OK what is this funky thing?

[BuckleBoy]

Found this over the weekend. Any ideas?

 

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[creskol]

looks sorta like part of a side frame to a horse bit.

 

[relic lover]

Corn shucker?

 

[BuckleBoy]

looks sorta like part of a side frame to a horse bit.

I have seen the side bits made of iron. Were they made of brass too? This is a very flat, 2D looking piece.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Yes, a few were made of brass ...and they seem to be quite scarce. I've only seen a couple of dug brass ones turn up at relic-shows in the past 30 years or so.

 

[Breezie]

Hey Buck, Yes, I agree with Creskol & TheCannonBall guy, it does look like a brass horse bit. I've seen (pictures) of brass flat horse bits that were used by US Military and I've also seen 'figural' flat bits. Neat find Breezie

 

[BuckleBoy]

Thank you all so much for the great ID! Can you tell me, were these military items, or civilian? I know that the US Cav was in the area heavily early in the Civil War. I am assuming that the broken piece had an identical loop on it to the one on the right?

Best wishes,


Buckles

 

[creskol]

While it is hard to definitively identify the bit from the portion shown, bits of similar design have been recovered in areas associated with Confederate activity. While I don't believe they were of military issue, I am sure that some of them made it into the ranks.

 

[kuger]

The problem with brass bits it was found they gave off a bitter taste and horses would try to "spit the bit",or become very difficult to get the headstall back on again.This is where "sweet iron",or copper was used,as an addition to the cross bar,it didnt seem to put off the bitter taste and gave the horse something to "play with",if it was one a little high strung

 

[BuckleBoy]

Great information, guys. Thank you. SOLVED.