Horse brasses are small, decorative plaques originally used to adorn the harnesses of horses, particularly draft horses and working horses. These decorative items have a long history, with the earliest forms dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans, who used similar ornaments for their horses.
However, the horse brasses as we recognise them today became popular in England during the 19th century, particularly in the Victorian era. They were primarily used on heavy horses working in agriculture and transport, serving both a practical and decorative function. They were often displayed on the horse's martingale, a strap that runs down the chest of the horse, and were used during parades, fairs, and other public events.
Design and Use of horse brasses
The designs of horse brasses are varied, often reflecting local customs, superstitions, or the identity of the owner. Common themes include symbols of good luck (like horseshoes and four-leaf clovers), heraldic symbols, animals, and commemorative designs for events or royalty. Many horse brasses were made using sand-casting techniques, and they were typically made of brass or other metals like bronze.
The use of horse brasses declined with the advent of mechanised farming and transportation in the early 20th century. However, as they became less common in daily use, they grew in popularity as collectible items. By the mid-20th century, horse brasses had become sought-after by collectors, with many being produced specifically for the collector’s market rather than for practical use.
Collectibility and Value of horse brasses
Vintage horse brasses are highly collectible, especially among enthusiasts of equestrian history, rural life, and Victorian memorabilia. The collectibility of a horse brass depends on several factors:
Age: Older pieces, particularly those from the 19th century, are more desirable.
Design: Unique or rare designs, especially those with historical or local significance, are highly sought after.
Condition: The condition of the brass, including its patina, wear, and whether it has been polished, can significantly affect its value.
Provenance: If a brass has a known history or connection to a particular event, region, or individual, it may be more valuable.
The value of vintage horse brasses can vary widely. Common, mass-produced brasses from the 20th century might sell for as little as £10-£20. However, rarer and older pieces, especially those with intricate designs or historical significance, can fetch prices ranging from £50 to several hundred pounds.
Common Horse Brasses: £10-£30
Common horse brasses feature a wide variety of designs that often reflect cultural symbols, local customs, or simply decorative patterns. Some of the most typical designs found on these brasses include:
1. Lucky Symbols:
- Horseshoes: A classic symbol of good luck.
- Four-Leaf Clovers: Another traditional good luck charm.
- Stars: Often used for their association with guidance and protection.
2. Heraldic and Royal Symbols:
- Crown and Anchor: Often linked to naval or royal associations.
- Coats of Arms: Representing different families, regions, or organizations.
- Royal Emblems: Such as the lion, unicorn, or the royal coat of arms, especially during times of coronation or royal events.
3. Agricultural and Animal Themes:
- Farm Animals: Horses, cows, pigs, and other farm animals are common.
- Wheat Sheaves: Representing the agricultural origins of horse brasses.
- Birds: Such as eagles, owls, and other symbolic birds.
4. Religious and Superstitious Symbols:
- Crosses: Various designs of crosses, including Celtic crosses, are common.
- Sun and Moon: Often depicted for their association with time, seasons, or mysticism.
- Heart and Key: Symbolizing love, fidelity, and unlocking mysteries.
5. Commemorative Designs:
- Events and Anniversaries: Some brasses commemorate specific events, such as fairs, jubilees, or local celebrations.
- Royal Portraits: Brasses depicting monarchs, especially Queen Victoria, were popular during her reign.
6. Geometric and Abstract Patterns:
- Simple Circles or Ovals: Basic shapes often used as the frame for other designs.
- Geometric Patterns: Such as rosettes, knots, or intertwining shapes.
7. Mythological and Fantasy Creatures:
- Dragons: Representing strength and power.
- Green Man: A symbol of rebirth and nature, often linked to pagan traditions.
8. Local and Regional Symbols:
- Specific Landmarks: Some brasses feature famous buildings, bridges, or local landmarks.
- Local Flora and Fauna: Designs reflecting local wildlife or plants.
9. Tools and Implements:
- Plowshares: Symbolizing farming and agriculture.
- Anvils and Hammers: Representing craftsmanship and trade.
10. Personalized or Initials:
- Initials: Brasses sometimes bear the initials of the horse’s owner or the farm.
These designs were often chosen for their symbolic meanings, decorative appeal, or simply to reflect the interests or identity of the owner. While some designs were mass-produced and widely distributed, others were more unique or customized, making the range of common horse brasses quite diverse.
