Hereford Agricultural Silver Presentation Trowel, Exeter 1863

This is a scarce, Exeter hallmarked silver presentation trowel commemorating the opening of an agricultural works in Hereford.

At 12.75" long, this is a good-sized Victorian trowel with a beautifully decorated triangular blade and a richly adorned handle. It is a fine quality piece made by James & Josiah Williams - the Bristol based silversmithing company. It remains in excellent condition.

The blade is engraved: "Presented to John Hungerford Arkwright Esq. on the occasion of his laying the first stone of the Herefordshire and South Wales Agricultural and Cattle Food Company's Works. Hereford March 29th 1864". John Hungerford Arkwright (1833-1905) was the great-grandson of the cotton industrialist and spinning Water Frame inventor Richard Arkwright. He was one of the wealthiest landowners in Herefordshire and went on to became Lord Lieutenant of the county.