British Equestrian Brasses, Engineer Medallions / Ornaments, Set of 4

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Charming collection of British medallions - 3 used as ornamentation for horse tack, the other believed to be a vintage … Read more Charming collection of British medallions - 3 used as ornamentation for horse tack, the other believed to be a vintage vehicle badge for a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

The largest piece (3"W x 4.5"H; good vintage condition with minor enamel loss) is the REME badge which features the official corps' crest. It has a fascinating history with the 1st version being approved by King George VI in 1942, despite his dislike of the appearance. In response to his displeasure, a contest was held for a replacement. In 1945, an artist (Mr Stephen Gooden, CBE, RA (Royal Academy)) was selected to finalize the design of a new badge which was approved by the King and made official on August 14, 1947. Encircled by a laurel wreath frame, the bronze medallion is topped by the King's Crown (Imperial State Crown) resting on a R.E.M.E. banner over a lightning bolt. All are superimposed an an copper hued enamel disc bisected by a vertical, yellow & red enamel stripe. The silver horse in the foreground is in the forcene heraldry position rearing up on its hind legs with the right front leg/forepaw lifted higher than the left, signifying being ready for battle. The animal is attached by a chain around the neck stretching to the globe at its feet alluding to the global reach of the engineers within the British Empire. When Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952, the crown was changed the St Edward’s crown (more often known as the 'Queen’s Crown'). The example in this listing bears the King's Crown, dating it definitively between 8/14/47 and 2/5/52, the date of King George VI's death and Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

The equestrian brasses include images of a wagon pulled by a draft horse (2.75"W x 3.3"H, very good condition), a dragon (2.75"W x 3.5"H, good condition with rubbed surface and patina from previous enjoyment), and a jockey in traditional riding attire surrounded by a laurel leaf wreath (2.75"W x 3.4"H"; good condition with surface finish loss on face and chest).

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