Featured Please help ID this , if you can...

Hello again,I wasn't quite sure where to post this one.
I have a rather odd item here that I would love to know more about, if any one does know anything, it would be greatly appreciated.
What I do know,
This has been with me for at least 30 years and before that, my parents got it at some auction in the 60's-70's in Texas.
It's definitely some kind of feline skull with what looks like decorative brass attached to it.
I speculate that it may have been a pipe holder. Or maybe for ink wells(in the eye part).
The design on the brass looks to me like Indonesian or possibly India.
So, does anyone know how old this could be?
Where it might have come from?
What it could have been used for?
I shall attach photos. . .
=-)

 

Thai tiger skull...... https://www.google.com/search?q=sia...X8RzABHdqeDT8Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1238&bih=617

 

Can you add size / measurements?

 

Wow, thank you, Hollyblue.

 

It is roughly, 6 inches at its tallest and a little over 6 inches at its widest, if that helps.

 

doesn't help the tiger................

 

I agree, it's sad they used to..(and maybe still do for all I know)..do this.
I was just reading that this was a form of trophy. :/

 

Kudos to @Hollyblue !
This one seems very similar
https://jlevines.hibid.com/lot/62355-67182-126246/tibetan-tiger-skull-smoking-set-w--silver-mounts/

 

Thank you, kyratango.

 

Tibetan is rarely Tibetan, it is just used because it sounds more interesting to Western ears than Thai, which this skull is.

 

This listing does say Thai, and mentions a maker. I don't know if yours is by the same company, but it is likely.

THAI STERLING SILVER-MOUNTED TIGER SKULL PRESENTATION SMOKING SET, Circa 1960; Alex & Company, Oriental Avenue, Bangkok Siam.
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...-mounted-tiger-skull-presenta-96-c-738e0b87b1

 

They are not too happy about their beautiful tigers being killed for souvenirs anymore:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/274001/thai-officials-find-tiger-parts-in-the-post

 

the silver though....is very nicely done....imo..

 

Ok, well, I notice all these skulls seem to have silver mounted to them. Mine has not been cleaned properly ever, just dusted.
I don't think it's silver, does it look silver to you all?

 

it doesn't have to be Sterling...it could be only 800 and still be called silver !
Maybe try polishing a little corner first...or just the dancer..

 

Hmmm, ok. Interesting...

My husband suggested dropping a drop of white vinegar in an inconspicuous spot as some kind of acid test. He thinks if it doesn't change color, it could be silver. Not sure about this...lol.

I could try polishing it , what would work best? A little tooth paste , maybe? Just a clean cotton cloth?

 

go with the cloth ......
then....depending on your intentions....get a silver polishing cloth....sunshine cloth...or the like..

vinegar.....is for salads
toothpaste...is 4 teeth...

 

Thank you.