Horse Bit....How Old ?

[mojjax]

I was wondering how old this bit might be ? It's all brass . The chain and hooks appear to be nickel-plated brass - nothing magnetic .

mojjax

 

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[Gypsy Heart]

How wide is that bit? Kind of looks like it could be a straight bit for a draft horse.

 

[mojjax]

How wide is that bit? Kind of looks like it could be a straight bit for a draft horse.

inside diam. is 5''

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Well I am pretty sure its a grazing bit...which they still make and without any markings its hard to tell....the sides are turned in on yours....you need to turn them back out ....the rings are suppose to be straight up and down ....not for draft horse if that small...regular size

 

[imafishingnutt]

This Prussian horse bit is a M1860 model. This model was used in the Franco-Prussian War in the 1870s and on through World War One.
could be yours...?

 

[Tricia]

Looks like a basic curb bit to me. Not that old.

 

[stefen]

The problem with dating such items as horse tack is that some of the more popular bits haven't changed remarkably over the years...as you see it may have a age anywhere within a range of 150 years or more...pick one

I have a similar bit and the model was most likely was made by (numerous) different manufacturers. The grasing bit also is made with fixed sides with drilled (or punched) holes for rein attachments.

As a side comment, I have seen sheep shears being sold in antique stores for $20 and up, and the identical model is still sold new today for maybe $5 bucks...