Every now and then I'll read through results of indy shows, or older shows and I'll read about a match for the (insert promotion here) Brass Knucks title? What exactly is the story behind that sort of title? Is is just a prelude to a Hardcore Title, or did promotions seriously have matches where both wrestlers would wear knucks?

Brass Knucks titles were pretty much what's known as hardcore now, only it was hardcore by 70s and 80s standards. Both guys would have taped fists, use chairs, etc. Brass Knucks were the best known foreign object of the times, so they'd name their "hardcore" titles after them.