Bit Boss

late 16th–early 17th century

Not on view

Circled by a leaf garland in relief, pierced three times, the center of this boss depicts the coat of arms of Saxony on a shield with scrolling edges, supported by two lions. This design of boss, an ornamental element decorating both sides of a horse bit, was very popular in Saxony and produced in important quantities by founders.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Bit Boss
Date: late 16th–early 17th century
Geography: Saxony
Culture: German, Saxony
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Diam. 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm); Wt. 2.2 oz. (62 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.218
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611), Israel Schuech German, Steel, bronze, gold, enamel, paste jewels, cameos, pearls, wood, hilt, German, Dresden; blade, Spanish, Toledo — Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611)
Israel Schuech
Juan Martinez
dated 1606

Hunting Sword, Steel, brass, gold, porcelain, pigments, German, Saxony — Hunting Sword
German, Saxony
ca. 1750

Belt Carrier with Powder Flask and Pouch for Chargers, Velvet, metallic thread, leather, boxwood, bronze, gold, German, Saxony — Belt Carrier with Powder Flask and Pouch for Chargers
German, Saxony
early 17th century

Hunting Sword with Scabbard, Steel, bronze, gold, wood, leather, Saxon — Hunting Sword with Scabbard
Saxon
early 18th century

Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Brass, gold, steel, wood, velvet, gold-threaded cord, German, Saxony — Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
German, Saxony
ca. 1600

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.