Circa 1920 English Isle of Man Manx Cat Martingale Horse Brass

Description

Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

In England, the collecting of horse brasses as a popular pastime commenced about 1895. Early designs included … more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

In England, the collecting of horse brasses as a popular pastime commenced about 1895. Early designs included the sun or a disc shape, moon or crescent, a star or heart. Later, other designs were created based on family symbols, heraldry or commercial symbols used by trades and businesses. For instance, a brewer might have brasses depicting barrels; a fishmonger might use a dolphin design. Some families used a design from their coat-of-arms. Counties and towns had their own brasses (Nottingham's castle, London's grasshopper or the boar of Lincoln). This is a 1920s English souvenir horse brass featuring a tailless Manx cat which is the is the national symbol of the Isle of Man. Originating on the Isle of Man, the Manx cat has been adopted as a symbol of the island nation and its unique culture. The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The island is not part of the United Kingdom or European Union but has the status of crown dependency, similar to Jersey and Guernsey, with an independent administration; its inhabitants are British citizens. This brass belonged to my stepdad who had quite a collection of collectible brass items that he passed onto me. In excellent condition with age-appropriate wear. It measures 3¼” x 2½” H/W; made from cast brass in England by an unknown maker.

Thanks for looking! less