Curb Bit

late 17th century

Not on view

This mouthpiece was designed for a horse with a regular good mouth and a very thick tongue. The severe curb chain, with its serrated links, was used on horses with ‘hard chins’ (too fleshy or too hairy).

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

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Curb Bit
Date: late 17th century
Culture: German
Medium: Iron alloy
Dimensions: H. 10 in. (25.4 cm); W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 3.5 oz. (1006.4 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.1804
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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