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Help me to translate into English Danish legend on the cup
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:31 am
by Elena Russ
Hello, dear Sirs.
Could you please help me to translate into English Danish legend on the cup.
Maybe someone will be able to tell me to what event this cup is dedicated.
Thank you.

Re: Help me to translate into English Danish legend on the c
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:27 pm
by Hose_dk
SPORT HØJESTE GENNEMSNITSPOINT
Sport highest average score.1910 1911.
The bird with the target is from a "fugleskyde laug"
We are several hundreds years back in history inventet in france in 1200 and spred via netherlands and germany. The bird is made of wood (villow) and is strenghed with iron. In 1300 the tradition reaches Denmark - and arrows are used for shooting the bird. Different parts of the bird has to shoot i a specific order. Some parts of the bird are large some small. Some very slimm and therefor difficult to hit.
Beginning used arrows but from 1500 the use of firearms.
Shooting was organized by guilds - and was a military traning for the citiens. The guild trained and the shooting of each part gave points to shooter.
In 1700 custom lost interest but mid 1800 (around 1850) interest increased, now not part of defence military training but as a social event.
To shoot down a bird takes 4 to 5 hours. So its not just shooting but also social.
The one shooting the last part of the bird becomes "fuglekonge" (birdking) and he has to pay the bill (drinks to everyone) it is prestise but also expencive. Sometimes it is organized that one man shoots for another. The second man not shooting receives the credit but also have to pay.
During the event prices are given for the good shot.
Some places the fuglekongen had to give a plate - painted whit his coat of arms - or more likely as they where craftsmen and merchants with symbols representing their trade.
And this cup given to someone who made the highest score.
Re: Help me to translate into English Danish legend on the c
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 3:55 pm
by Elena Russ
Hello, Hose_dk.
Thank you for your detailed answer. If this cup is connected with so old Danish traditional why it was made in USA, by Curtiss Candee & Stiles (
http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver__Init_C.html). Maybe I am mistaken? Thank you.

Re: Help me to translate into English Danish legend on the c
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 4:43 pm
by Hose_dk
I have no idea.
The tradition of fugleskydning is old. The tradition af given token to winner is old. The tradition of making a plate with owners initial is old.
When performed today - a price can be bought from any place. Your item is not old. Its only 100 years. It is used in the old tradition, a price that can be bought anywhere.
I read the text. And thats it. When I saw the bird I reasoned from what could this "Highest score" be given. The bird has a target - so I think that I am right.
Today a price might not even be made of silver. A pokal most likely produced in China or similar.
Re: Help me to translate into English Danish legend on the c
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:30 pm
by dragonflywink
Other than having the same initials, your mark doesn't look any I've seen from the short-lived partnership of Curtis, Candee & Stiles (1831-35), would have some serious doubts that it's American at all (are you sure that it's not silverplate?).
~Cheryl