Masters trophy - silver?

I acquired at an estate close to Meriden, CT this interesting trophy of a knife terminating in a file. I first thought, bladesmith award; however the wolf heads, the proximity to what was once a prominent silversmithing area, and from the patina on some of the metal work it appears to have some silver. Any ideas regarding origin or purpose?

 

Welcome, RS_CT! Very odd item. I take it, since you did not mention any, that there are no marks anywhere? If so, there will be no sterling, although silver plated is possible.

I doubt it has a "purpose" beyond some kind of recognition. But since "Masters" is also a not uncommon surname, it's hard to say.

 

That is an odd assemblage - the fox-heads appear to be the bottoms from stirrup cups, similar to this one: https://www.chairish.com/product/1001163/vintage-silver-plate-fox-stirrup-cup

~Cheryl

 

No markings elsewhere, on the blade or the base, except for that Masters plaque. Base is wood, blade guard, pommel, some handle banding, and the plaque have the patina of unpolished silver.

 

Cheryl, there was actually a fox or wolf head cup very similar to what you had linked at the sale, but it was damaged and I di not purchase it. Of course now I wish I had, to look for a maker mark!

 

There are no requirements that precious metal pieces be marked for content in the USA. The wolf's heads are commercially made knife/sword pommels available from a number of outlets. The "blade" was made from a file and the piece may have been an award from one of the many knife making clubs.

pommels
https://www.google.com/search?q=wol...u8HkAhVFKKwKHbtfBTcQ_AUIEygC&biw=1513&bih=867

 

I think it is for cutting string, etc. You wrap one end around one of the wolves' heads and pull it across the blade.

 

Try setting something flat on the tripod formed by the ears and nose to see if it sits level - really looks more like stirrup cup bottoms to me...

~Cheryl

 

not sumpthin ya see everyday !!

 

Were it cheap enough I would have bought it too. I like buying mysteries. Fun find!