Horse Brasses Repurposed

For years,

 I have seen horse brasses at antiques shows and shops.

I knew they were "horse brasses" but never really knew

what they were for. When I moved into this house,

my sweet friend Sue bought me several to display

in the trophy case in the hall. I love them. 

Each one is so unique. 

They are very collectible!    Credit: Henderson Auctions, UK

Handsome fellows all dressed up.

British Royal Horse Brass Designs     Credit: Fichterdvvola.blogspot.com

Did you know...

Horse brasses are brass ornaments that were, and still are,

used to decorate the harnesses of draft horses and identify their owner. 

Horse brasses were developed during the 15th century 

as good luck charms or amulets of protection.

 Over the years they have become less protective 
and more decorative accents for harnessing. 

 Through the years, they have been made for all sorts of occasions 
from royal events to commemorating clubs, 

organizations, guilds or trade unions, and they were/are
also made as travel souvenirs.

Gifts from my friend, Sue!

Here are my latest finds.

I am not sure that they are horse brasses,

but the seller that I bought them from claimed they are

"pre-Victorian horse brasses on leather". 

Can anyone tell me anything more?

I am unable to locate 

any further information on this style of design.

One of the six brass button/plates 

is monogrammed with  the letters "CG". 

These are pretty large pieces.

To me, they just seem like decorative

leather and brass pieces...

so yes, maybe technically they are

for horses and they are brass --

but they might not be "horse brasses"

as one might traditionally expect!

This is the back of one of them.

So here they are....

and then what should I do with them?

I decided to use them

in the warming room as tie-backs.

Wish I had a horse to hang them on!

;)