Summary
Horse brass: Wheel with key shaped perforations between the spokes. Crenate edge. Type: cast brass. Date: 1825-1939.
"The wheel partakes of the perfection suggested by the circle, but with a degree of imperfection since it is related to the world to come, to continuous creation and hence to the contingent and the ephemeral. It symbolises 'cycles, new beginnings and renewals'." (See: 'Penguin Dictionary of Symbols') The central hub with radiated spokes explains how the wheel is also a solar symbol and a representation of the world.
Physical Description
Item has the remains of two studs on back, possibly from the casting process. The word "england" is stamped the back of the strap loop.
More Information
-
Collecting Areas
-
Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr W. J. Haysom, 30 Jun 1982
-
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. -
Inscriptions
The word "England" is stamped the back of the strap loop.
-
Classification
-
Category
-
Discipline
-
Type of item
-
References
[Link 1] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 2] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 3] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 4] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH
[Book] Chevalier, Jean & Gheerbrant, Alain. 1994. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols., 1994
-
Keywords
Amulets, Animals, Cultural Beliefs, Folklore, Harnesses, Heraldry, Horse Brasses, Rituals, Souvenirs, Symbols