Object Image

Curb Bit

Unknown Artist

The mouthpiece would make this bit rather harsh, since, because of the central high port for the tongue, the ribbed rollers would rest directly on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth). Its severity would be also increased by its rigidity, since the central joint of the mouthpiece does not move and its sides not articulate with the cheekpieces. This bit was possibly used on a carriage horse.

Credit: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913

c. 1800

Iron alloy, tin

23.5 cm

14.25.1785

Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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