This rare vintage sterling silver presentation charger combines exceptional craftsmanship from Black, Starr & Frost with significant historical provenance from the 1923 West Point Horse Show. Measuring 12 inches across, the piece is marked on the underside BLACK STARR & FROST AD S-17 12 in, denoting the prestigious maker (America's First Jeweler, founded 1810), model/pattern AD S-17, and exact size. Crafted in heavy-gauge 925 sterling silver, it features a classic oval form with elegant double-reeded rims, a wide polished well, and timeless simplicity ideal for serving, display, or as a commemorative wall piece.


The base is finely engraved in period block lettering:

West Point Horse Show 1923

Officers Charger Light and Middleweight

Presented by Charles D. Lanier

Won by Major Dean Hudnutt F.A.


This trophy honors Major Dean Hudnutt (later Colonel Dean Hudnutt, 1891–1943), a distinguished U.S. Army Field Artillery officer and West Point graduate (class of 1916). Hudnutt served on the Mexican border (1916–1917), deployed to France in World War I with the 17th Field Artillery (rising to major), participated in the Army of Occupation in Germany, instructed mathematics at West Point (1919–1925), edited the Field Artillery Journal, served in Hawaii, and represented the U.S. as captain of the pistol shooting team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He died in 1943 while serving as Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Yale University.


Presented by Charles D. Lanier, a notable equestrian and society figure active in prominent horse shows of the era, this charger captures the prestige of early 20th-century military horsemanship at West Point, when cavalry training and equestrian competitions were integral to officer development.


The piece shows beautiful reflective shine with appropriate light surface wear from age and gentle handling, no dents, monograms (beyond the award engraving), or significant damage. A unique artifact blending luxury American silverware from Black, Starr & Frost with U.S. Army heritage, West Point equestrian history, and the personal achievement of a decorated Field Artillery officer.


Perfect for collectors of antique sterling silver trophies, military memorabilia, West Point artifacts, 1920s equestrian awards, Black, Starr & Frost hollowware, or provenance-linked historical silver.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: In excellent condition for its age.

Dimensions:
Height: 1 in.
Width: 12.15 in.
Depth: 12.15 in.

Category: Sterling Silver
Origin: United States
Materials: Sterling Silver
Creator: Brand: Black, Starr & Frost

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $68.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: No International Shipping for this auction.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from Heath, TX

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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; In excellent condition for its age.