The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 21, 2024

Curb Bit

Curb Bit

c. 1580–1600
iron with gilt bronze bosses
Overall: 25.4 x 15.6 cm (10 x 6 1/8 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1581
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

A curb bit uses lever action, meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider.

Description

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.
  • ?-1916
    Frank Gair Macomber, Boston, MA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1916-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mentioned: p. 240, J37; Reproduced: Plate XLVIII, J37 archive.org
    Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms and Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: The Museum, 1998. p. 53, 165, cat. nol 71
    Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms & Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2007. cat. no. 72, p. 185
  • Armor Court Reinstallation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer).
  • {{cite web|title=Curb Bit|url=false|author=|year=c. 1580–1600|access-date=21 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.1581