Found at a countryside market in the north of England, we are smitten with this decorative Antique Horse Brass Trio so beautifully displayed on its handsome leather harness. This assortment of brasses are striking in their bold simplicity and the harness is further embellished with five heart-shaped brass studs.

With a comforting, warm patina, the collection of brasses are attached to an original black leather strap known as a martingale. Designed to either hang from the side of the saddle, or attach as part of the horse’s harness running from between the front legs to the collar, these sturdy leather straps were often dressed with brasses to create a festive, eye-catching decoration. 

Traditionally used to decorate a favored work horse for a parade or festive outing, vintage and antique horse brasses are prized as decorative objects in their own right, adding their storied charms to homes today.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 17" long, 4" at widest point. In good antique condition with the expected signs of age and use.

Learn More About Horse Brasses

There are many known examples of decorations used on horse harness dating from the time when man first domesticated the wild horse and took a pride in ownership. As early man was very superstitious, the first form of decoration would appear to have been a talisman to ward off evil spirits from harming his horses. Throughout history various forms of talisman have been attached to the horse harness — from flashing objects to ward off the 'evil eye', to passages from the scriptures hung in purses around the animals' necks to appease their owners' gods.

Horse brasses have also been used to indicate the calling of the owner. On farms of "titled gentry", this fact would be shown by brasses bearing the family crest or some heraldic device such as a bear, lion, unicorn or elephant; in hunting circles the stag, fox or hound would be appropriate.

The demand for horse brasses parallels the use of the horse and industrial development  and reached its peak in the second half of the 19th Century and declined after the First World War. Horse brasses are still used today, and have also become popular as decorative items.