Curb Bit

18th century
Not on view
This hard bit, with its mouthpiece consisting of non-articulated trumpet canons, was used for carriage horses.

In the Encyclopédie of Diderot and D'Alembert, in the section on Eperonniers (spur-makers, published in 1752), this type of bit is called a 'cork-screw bit' (mors à tire-bouchon), because its shanks recall the handle of an 18th-century cork-screw.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Curb Bit
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: possibly French
  • Medium: Iron alloy, tin, copper
  • Dimensions: H. 10 in. (25.4 cm); W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 10.1 oz. (1193.5 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1784
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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