Dear Roy,
My parents immigrated from England in 1957. My father, true to King and Country, recreated the beloved English pub in the basement of their home in 1960. It became tradition that each time they journeyed back home, or a loved one travelled to Canada to visit, a piece of horse brass was brought with them. The collection was my darling daddy’s pride and joy.
I have been sorting through the collection and would like you to have this one for the Toad & Ostrich.
As you are no doubt aware, horse brasses were originally used as amulets to protect the beloved horses from evil influences, a superstition that lingers in many parts of England to this day. As evil was ever associated with darkness, Light was regarded as the antidote. As all classic designs were the emblem of Sun Worship, individual professional groups had their own designs. For the millers it was the wheat sheaf, windmill and sack. The windmill on this amulet will have a different relevance to you entirely.
Cheers!