Bit Boss

Unknown

first half 18th century · Copper alloy · Arms and Armor

The rim of this bit boss is decorated with four fleurs-de-lis. At its center are the two interlaced Ls of King Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) or, more likely, King Louis XV (r. 1715-1774), crowned at the top. What looks like a letter V behind the monogram is actually a very simplified representation of the two crossed palms often seen on this kind of composition. This symbolism suggests that this boss decorated the side of a bit worn by a cavalry or a coach horse used by the French Royal Household.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half 18th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

French

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942