A cased Victorian sterling silver and ivory presentation trowel, London 1871 by Henry Wilkinson & Co

Engraved with a presentation inscription reading “This Trowel was used by his Grace The Archbishop of Westminster on the feast of St Francis Solano 1872 in laying the stone of St Mary’s Franciscan Convent, Mill Hill and was presented to the community by E.B. Gammon & Son’s contractors for the building”, otherwise with engraved foliate scrolls and lattice work resevres. The handle of baluster turned spirally fluted ivory with a ribbed rocaille junction. Houses in a fitted leather case with velvet interior branded West Jeweller, Ludgate Hill, London.

Length – 32.5 cm / 12.3 inches

Gross Weight – 240 grams / 7.72 ozt

Henry Edward Manning (1808-1892), previously Anglican Archdeacon of Chichester (1840–1851) and Roman Catholic Priest of Westminster (1851–1865). Appointed Archbishop of Westminster on 16^th May 1865 and consecrated on 8^th June 1865. Elevated to cardinal on 15 March 1875. Died in office on 14 January 1892.