Object number
77/67
Description
This is a horse brass, which features deer within a star design. The brass has no cast marks on the reverse and has a roughly smooth finish.
Physical description
1 horse brass: brass; good condition
Label Text
5. Horse Brass. The earliest decorations on horses are believed to have been in the form of charms for the purpose of warding off evil spirits. The practice grew into a tradition which gathered pace during the nineteenth century with the introduction of brass ornaments which, after 1850, were available in large quantities and in many different designs from specialist manufacturers. Brasses were attached to the leather straps of the harness and were particularly evident on special occasions such as a parade or an agricultural show. Often, as in this example from the 1880s showing a stag, the designs followed a heraldic motif. 77/67.9. Horse Brass. The earliest decorations on horses are believed to have been in the form of charms for the purpose of warding off evil spirits. The practice grew into a tradition which gathered pace during the nineteenth century with the introduction of brass ornaments which, after 1850, were available in large quantities and in many different designs from specialist manufacturers. Brasses were attached to the leather straps of the harness and were particularly evident on special occasions such as a parade or an agricultural show. Often, as in this example from the 1880s showing a stag, the designs followed a heraldic motif. 77/67.
Archival history
MERL Catalogue Form (temporary) – ‘Brass // 2 cast marks // Miss Betty Simpson // deer in star ’
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