A mid-Victorian silver presentation trowel of typical form, and having a stained wood handle. Hallmarked London 1865 with maker's mark CH. Length measures 15 1/4 inches (38.7 cm). 'This Trowel was used on the occasion of laying the Foundation Stone of the Drill Hall, Armoury & Store House, of the 1st Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, by Mrs Nichols, Wife of W.P. Nichols Esq., Mayor of Norwich. On her Majesty's Birthday, 1866, and Presented to her by the Battalion.'
The trowel displays some general wear and tarnishing in keeping with the age and use. There are several surface scratches and marks and some minor nicks/dints. Heavier wear around the edge and the tip of the trowel has lost its sharpness and is now quite rounded. Also some scratches and nicks to wood handle. The hallmarks are clear and legible. There do not appear to be hallmarks to the handle mounts.