Name/TitleBit
About this objectThis was used by the donor's father, a farmer and horse breaker. This is a horse-breaking bit of the pendant-type, its function was to cause a flow of saliva in the horse's mouth and so lessen the friction in a horse unaccustomed to the bit. It was used at Chase Farm, West Bergholt. Two large rings hang freely from the cross piece (diam. 3"). Both pendant section and sidepieces are fixed with respect to the crosspiece, and there are two slots in the upper section of the side pieces. The bottom of the side pieces are twisted into a spiral.
Date Made20th. Century
Medium and MaterialsWhole: Iron
Inscription and MarksStamped on mouthpiece: 'SWALES PATENT PAT. 18657'
MeasurementsL: 190mm, W: 195mm, H: 80mm
Crosspiece: 160mm
Sidepieces: 170mm - with Rings: 190mm
Ring Dia: 175mm
Pendant Section: 1 7/8 Inches, 2 Inches Deep
Object numberSTMEA:A.5241
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
