awarded in 1905 for the ‘Laying of the last brick on the completion of a Chimney’.
The wording reads: ‘BURGH OF LEITH’ ‘Extensions of Electric Works’ ‘Presented to Judge George Craig convener on the occasion of HIS LAYING THE LAST BRICK on COMPLETION OF CHIMNEY by Messrs John Dennis & Co.LD. Builders 21ST July 1905’
‘Leith’ is a port in SE Scotland, and in 1920 became part of Edinburgh. It was a very historic port and shipbuilding centre. The heavy trowel appears to be silver-plated on brass and other than some minor wear to the plating on the back, it’s in excellent condition. It was made by silversmiths ‘Roberts & Belk’ (R&B) in Sheffield England, and measures 35cm in length, a width of 10cm and weighs 255g.