Vintage Brass Horse Bridle Medallions, Solid Cast Brass Alice the

$ 10.99

5 (447) In stock

This Memorabilia item by WinnieHorsley has 10 favorites from shoppers. Ships from Canada. Listed on 29 Feb, 2024
A lovely pair of vintage equestrian accessories -- antique horse brass or plaques which were used to decorate a horses's harness bridle, especially for a parade. A real English folk tradition! These pieces are now collected, and many can be found in British pubs. Both pieces of tack are attached to a lovely leather martingale (aka a breast strap) to display. The top medallion features Alice the elephant, while the lower has a Royal Crown surrounded by 18 laurels in a circle. Measures: Alice 3 1/2" x 2 3/4" / 9 cm x 7 cm Crown 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" / 9 cm x 7.5 cm Martindale 17 1/4" long including brass ring 4 1/4" at widest around the medallions In excellent vintage condition, some tarnish Great backstory to these pieces: Alice was of course the famed Asian elephant who arrived in Australia in the early 20th century. She became a major attraction where she was billed as 'the children's friend'. In 1908, Alice was sold to Wirth's Circus and renamed Princess Alice. She travelled the country with the circus until her death in 1941. Said to be one of the oldest elephants in captivity, Alice is referenced as the wife to the infamous circus attraction Jumbo the elephant from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Jumbo is immortalized in that city near the railroad tracks where he was struck down by a train; but he remains in the hearts of many as the allied inspiration for Walt Disney's Dumbo. The second bridle medallion features a lovely royal crown, likely commemorating a royal coronation or jubilee. Could perhaps be from George V's ascension in 1910, his silver jubilee in 1935, George VI's ascension in 1936 or his daughter Elizabeth's in 1952. Wouldn't likely date it later than that. Queen Elizabeth has since celebrated her silver, golden, diamond and platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012 and 2022.