Summary
Horse brass: Cross keys. Crenate border. Type: cast brass. Date: 1825-1939.
"The crossed keys are a symbol of the Papacy. This is because Christ said to St. Peter that he would give him the 'keys of the kingdom' and that whatever he bound on earth, would be bound in heaven, and whatever he loosed on earth, would be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16,19). St. Peter was the first Pope and those who have followed share this power of the keys to bind and loose. While St. Peter is often depicted in art work with the crossed keys, St. Paul is usually depicted with a sword which is a symbol of the 'sword of faith' - the weapon against the devil." (See: http://www.kwl.com.au/httpdocs/Articals/Catholic%20Symbols.htm)
Physical Description
Item has the remains of two studs on back, possibly from the casting process.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr W. J. Haysom, 30 Jun 1982
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Date Made
England, Great Britain, 1825-1939
Cast horse brasses were first made in 1825, and following the introduction of motor vehicles and decline in horsedrawn transport, regular production ceased in the 1930s. -
Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
[Link 1] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 2] viewed, 28.05.2008 LDH [Link 3] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 4] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 5] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH
[Book] Chevalier, Jean & Gheerbrant, Alain. 1994. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols., 1994
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Keywords
Amulets, Animals, Cultural Beliefs, Folklore, Harnesses, Heraldry, Horse Brasses, Rituals, Souvenirs, Symbols