This is a very pretty antique victorian silver plated EPNS knife rest, knife holder or cutlery rest I brought back from England recently.

The knife rest has ends like a fancy andiron and a barley twist bar and measures 3 inches long, by 1.25 inches high, by 2 inches wide.

The knife rest dates to 1890-1910 and is in excellent used vintage condition.

Knife rests were a victorian invention to keep the table cloth clean. It is really pretty and quite collectible. 

Knife rests are enjoying a renaissance for use on dining tables, tea tables...I have even supplied knife rests for use at sommelier tables!