1898 Horseshoe with flags of Cuba and USA

On March 12th I won this interesting horseshoe plaque trivet at auction on LiveAuctioneers. It was listed as a “Cast Iron Good Luck – Welcome Horseshoe with polychrome flags dated 1898, VG+ cond. 8″H.”

There was no obvious damage and the paint appeared appropriate and possibly original, so I placed a bid. My winning bid was $50 plus a 20% Buyers Premium, tax, processing fee and shipping for a total outlay of $92.

On receiving the horseshoe I immediately checked it with a magnet. (I keep a 7″ telescoping magnet tool on hand for just this purpose.) This horseshoe plaque turned out to be bronze ~ a nice surprise!

The featured flags, circa 1898

Close-up of the two flags.

Cuba: Five horizontal stripes, blue alternating with white. A red equilateral triangle on the hoist-side bears a white five-pointed star in the center. This flag was designed in 1849 and officially adopted in 1902.

USA: Thirteen horizontal stripes, red alternating with white. The flag design of 1896–1908 contained 45 white stars on a blue rectangular background.

Description

● Bronze; weight 1 pound 13.5 ounces; measures 8″ x 5 3/4″ without feet.

● On the face: 1898, WELCOME, the flags of Cuba and the USA, and a Lyre and Treble Clef. The paint is muted and possibly original.

● There is a filed gate mark visible on each end of the horseshoe.

● On the reverse: unsigned. Notice the backcoping to the horseshoe as well as to the center of the eagle and the ball it’s perched on. There’s also a small double ring that could have accommodated a small  easel.

What is the significance of this design?

● The date 1898 and two flags suggest an association with The Spanish-American War of April 21-December 10, 1898.

● The word Welcome, the Treble Clef and the Lyre suggest a musical association.

I will continue my research. If you’re familiar with the history surrounding this horseshoe plaque trivet, please Comment below!