Miniature shovel 1715 - 1735

This miniature shovel was crafted in England during the late 17th or early 18th century, likely from silver, by David Clayton. Though small and unassuming, it speaks volumes about the social and cultural landscape of its time. Such objects offer a glimpse into the rituals of domestic life among the burgeoning middle and upper classes. The rise of consumer culture in the late 17th century led to an increased demand for luxury goods and novelties. Silver, with its gleaming surface, became a popular material for displaying wealth and refinement. This miniature shovel, while perhaps ornamental, reflects an era of growing social stratification. Historians delve into probate records, household inventories, and trade documents to understand the production, distribution, and consumption of such objects. The meaning of this piece is thus contingent on the culture in which it was made and the institutions by which it was circulated.