Curb Bit
Not on view
This mouthpiece was designed for a horse with a regular good mouth and a very thick tongue. The curb chain, with its flat serrated links, was a bit more severe than regular chains, but its flat shape would spread the pressure more evenly.
This kind of bit, with its engraved, pierced and chiseled ornamentation, is a very common type of German 17th-century bit, found in many collections. They might have been pre-made generic bits, mounted with mouthpieces and shanks of regular strength suitable for most horses.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.