Collection of Equestrian Horse Brasses
Decorative art, metalwork assemblage • Various unidentified British manufacturers (e.g., Pearson-Page, Harrison's of Birmingham)
Style & Movement
Victorian Folk Art / Vernacular Equestrian Decor
Medium & Technique
Cast brass with leather and textile mounts; techniques include sand casting, polishing, and stamping
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to mid-20th Century (Victorian to Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 10 inches; landscape display format with individual circular and openwork brasses
Subject Description
A framed collection of nine horse brasses including motifs of a horse head, a windmill/tree, a stag, a crown, a commemorative portrait, and a castle/fortress, originally designed for horse harness ornamentation
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible oxidation and patina consistent with age; leather straps show mild wear
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from various regional English markets or private collections and subsequently mounted for interior display
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of British brass casting for agricultural and transport horses; illustrates social history and regional identification through specific iconography
Notable Features
Includes a notable commemorative brass (right side) and a highly detailed openwork castle motif; the assemblage is presented in a custom gilt-trimmed frame on a velvet ground
Condition Issues
Verdigris (green oxidation) in recessed areas; minor surface abrasions; leather drying and darkening; framing dust/debris
Conservation Recommendations
Moderate cleaning with a non-abrasive brass polish if desired; keep in a low-humidity environment to prevent further corrosion of the metal and deterioration of the leather