Horse brasses are flat, generally round, ornaments for decorating the harness of draught horses. First devised as charms to keep the animal safe, brasses later became purely decorative. This book traces the history of horse brasses, from the plain, simple early examples through to the more advanced brasses that were developed as our knowledge of brass casting improved. Packed with over 200 photographs of different horse brasses, this classic title is an ideal collector's introduction, and a section on the care, cleaning and renovation of horse brasses makes this essential reading for new collectors.

This vintage book contains a detailed guide to horse-brasses, first published in 1928. Horse brasses are decorative brass plaques used to adorn horses harnesses, most commonly shire and parade horses. From the mid-19th century they became incredibly popular, but experienced a significant decline in popularity along with that of the draft horse. Today, they exist predominantly as collectors items. “All About Horse Brasses” looks at the history of these beautiful equestrian adornment, as well as notable examples, producers, and more. This book is highly recommended for collectors and antiques dealers. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on horse brasses.

Introduction to Trace Mayer's Museum Bees: Including an overview of his work, the history, methodology, and variety of pieces created as well as interior design installations in clients homes.

Violet McNeal ran away from her family’s rural Minnesota farm in the late 1880s and fell under the spell of conman and patent medicine “doctor” Will Archimbauld who hooked her on opium and promises of fame and fortune. Violet soon learned to become Princess Lotus Blossom and was the best pitchman, nostrum seller, and conwoman to roam the west in a torch-lit wagon. Four White Horses and a Brass Band is Violet’s story of life on the road with the medicine show and reveal the secrets of conman’s trade. Sick and nearly dead with addiction by age 30, she submits to the tortures of withdrawal and the “cure” to create a new life. First published in 1947, the Feral House edition features an extensive afterword on the history of the patent medicine trade and evolution of the lure of miracle cures and healers. Also included are a glossary of the grifter’s cant and samples of scripts used by Violet and other infamous “doctors”.

When owning, training, riding, and showing horses, there is a certain “look” to which one aspires. World-class “turnout”—a horse in peak condition, perfectly coiffed and luminous with health, outfitted with gleaming and well-fit tack appropriate for his sport—can take your breath away. And while it can certainly play a significant role in a competitive rider’s success, it is just as appealing to have any horse “groomed to the nines,” whether he’s headed for an afternoon lesson or just out on the trail. Achieving this superior look is not just about clean tack, shiny brass, spotless stockings, or perfect braids. The most important steps are in the day-to-day nitty-gritty of grooming and caring for the horse: noticing “something not-quite-right” about the way the horse looks or moves before it becomes “something wrong”; brushing and combing and trimming a little every day so the horse’s skin and coat remain healthy; knowing how to prepare a horse properly for training, and how to cool him down afterward. Now, two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 color photographs accompanying the ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.

This vintage book contains a detailed treatise on horse brasses, being a guide to their origin and the symbolic meaning of various designs. This fascinating and profusely illustrated volume is highly recommended for horse brass collectors and those with an interest in the subject, and would make for a worthy addition to any collection. Contents include: “Horses – Sports and Utility”, “The Power of the 'Evil Eye'”, “Sun Worship and the Horse”, “Ancient Records of Amulets for Horses”, “The Earliest English Horse Amulet”, “History of Amulets and Horse Brasses in Great Britain”, “Victorian and Later History”, “A Set of Brasses for a Cart Horse”, “The Origin and Meaning of Various Designs”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on horses.