Bit Boss

Unknown

late 16th–first half 17th century · Copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. The central part of this boss is adorned with scallop shells and volutes, while its rim displays a frieze of other scallops flanked by grotesque winged monsters.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–first half 17th century

Medium

Copper alloy, gold

Culture

possibly Netherlandish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942