Curb Bit

Unknown

ca. 1800 · Iron alloy, tin · Arms and Armor

The mouthpiece would make this bit rather harsh, since, because of the central high port for the tongue, the ribbed rollers would rest directly on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth). Its severity would be also increased by its rigidity, since the central joint of the mouthpiece does not move and its sides not articulate with the cheekpieces. This bit was possibly used on a carriage horse.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1800

Medium

Iron alloy, tin

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913