A 19th century colonial silver presentation trowel

A 19th century colonial silver presentation trowel,

by J. Martins, Demerara,

the blade with engraved decoration, and with the Royal arms and inscribed 'Public Works Department British Guiana to commemorate laying foundations of Victoria Courts of Justice, June 1881, Presented to her Excellency Lady Turner Irving', the reverse of the socket with a mask motif, length 18cm, approx. weight 3.8oz.

Lady Turner was the wife of Sir Henry Turner Irving, GCMG (1833-1923) , who was the Governor of British Guiana from 1882-87.