Any creative ideas for using old trophies
 

In this age of repurposing. I wondered if anyone had a good idea for using old trophies and parts. I bought a large trunk full of trophies and parts from the 30s to the 50s. There are a number of complete trophies but most are parts. Unfortunately only one baseball but at least there are no bowling. Anybody have a bunch of early baseball toppers? I hate to throw them out, any ideas appreciated.

Mark

If there is no interest for parts, you might be able to find a local artist who would be interested in using some for a multi-media work. I'm not sure how much interest, as the local Value Villages are often full of these things.

Do you have a local trophy place? Most modernish trophies are simple bolt together things, and toppers can be had that usually fit.

Another idea might be trying some of the geneology sites. Sometimes interest in ancestors skips a generation and the stuff that would be treasured is long gone. Usually it ends up in lots like this.

Any Boy scout or cycling related stuff in there?

Steve B

Funny, just this week my wife was talking about cool vintage trophies for sale on etsy. Seems to be a market for them there.

We have used them for

Bottle Toppers (add cork)
Repainted them
Used in gardens and on railing post on decks
Hood ornament on cars
added to lamps
household decor groupings

We have used them for

Bottle Toppers (add cork)
Repainted them
Used in gardens and on railing post on decks
Hood ornament on cars
added to lamps
household decor groupings
flower pots

I dabble in trophy collecting. I sometimes see the same top or middle pieces used in different configurations. Tops, middle units and bases are available and I'm sure you can find screws and bolts at the local hardware store. Perhaps you can find additional pieces on ebay and make some really cool trophies.

If you have any trapshooting trophy parts I would be interested. I coach a high school trap team (all girls school). The girls really like the old fashioned trophies/medals/patches. Much more than the new ones.

I sold the trunk the trophies came, now I am going to have do something with them. Any chance any of these are sterling? This picture is much better than the original. Its interesting how many people think these are just trash and some find them fascinating. I think I can piece several together and make a little. A big pile definitely has to go to the scrap. Anyone know what the lady image would have went to?

Looks like a version of "Lady Liberty". I think she was used as a symbol of Victory, and was a popular Trophy Figural Image, especially in the 1920s - 30s.

Here are a couple from REA, a little while back...

http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/.../2005/734.html

Hope this is helpful, and best of luck :)

Sterling is almost always marked, usually on the bottom. The lesser grades are also usually marked, .860 was popular. Of course the cheapest was silver plate usually over copper or brass.

Quick test, tap it. If it pings and sort of rings like a bell that's a good sign, if it's more of a clunk it's plate for sure.

Some of those metal ones look pretty cool, if they're inexpensive I'd be interested. Heck, if they're cheap enough I'd save you the work of piecing them together and cleaning them.

Even the crummy ones. My sisters rabbit club is usually looking for trophies for their show and the toppers are cheap.

Steve B

You could try donating them to youth leagues. Make a few calls and see if anyone wants them. I wish I had done this with my room load of softball trophies back in the early '90s, but I tossed them out.

I found the base to the lady liberty statue it was from 1935. I am going to put the parts on BST for very cheap if you are interested.