I was on one of my “Alice down the rabbit hole” eBay adventures when I ran across a listing for horse brass. Apparently horse brasses were used to decorate the harnesses of draft horses and date back to medieval times in England. There’s even an entire society dedicated to the collectibles. Go figure. Although it seems like they would have been used in this country as well (Budweiser anyone?), all the examples I ran across were English. I’m sure there are other decorating possibilities, but for now, the two I scored are hanging from our banisters and providing much-needed camouflage for the scratched-steaup wood. At three inches across, they’re the perfect size and for once, I’m able to let go of my brass hatred and appreciate the beauty of these working day beauties. — Sarah L.