This is an antique English knife rest or knife holder with quatrefoil pierced fancy ends and part barley twist bar.

The knife rest measures 1.5 inches high by 3.5 inches long by 1.5 inches wide, made of EPNS silver plated metal and was made in England 1880-1900.

The knife rest is in excellent used vintage condition. Knife rests were a victorian brilliant idea to decoratively keep your knife off the table and the tablecloth clean. 

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