Brass Horse Brasses
These brass horse brasses are decorative harness ornaments shaped from brass that bring traditional equestrian heritage directly into the home.
Brass Horse Brasses
Brass horse brasses are historic equestrian harness ornaments that were mounted on leather straps to decorate working and ceremonial horses during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These metal amulets appeared singly or in collections attached to martingales, showing traditional designs ranging from geometric patterns to heraldic motifs.
The versions most commonly met on this page date from the Victorian period through to the early twentieth century, alongside related antique items featuring brass mounts, horse figures, and doorstops. Collectors encounter both individual display pieces and matched sets mounted on original leather straps.
How they were made
Brass horse brasses were predominantly produced using traditional casting methods in brass, resulting in solid metal plaques with distinctive weight and durability. Manufacturers utilised durable metal alloys poured into moulds, often finishing the surfaces with hand-polished highlights or contrasting details.
Many examples incorporate leather straps and backing materials to display the metal ornaments in formation as martingales. The combination of cast brass and sturdy leather reflects the utilitarian origins of these harness decorations.
Brass Horse Brasses Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for brass horse brasses among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some nineteenth-century horses walked out wearing pottery-centred brasses that flashed ceramic colour alongside polished metal.
What varies in quality
The quality of brass horse brasses depends upon the crispness of the cast design and the depth of the metal relief. Finer examples display sharp detailing in the motifs and a substantial weight of cast brass, whereas simpler versions show softer contours and thinner construction.
Originality of the mounting also determines the character of the piece, with period leather straps and pottery-centred variations offering greater historical context than unmounted individual brasses.
Thomas Anelli·Wilson·Daris
The Brass Horse Brasses Glossary
- Martingale
- A strap or set of straps used on horse harnesses to hold brass ornaments in a vertical display. This leather backing held the brasses securely across the chest of the animal.
- Cast brass
- An alloy of copper and zinc shaped by pouring molten metal into a mould. This manufacturing method created the rigid, durable plaques characteristic of these harness ornaments.
- Armorial
- Relating to heraldry or family coats of arms displayed upon decorative objects. Such motifs frequently appeared on commemorative or presentation horse brasses.
- Pottery-centred
- Featuring a ceramic insert set directly into the centre of the brass ornament. These coloured ceramic bosses added contrast to the polished metal surface.
Brass Horse Brasses: Frequently Asked Questions
What are brass horse brasses?
Brass horse brasses are decorative metal plaques originally fixed to the leather harness straps of working horses. They served both as traditional ornaments and as protective amulets during the nineteenth century.
Today, these solid brass pieces are collected as wall displays or mounted on original martingales to preserve equestrian heritage.
How were horse brasses used?
These ornaments were attached to the martingales and straps of heavy working horses, coaching teams, and ceremonial animals. The polished brass caught the light and displayed symbols denoting the owner or region.
Collectors typically display them mounted on leather straps hung vertically upon interior walls.
How do you date horse brasses?
Dating relies upon manufacturing techniques, the style of the motifs, and the accompanying leather or pottery elements. Earlier nineteenth-century examples often feature heavier cast brass with hand-finished details.
Later Victorian and Edwardian pieces frequently show standardised casting methods and distinct commemorative designs.
How do you care for brass horse brasses?
Care involves dusting the metal surface gently and avoiding harsh chemical polishes that strip historical patina. Preserving the natural ageing of the brass maintains its antique character.
If mounted on original leather, the backing requires careful conditioning to keep the material supple.