Hilliard and Thomason was established in Birmingham, and closed in 1908.Sterling silver presentation trowel in blue leather hinged presentation trowel with blue suade and satin lining. The trowel handle is silver plate and can be screwed off the trowel, and is hollow. The trowel is hallmarked H&T = Hilliard and Thomason - Sovereign Head/Duty Stamp = 1784 - 1890 - Lion passant guardant = silver quality- Anchor = Birmingham - b in oval = 1876Engraved into the trowel "Presented by the President & Council School of Mines Ballarat to the Hon. A.J. Peacock Minister of Public Instruction on his laying the Foundation Stone of New Buildings April 14th 1899hilliard and thomason, silver, presentation trowel, ballarat school of mines, new classrooms, administration building, buildings, andrew peacock, andrew j. peacock, silversmith, a building