Curb Bit
This mouthpiece was designed for a horse with a regular good mouth and a very thick tongue. The thin curb chain, attached at the wrong place on the purchases, is a modern replacement, as well as the articulated connecting links between the shanks.
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 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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Curb Bit
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: German
- Medium: Iron alloy, tin, copper
- Dimensions: H. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 8.3 oz. (688.9 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 25.135.79
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Joseph Deutschmann
ca. 1740
Israel Schuech
Juan Martinez
dated 1606
Clemens Horn
1600–1625
probably German
early 17th century
hilt, Dutch or Flemish; blade, German
ca. 1630–40
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