A Fine Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Presentation Spade

Antiques > Silver/Silverware Dealer: A C Silver Contact: Mr. Andrew Campbell - Email Dealer
Price: $789.62 USD  - Currency Converter Local Currency: 495.00 Shipping inside United Kingdom: Quoted at time of purchase Shipping outside United Kingdom: Quoted at time of purchase

Description: This fine item has been realistically modelled in the form of a spade or shovel. The shaft and blade have been crafted in silver gilt, the handle in sterling silver. To the reverse of the blade is the inscription: 'Presented by S. H. Gilderoy to Miss Batters on the occasion of her cutting the first sod in th eformation of the shaft sunk for a coal pit for the Prestatyn Coal Company at the Point of Ayr, Flintshire. Nov. 3. 1866'* The retailer's marks 'J Mayer, Silversmith, Liverpool' is also engraved to the reverse of the blade. (The inscription could be professionally erased upon request if so desired). This fine presentation piece is an extremely good gauge of silver, fine quality and in excellent condition in keeping with its age. Full hallmarks struck to the upper portion of the shaft are clear. Reflections in photography may detract from the true representation of this item. Length 17.2cm/6.8", Length of blade 5.5cm/2.2", Width of blade 5cm/2", Weight 86.5g. * For many years a colliery operated at Point of Ayr and it was one of the last remaining operational deep mines in Wales. The first trial borings took place in 1865, under the direction of Lord Mostyn, owner of Mostyn Colliery, a few miles away. The borings seemed successful, and the Prestatyn Coal Company was formed to commence operations proper, however the project was abandoned before it got off the ground. In 1873, the site was investigated a second time, by a newly formed company, the Western Mostyn Colliery Company, however the trial shaft was not successful, and the project was again abandoned. In 1883, a third company was formed, the Point of Ayr Colliery Company, and in 1890 they struck a seam. Coal at this time was brought to the surface by a team of 75 pit ponies. A second shaft was also sunk around this time. According to the Inspector of Mines records, in 1896 the pit employed 356 men producing coal for domestic and industrial uses. A third shaft was sunk sometime after the National Coal Board took over the site following nationalisation in 1947. The coal field extended northwards under the Irish Sea. By 1953, 738 men were producing 213,000 tons of coal annually. Point of Ayr colliery closed on 23 August 1996. Nothing now remains of the colliery, not even a memorial plaque. (ref: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Alternative images available on request.

Status: For Sale	Reference#: W2736
Condition: This fine presentation piece is an extremely good gauge of silver and fine quality.	Year: 1862
Country: London, England, GB	Maker: George William Adams
Height: 2 in. (5.08 cm)
Title: A Fine Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Presentation Spade

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