The laying of the first stone of the Town Hall on Dam Square in Amsterdam was an especially solemn occasion, which was performed by four sons and nephews of the mayors. The mayors had special objects made at their own cost. This trowel, commissioned by the most important mayor, Cornelis de Graeff, is the most splendid. Both the handle and the blade are ornamented with fashionable Auricular-style motifs, Johannes Lutma’s trademark.