c. 1580–1600
Iron with gilt bronze bosses
Overall: 25.4 x 15.6 cm (10 x 6 1/8 in.)
Weight: 1.04 kg (2.29 lbs.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1581
A curb bit uses lever action, meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider.
A well-constructed curb bit was an essential piece of equipment for keeping a powerful battle stallion under control. Like other horse trappings, bits were often elegantly fashioned and ornamented. This example has applied and gilded bosses.
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