Is this an unusual saddle?

[Sorgo]

I have a viola that, at least to me, has an unusual saddle. I've seen a modest share of instruments over the years; admittedly, I might not have been paying that much attention to saddles, but still I can't say I've ever seen one styled like this.

I'd like to know more about it, or any other similar variations on the saddle that any of you might've come across. I'm rather curious about the whole thing. Thank you!

 

[Dwight Brown]

I think certainly  unusual.  It has a bit of a Bat Man flair to it .

DLB

[Sorgo]

Thank you, Mr Brown, I was thinking along the lines of "smooshed Poseidon's trident", but yours is better!

[Guido]

Never seen anything like it. Possibly particular to the maker of your instrument. See if you can find other examples there. Looking at the overhang of the back plate in your photo: maybe a creative amateur/self-taught maker?

[Sorgo]

Thank you, @Guido! Unfortunately, the provenance of the viola eludes me - the label is missing, and its previous owner, my father, passed away years ago. I regretfully never thought to ask.

I was thinking of looking into local makers of which we've had really just a few from the 1900s until now. Then again, the most prominent luthier here said they did not recognize the work. Not sure about our local amateur scene, if it even exists on a perceptible level.