Victorian or Rare Designs: £50 - £150
Victorian and rare horse brasses often feature more intricate, symbolic, and regionally significant designs compared to their more common counterparts. Here are some notable designs and themes often found on Victorian or rare horse brasses:
1. Elaborate Heraldic and Royal Symbols:
Royal Coats of Arms: Detailed representations of the British royal family's coat of arms, sometimes specific to a particular monarch, such as Queen Victoria.
Crowned Monarchs: Brasses featuring likenesses or symbols associated with Victorian royalty or specific events like coronations and jubilees.
Crested Helmets and Shields: Reflecting heraldic traditions, often tied to nobility or historical families.
2. Mythological and Folkloric Figures:
Green Man: A symbol of rebirth and nature, often associated with pagan traditions.
Gargoyles and Griffins: Reflecting medieval and Gothic influences, these designs are more intricate and less commonly found.
Celtic Knots and Symbols: Complex designs reflecting ancient Celtic art and symbolism.
3. Commemorative Designs:
Special Events: Brasses commemorating significant historical events, such as Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, exhibitions, or World’s Fairs.
Historical Figures: Brasses depicting figures of national importance, such as military leaders, explorers, or famous inventors of the time.
4. Regional and Local Emblems:
City or Town Coats of Arms: Brasses representing the heraldic symbols of specific regions or towns, often linked to local pride.
Landmarks and Buildings: Detailed depictions of famous cathedrals, bridges, or other significant buildings, often tied to specific localities.
5. Religious and Mystical Symbols:
Angels and Saints: More detailed and ornate depictions, often used for protection or blessing.
Pentacles and Sacred Geometry: Reflecting mystical or esoteric traditions that were popular in the Victorian era.
6. Agricultural and Tradesman’s Tools:
Detailed Implements: Far more elaborate representations of tools such as scythes, anvils, or even full scenes depicting traditional farming practices.
Trade Symbols: Specific to certain trades or guilds, often used to identify the horse as part of a particular industry.
7. Unique and Artistic Designs:
Art Nouveau and Gothic Influences: More artistic and ornate designs reflecting the aesthetic movements of the Victorian era.
Highly Detailed Animals: Realistic and finely detailed depictions of animals such as lions, stags, and birds of prey, often in naturalistic poses.
8. Personalized or Commissioned Pieces:
Custom Crests or Initials: Unique brasses featuring the personal crest, initials, or symbols of wealthy owners or specific families.
Portraits: Highly rare, some brasses were custom-made to feature likenesses of individuals, often the owner or a loved one.
9. Historical or Cultural References:
Masonic Symbols: Reflecting the influence of Freemasonry, with compasses, squares, and other Masonic iconography.
Classical Antiquity: Designs featuring motifs from Roman or Greek mythology, such as columns, gods, or scenes from classical literature.
10. Craftsman’s Marks and Limited Editions:
Craftsman’s Initials or Marks: Indicating a particular maker or workshop, which adds to the rarity and collectibility.
Limited Editions: Brasses produced in small numbers, often for a specific event or commission, making them rare and highly sought after.
Victorian and rare horse brasses often combine these intricate designs with high craftsmanship, making them unique and valuable pieces of equestrian and decorative history. Collectors prize these items not just for their beauty, but for the stories and historical significance they carry.
Highly Rare or Significant Horse brasses £200 - £500+
Highly rare or significant horse brasses often feature unique, intricate, and historically significant designs that set them apart from more common examples. These brasses are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, rarity, and the rich symbolism or history they embody. Here are some of the designs that might be found on these exceptional pieces:
1. Personalized and Custom-Made Designs:
Family Crests or Coats of Arms: Custom brasses featuring the specific heraldry of noble families or prominent individuals.
Portraits: Extremely rare brasses with detailed likenesses of important historical figures, monarchs, or even the horse's owner.
Inscribed Messages: Brasses with personalized engravings or inscriptions commemorating significant events or people.
2. Commemorative and Event-Specific Designs:
Royal Events: Brasses made for specific royal occasions like coronations, jubilees, or visits, often with the date and details of the event.
Historical Milestones: Pieces commemorating significant historical events like wars, victories, or notable anniversaries (e.g., the Battle of Waterloo).
Exhibition Pieces: Brasses designed for or awarded at major exhibitions, fairs, or shows, often intricately detailed to showcase the maker’s skill.
3. Mythological and Symbolic Motifs:
Complex Symbolism: Designs featuring a combination of mystical symbols, like the Green Man, pentagrams, or representations of mythological creatures (dragons, unicorns).
