Horse brasses were used to adorn the harness horses, primarily in the UK, many would identify the route, simply for decoration, royalty, different industries such as train or brewery and some, I am sure, were just made out of fondness for a likeness or animal. Some older brasses were worn on harness, others were just made primarily to commemorate a certain event. It is hard to date many of the harness brasses, yet you can get an idea from the patina as well as how well the brass is cast. You can sometimes tell from the darkness on the reverse, from the brass slapping against the leather of the harness, but some people clean their brasses often, so this is not always a tell tale sign. Stamped brasses are from the early 1900's and only up to the 1930's. Most brasses you come across were cast and often the getts (the holder for the casting) is left partly on the back of the brass. I find horse brasses lovely and intriguing. All of the brasses I offer for sale are from England.

Here is an OVERSIZE MINING RIG UK TIN MINING Horse Harness Brass from England. This brass has a MINING RIG depicted in the middle and a decorated frame all around. This is a very rare brass and has good age and wear. Has a pattern number stamped n the back. Wonderful collectible commemorating the UK tin mines. 

This measures 3 1/2" X 4 1/8"

Please check out my other items if you have time and thanks for looking!                                                               4MIKE :)