Horse brass

In England many of these items of harness found their way into country public houses as the era of the heavy horse declined, and are still associated today as a pub decoration.

During this era working horse parades were popular throughout the British Isles and prize or merit awards were given, some by the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Such myths include their origin as talismanic symbols being brought back to England by homecoming knights returning from the Crusades, or in later years, by migrating Romani, though, once again, absolutely no evidence has ever been offered in support of these theories.

Opinion is also still divided as to how these originated, but most collectors nowadays are in agreement that the earliest decorations were simple, cast studs in a variety of shapes and sizes.

However, production of these appears to have peaked shortly before the First World War, and since the 1920s, a few types have been produced but their quality is rather poor being made from thinner gauge brass sheet.