Early colonial leather attachment-Civilian or military?

[Palmetto]

This is not a Todays find (approx. 6 months ago)and wondered if I should put in another forum but figured I would get best info here. found in RI.
Definitely early lion leather accoutrement. Question is-civilian horse hardware or military adornment.? Approx 4 inches tall. Any help would be appreciative.

 

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[Erik in NJ]

Looks more like an animated horse than a lion to me with that snout and mane. Maybe a pair of horses as a team. Rosette? My guess is civilian.

 

[Palmetto]

Looks more like an animated horse than a lion to me with that snout and mane. Maybe a pair of horses as a team. Rosette? My guess is civilian.

I had thought that at first too but the early Lions have that characteristic and especially with the tongue sticking out. Thanks for input and who knows. My take has always been civilian but just hoping for some more specifics.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Agree with you on the tongue--I noticed that, but it's one heck of a weird looking rampant lion. A rampant lion is a symbol for Scotland. Looks very primitive--almost homemade. It's a cool find though!

Rampant horse lion?

 

[CRUSADER]

Its a Lion & Civilian, but a great find none the less.

no way of proving it, but these Civvy items may have still been attached to a 'horse of war'.

 

[sutphin]

THAT SURE IS A NEAT FIND HOPE SOMEONE WILL INDENTIFY IT. IT LOOKS VERY OLD I MEAN OLD OLD.

 

[Steve in PA]

That is a sweet piece of horse brass Russ!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I've found some interesting colonial leather ornaments, but never one like that. Yours is a very striking example. Definitely appears to have been mounted on leather (as opposed to furniture as some were), and I have to agree with the others about it being civilian in nature. Great find!

 

[Palmetto]

THAT SURE IS A NEAT FIND HOPE SOMEONE WILL INDENTIFY IT. IT LOOKS VERY OLD I MEAN OLD OLD.

Thanks-I would venture to say very early 18th and/or late 17th century for sure.

 

[Silver Tree Chaser]

That is the coolest leather mount that I've seen - ever!!!