I've always thought sterling silver and silverplate trophies were so English countryside chic where everyone plays polo wearing the latest from Ralph Lauren. Even in our little apartment in New York City, I think it adds a wonderful sense of history. The large silverplate trophy in the middle I found at a Goodwill in upstate New York. I love that it has an inscription from 1928! The English sterling silver one on the right I picked up on Portobello Road in London. This one's from 1940 and really is a horseback riding trophy! Finally, the one on the left I found at the flea market here in town not too long ago.
Trophies are not only beautiful on their own, they're also great for holding flowers, candies and even salt and pepper at table settings. And while there are so many objects in my collection that I adore, many of them even silver, antique trophies carry special meaning because of the accomplishments they represent. Sure, I didn't win them myself, but you know what? A long time ago, someone did and to them, they really did mean something. So if I can somehow inherit these trophies, prizing them in a way I can only imagine their owners once did, that's an accomplishment I can be proud of—among others!
I made a mistake on the date of my venice model yaght race trophy, it says 1905, not 1906
Posted by: Brian Guertin | December 14, 2010 at 04:05 PM
I have a silver plate loving cup trophy that says," Presented By Abbot Kinney, winner of yaght race for models, aug 16th, 1906, Venice CA" I found out that Kinney opened the Venice CA. pier and amusment park July 4th 1906 and held miniture yaght races on Venice lake. Any clue as to what it is worth. I found an article in the local paper at the time dated Aug. 15th 1906 and it says, " Abbot Kinny has put up 2 good cups to be won at tomorrows yaght race to be held on venice lake"
Posted by: Brian Guertin | December 12, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Hello,
I live in Evanston IL, have an old rug and think it’s worth something.
Can you possibly give me a resource as to find it’s worth?
Thank you,
Posted by: tony lazaro | June 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Eddie I love the fact that you give some recognition to the trophy. When I do a private catering I always repectfully open all the cabinets and buffets to see what I can use. I love to see the loving cups and platters. So many times my clients have never thought of using them. But I do. It's always a walk down memory lane and I love the feeling of going there with them.
Pammy Whammy
Posted by: Pamela Pruett | March 16, 2009 at 02:49 PM
I love the zebra rug in your living room-i've always dreamt of having one.I love all of your collection...silverwares,white dishes and wedgewood like pieces(don't know the term). You have such a great sense of style- very classy and chic!
Posted by: Imelda | October 11, 2008 at 08:39 PM
i recently bought one with an inscription from the 70s. i plan to use it to hold flowers.
Posted by: kay* | October 09, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Whoa! Are you the person that keeps outbidding me on ebay? Just stop that right now! LOL
Posted by: Renovation Therapy | October 09, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I used to have a couple of these. (I sold everything I owned and moved to the UK a couple of years ago, although I am back in the states now.) My favourite was a 1920's bowling trophy. It was HUGE!
Posted by: pigtown-design | October 09, 2008 at 09:57 AM
It does make me a little sad that no one in the family wanted them - I feel the same when I find vintage jewelry. They are better off in your loving care.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | October 09, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I've have been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I love it! You definitely inspire me. Thank you!
Posted by: Cori | October 09, 2008 at 09:13 AM
You have the most creative ideas. I always look forward to reading your blog. You've been tagged!
Posted by: Mississippi Sisters | October 09, 2008 at 08:37 AM
WAY TO GO EDDIE! SO happy for your win- That was a hard challenge last night and you really nailed it-
Posted by: Suzanne | October 09, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Congrats on having your blog being found by the Washington Post, Eddie!
Posted by: Paula | October 09, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Hurray for your win last night on Top Design! Cheering you on in Wisconsin.
Hugs,
Pam
Posted by: Pam | October 09, 2008 at 06:09 AM
i am an appreciator/lover of all things vintage! when people ask me why, i tell them it's because each unique piece has a story to tell. someone once owned it and loved it. i buy it firstly because it has something that i love about it. but knowing that it was once loved before me, makes me love it even more. so, i guess we're pretty much twins...
ps. i'm watching you on the tele right now. crazy! i just laughed out loud at you hating the word "funky"
Posted by: niki | October 09, 2008 at 03:15 AM
Great post. I used to buy those for my antique store and have seen so few lately. They are wonderful and have such class. Just found your site via Things That Inspire and added you to my blog list.
Posted by: Alex - J Covington Designs | October 09, 2008 at 02:17 AM
There truly is something so special about beautiful old trophies like these, and it's always fun to read them and find out what accomplishments they honored!
This post is also quite apropos...congrats on the win tonight!
Posted by: Keri | October 09, 2008 at 02:10 AM
You hit the nail on the head.....years ago someone did something special to achieve this trophy. If only this vase could talk :)
Besides, it's very chic looking!
Posted by: Tamara | October 09, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Great job tonight on the green office space...not my favorite challenge!!!
I love the trophys....silver pieces make such beautiful collections and mix so well with so many other things...thanks for your daily inspiration.
Posted by: roxanne | October 08, 2008 at 11:44 PM