Curb bit with high port

Culture European

Date1700s–1800s

Mediumiron

Dimensions21 × 14 cm (8 1/4 × 5 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

iron

Object number2014.977

DescriptionIron. Port and cheeks adorned with punched dots, circles, semi-circles, and incised lines on external faces. Roller beneath the port, and additional rollers on the bars. Retains curb chain toward top (near port). The chain at the base of the shanks has sometimes been interpreted as a "slobber chain," but since it does not seem suited for attaching to the reins as an extension to keep the leather away from the horse's mouth, it seems more likely to have served to retain the lower end of the shanks (this function is sometimes performed by a metal bar instead).
Label TextDecorative horse equipment was a way for the aristocracy to display wealth and status. Even the arched “port” on the mouthpiece of this bit is decorated, although it actually sat inside the horse’s mouth. The port helped the rider communicate with the horse, while the rollers on the mouthpiece made it more comfortable for the animal.ProvenanceRichard Zschille (as of 1893). At some point joins the rest of HAM 2610 Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, LI) Purchased by Museum on November 9, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. Inc. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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