Summary
Horse brass: eight pointed star in the centre surrounded by a larger eight pointed star with eight diamond shaped perforations. Outer border with crenate edge. Type: cast brass. Date: 1825-1939.
The octagram or eight-pointed star is a symbol of fullness and regeneration. (See: http://archnet.org/forum/view.jsp?message_id=107815)
The luminosity of stars make them a source of light. They are symbols of the spirit and particularly the welfare between spiritual forces, or light, and material forces, or darkness. Their purpose was to reflect the evil eye and the forces of darkness. (See, 'Penguin Dictionary of Symbols')
Physical Description
Item has the remains of two studs on back, possibly from the casting process. The brass is warped slightly in shape.
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, 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
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Keywords
Amulets, Animals, Cultural Beliefs, Folklore, Harnesses, Heraldry, Horse Brasses, Rituals, Souvenirs, Symbols