✅ SOLVED Is this a Rein Guide?

[Erik in NJ]

Found this today in the fmerg's farm field (corn) that dates back to colonial times, though I believe this item dates to the 1800's. It's made of solid copper. It has been painted black, but I can see traces of silver "gilt" on it. The loop has a diameter of 1.5" and is approx. 1/2" wide. In the side view you can see a wear pattern on the lower right side of the loop. Anyone know what this thing is? Thanks!

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Yes, it is a horseharness rein-guide ...also called a rein terret. In use from the 1800s through today. See the photos below.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Super find Erik, and Great ID CannonballGuy!

 

[Erik in NJ]

Thanks CannonballGuy for your very informative (as usual) post and ID of this item. I have found my share of horse tack (mainly in the form of buckles), but this is my first rein guide! Thanks again!

 

[worldtalker]

I'd be willing to bet it's brass! God Bless Chris

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi Chris, You might be right with that--I just assumed copper because of the green. Is there a simple way to tell the difference between the two metals?

I'd be willing to bet it's brass! God Bless Chris

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

The only "simple" way is to make a TINY scrape through the patina/oxide, to expose a bit of "fresh" metal. Brass is yellow, and copper is (of course) the color of a new penny.

Acid-testing won't work, because brass is an alloy composed of (approximately) 75% copper and 25% zinc. There's so much copper in the brass that acid-testing can't tell you the difference between brass and all-copper objects.