Found at market in the north of England among hundreds of cast brasses, these handsome Royal Martingale Medallions carry fond and meaningful symbolism. Originating as simple talismans to ensure safety and good luck, horse brasses evolved to become highly popular decorations in British culture to distinguish and identify an owner's horses, especially during parades or other ceremonial celebrations. Widely produced in iconic good luck amulet symbolism like clover, shields, and hearts along with iconography identifiable to specific clubs and organizations, brasses designed to honor to the Monarch were especially dear.

These vintage brasses pay tribute to three monarchs whose reigns touched the 20th century: Victoria, Edward VII and Elizabeth II. Each medallion glows with a warm, soothing patina earned over decades of use.  Lovely when suspended from a velvet ribbon, displayed among equestrian memorabilia, or added to a collection of Royal treasures, these handsome keepsakes symbolize the earnest outpouring of deeply patriotic sentiment lavished on a favored horse for a parade or festive outing. 

With a romantic and storied provenance, these evocative, decorative brass martingale medallions capture the enduring nature of Great Britain's love affair with its beloved horses over the centuries as soldiers-in-arms, sporting competitors, co-workers and faithful companions. Whether reminiscent of your own family traditions or inspiring to the imagination, we are confident these gently glowing orbs will bring warmth and charm to your home.

Each brass is strictly one of a kind and subject to prior sale. Measurements A: 3.5"W x 4.25", B: 3.5"W x 4", C: 2.875"W x 3.5", D: 3.125"W x 3.875", E: 3.125"W x 3.75". In very good vintage condition.

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.