Tobacco stopper

Description

A souvenir tobacco stopper, early nineteenth century, made by the local historian Robert Bell Wheler. Supposedly made from the wood of the mulberry tree which stood in the grounds of Shakespeare's house at New Place, until it was cut down in 1756. The tree was supposedly planted by Shakespeare, although there is no substantiating evidence. It features, on the head, silver discs with crest and coat of arms. With metal foot., Previous catalogue description 'A tobacco stopper made from the wood of the mulberry tree, and carved by Mr. Wheler. On head, silver discs with crest and coat of arms; on the shaft the words 'Shakespeare's wood, R.B. Wheler, Stratford on Avon, Fecit, September 180(9?); on head ' The Jubilee 6 [ampersand] 7 Sep 1789'. With metal foot. One of three listed as number 285 in the Trust's 1868 Catalogue.'