Curb bit with articulated rising cannon
Culture
German
Datelate 1600s
Mediumiron
Dimensions25.4 × 17.8 × 5.1 cm (10 × 7 × 2 in.), 1 lb, 5 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Terms
Object number2014.78
DescriptionCurb bit, but with snaffle-type mouthpiece made of two cones jointed tip to tip. This might be the kind termed a scatch-bit (see Forgeng, The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal, p. 25).Label TextThe curb bit encouraged the horse to arch its neck and pull its muzzle back, a position that shifted the horse’s weight toward its back legs. This “collected” position made it easier for riders to use their legs and body to communicate commands to the horse, and made it easier for the horse to support the weight of the rider.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on November 9, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Purchase price of $15,000 included all numbers associated with HAM#2604. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Southern German
about 1550
