Antique Victorian Cased Silver Plated & Mother of Pearl Miniature Trowel c.1890

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Antique Victorian Cased Silver Plated & Mother of Pearl Miniature Trowel c.1890:
$62.22

Antique Victorian Cased Silver Plated & Mother of Pearl Miniature Trowel c.1890
~Welcome to my sale for this charming 19th century miniature gardening tool~
This is a really nice quality item from the later Victorian era and so unusual to see it with its original fitted case.
The Victorian loved their novelty and miniature items and this piece is no exception - the item is fashioned as a gardeners trowel with the metal parts made from silver plate and the handle made from mother of pearl.
The head or blade of the trowel has been engraved with flowers, foliage and even a little butterfly fluttering around - the piece also has the original owners monogram which in typical 19th style is quite elaborate - it looks like either CF or FC depending on how you read it.
The reverse side of the head of the trowel is plain and free from decoration, as seen in picture 6.
The handle is made from shaped mother of pearl and has an unusual knobbly, wavy feel to it.
The piece comes with its original fitted case which is not something you see so often - one half is fitted a deep purple coloured recessed velvet and the lid is lined with a matching deep purple silk - the exterior of the case appears to be a black grain leather with some gilt tooled highlights to the lid - all in all a really good quality piece.
The item perhaps would of been given as a presentation piece around 1880 to 1900, maybe to someone who was a gardener or labourer and they must of treasured it because the condition is excellent.
Practically, some people might use this item as a cheese spade or perhaps even for caviar as some have suggested.
The trowel measures 16.7cm in length and is 2.7cm at its widest point - the case measures 20cm in length - the total unpacked weight is 81.4g.
The condition of the item is excellent all round with no faults or issues to report - the silver plated finish is good as there are no untoward scratches to mention - the case is excellent with only normal signs of wear to the exterior - it has done a great job of protecting its contents for over 100 years - the push button and clip mechanism to the case also works well.
This is fabulous piece of Victorian charm - please study the images provided to satisfy yourself as to the condition of the item - if you have any further questions please ask and I\'ll be happy to oblige.
Postage to U.K addresses is £4.45 (signed for) - postage to international addresses is £10.95 (tracked / signed).
Thanks for looking.