Rare Victorian Sterling Silver Presentation Trowel 1857

  
A Rare Victorian Sterling Silver Presentation Trowel by The Belfast Silversmiths "The Neill Brothers". I have a similar Presentation Trowel also listed. The Trowel is 11 1/4" in length with a max width to the trowel of 3 5/8" and a total weight of 8.7 oz or 248 grams.

The Presentation Trowel has an excellent shape with a Stunning bright cut engraved blade which has a contemporary presentation inscription with the Superb carved handle having excellent colouring (see photo's). The Trowel was Presented to the Right Honourable The Earl of Lanesborough on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the new Presbyterian Church Belturbet August 1857.

Earl of Lanesborough was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1756 for Humphrey Butler, 2nd Viscount Lanesborough. The Butler family descended from Theophilus Butler. In the Irish House of Commons. In 1715 he was raised to the Peerage of Ireland as Baron Newtown-Butler, of the County of Fermanagh, with remainder to the heirs male of his father.

He was succeeded according to the special remainder by his brother, Brinsley, the second Baron. He had previously represented Kells. And Belturbet in the Irish Parliament.

In 1728 he was created Viscount Lanesborough in the Peerage of Ireland. He was succeeded by his son, Humphrey, the aforementioned second Viscount, who was elevated to an earldom in 1728. The first Earl was succeeded by his son, Brinsley, the second Earl. He represented County Cavan in the Irish House of Commons. His grandson, the fifth Earl, sat in the British House of Lords. As an Irish Representative Peer. The latter was succeeded by his nephew, the sixth Earl.

He served as Lord-Lieutenant of Cavan. From 1876 to 1900 and was an Irish Representative Peer from 1870 to 1905. He was succeeded by his son, the seventh Earl. He was an Irish Representative Peer from 1913 to 1929.

On his death the titles passed to his younger brother, the eighth Earl. The titles became extinct on the death of the latter's eldest son, the ninth Earl, in 1998. The Neill Brothers were a well know firm of Clock and Watch Makers, Jewellers and Silversmiths and at the time the trowel was made it would have been John and James Neill. 1852 Directory of Belfast and Province of Ulster. The Presentation Trowel is in Excellent Condition. While the Trowel is not hallmarked it is Guaranteed Sterling Silver and marked "Neill Brothers Fecit". A Rare Victorian Sterling Silver Presentation Trowel Guaranteed to please. If you have any questions please contact me. This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Solid Silver\Other Solid Silver". The seller is "samsamboy2015" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Maker: Neill Brothers
2. Age: 1850-1899
3. Product: Presentation Trowl
4. Composition: Solid Silver