Antique Equestrian Horse Bridle Rosette Victorian Red Glass Dome Brooch Pin

Description

Antique Exquisite Horse Bridle Rosette Victorian Red Glass Dome Brooch Pin
Set under a glowing ruby red glass dome, the dark chestnut brown horse in this bridle rosette pin looks out with large, soft eyes and pricked ears. It has just the sweetest, most sensitive expression.
What an amazing piece!
It is a Victorian die-cut piece of a horse portrait, mounted under a red glass dome fully (approximately 1/2-inch thick in the center), making it appear to be floating. It is then set into a brass brooch setting.
There is a similar example of this type of piece on page 235 of "Bridle Rosettes: Two Centuries of Equine Adornment" by E. Helene Sage. The author states that these pins were inspired by the similar pieces being crafted as working decorations for horse and pony bridles.
Clasp is a “C” clasp. Pin works well and holds securely.
There are NO cracks, chips, flakes or cloudiness in the glass. The brass backing is attached as firmly as ever. Very minor bending to pin part consistent with age and preowned use. Does not affect the piece or it fastening securely.
Brooch measures approximately 1/2” thick in thickest part of dome. And approximately 1 3/4” across.
This is antique and has undisturbed patina/tarnish. I leave any cleaning and polishing to the buyer.
BACKGROUND: Bridle rosettes (or bridle buttons) have a long utilitarian and decorative history. Their purpose is to be slipped onto the browband of a horse or pony bridle using the D rings, then pushed back against the cheek straps to help hold them in place on the animal's head. They probably have been used for nearly as long as the bridles they have decorated. As horse riding and driving changed in the mid-1900s from essential transportation to an enjoyable pastime, bridle rosette production decreased dramatically. Over the years many of them have been converted into costume jewelry by removing the D ring from the back and adding a pin. According to legend, superstitious people In ancient Egypt reportedly designed them as protection for their horses, with the rosettes supposedly attracting the eye of evil spirits. We could not verify this theory anywhere but it is interesting. Plain metal was used for utilitarian pieces and a favorite decoration was an initial. By the Victorian period, the glass dome would cover fancy and colorful diecuts and transfers that were so popular then for business cards and calling cards.
COLLECTOR NOTE: Many novice sellers and collectors mistakenly refer to these pieces as "bridal" rosettes, but this is a spelling error. They have nothing to do with weddings or marriage, to which the word "bridal" refers.
Thank you for your consideration
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