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Curb Bit

ca. 1530–50
Not on view
According to contemporary equestrian manuals, this complex mouthpiece, characteristic of the bits made between ca. 1530 and ca. 1550, was designed for lowering the horse's head. The shanks (the levers on the sides of the bit to which the reins were attached), are shaped as waving snakes or dragons, their heads hidden behind the large copper alloy bosses.
These bosses, contemporary but not originally attached to this bit, bear a proverb in French stamped on their rims. They belong to a large group of bosses, some inscribed, produced in Northern France or in the Southern Netherlands (see also 42.50.227).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Curb Bit
  • Date: ca. 1530–50
  • Culture: bit, German or French; bosses, French or South Netherlandish
  • Medium: Iron alloy, copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 7.1 oz. (1108.5 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1777
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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