Ceremonial Trowel

Trowel with pointed diamond blade joined to turned ivory handle with an arched silver rod. Handle terminates in silver discs at both ends. The trowel was used in setting the cornerstone of James Madison High School in Brooklyn by the following New York City Board of Education personnel: Dr. John A. Ferguson, Chairman of the Committee on Buildings and Sites; Dr. George J. Ryan, President; and William H. Gompert, Architect and Superintendent of School Buildings. Inscription: Engraved on obverse of blade: Trowel used in setting cornerstone / James Madison High School / Brooklyn / By / Hon. John A. Ferguson, M.D. / Chairman, Committee on Buildings and Sites / July 15, 1924 / Hon. George J. Ryan / President, Board of Education / William H. Gompert, Architect / Superintendent of School Buildings / Turner Construction Co. / Builders. Mark: On reverse of blade: [lion passant] [anchor] [Gothic G] / STERLING / 2085 / 142-3.