Esoteric and Religious Icons: Detailed depictions of religious or esoteric symbols, such as angels, saints, or representations of spiritual beliefs.
Alchemy and Occult Symbols: Rare brasses that incorporate symbols from alchemy, the occult, or other mystical traditions.
4. Cultural and National Emblems:
Unique National Symbols: Designs specific to a country or culture, such as thistles for Scotland, dragons for Wales, or harps for Ireland.
Colonial and Imperial Themes: Brasses reflecting the global reach of the British Empire, sometimes depicting scenes or symbols from colonies.
5. Detailed Artistic Scenes:
Narrative Scenes: Brasses depicting entire scenes from folklore, history, or mythology, often with a high level of detail and artistic craftsmanship.
Historical Battles or Events: Detailed representations of famous battles, parades, or other significant historical moments.
Craftsmanship Showpieces: Brasses created to demonstrate the skill of the maker, with intricate designs that go beyond typical patterns.
6. Craftsman’s Signature or Mark:
Signed Pieces: Brasses bearing the signature or mark of a renowned craftsman or specific workshop, indicating their origin and adding to their rarity.
Limited Editions: Brasses produced in very small numbers, often for a specific event or by a particular maker, making them highly sought after.
7. Unique Materials and Techniques:
Non-Brass Metals: Rare brasses made from unusual metals like bronze, silver, or gold, or with inlaid precious stones.
Advanced Casting Techniques: Designs featuring three-dimensional elements, moving parts, or exceptionally fine detailing that required advanced casting techniques.
8. Royal and Aristocratic Patronage:
Commissioned Pieces: Brasses that were commissioned by or for members of royalty or the aristocracy, often featuring regal or aristocratic symbols.
Insignias and Badges: Designs that include insignias of royal orders or badges of office, indicating a connection to the nobility or a specific royal household.
9. Religious and Ceremonial Designs:
Church-Related Symbols: Brasses with designs connected to specific churches, abbeys, or cathedrals, sometimes used in religious processions or ceremonies.
Sacred Geometry: Complex designs featuring elements of sacred geometry or architecture, reflecting religious or spiritual significance.
10. Local or Regional Importance:
Unique Local Symbols: Brasses featuring highly specific local emblems, landmarks, or flora and fauna that are of particular significance to a small region or community.
Commemorating Local Events: Pieces created to mark important local events or achievements, often produced in very limited quantities.
These highly rare and significant horse brasses are not only valued for their beauty and craftsmanship but also for the unique stories and historical contexts they represent. Collectors often seek them out for their rarity, connection to significant historical events or figures, and the skill involved in their creation.
Prices can fluctuate depending on the current market trends and the interest in equestrian collectibles. Some collectors also value horse brasses for their aesthetic appeal and historical connection, which can drive up the prices for particularly rare or beautiful items.
Vintage horse brasses have a rich history tied to the agricultural and social traditions of the past, especially in Britain. As collectibles, they offer a tangible connection to this heritage, with their value reflecting their age, rarity, and historical significance. Whether for their historical value, aesthetic appeal, or as a piece of equestrian memorabilia, horse brasses continue to be cherished by collectors around the world.
Horse Brasses in stock
Antique Bird
Clovelly Donkey (Clovelly is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carry goods up the hill; sledges bring things down. There are links with Charles Kingsley, Turner, Dickens and the Spanish Armada. https://www.clovelly.co.uk/faqs/#:~:text=Are%20there%20still%20Clovelly%20donkeys,just%20beyond%20the%20craft%20workshops.
Royalty Crown
Elephant
Vintage Dickens, Mr Micawber character head (Wilkins Micawber is a fictional character in Charles Dickens's 1850 novel David Copperfield. He is traditionally identified with the optimistic belief that "something will turn up.") https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilkins_Micawber
Lion head
Welsh Dragon with 'Wales' written underneath
Swan
Medallion/Amulet Folk art
Vintage Dickens, Tom Pinch character head (A character in Charles Dicken's Martin Chuzzlewit) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Chuzzlewit
Large bird (Ostrich/Emu.The emu is an important cultural icon of Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coinages. The bird features prominently in Indigenous Australian mythologies. ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emu#:~:text=Taxonomy-,History,gone%20missing%20two%20years%20earlier.
Bell
Lion rearing up on hind legs
If you would like to know more about the horse brasses we have in stock please send us an email and let us know which ones from the above list you are interested in. objetdart.stuff@gmail.com The horse brasses will go on general sale very soon.
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