This antique curb bit is made of steel with a dark, aged patina The mouthpiece has a low port.
The cheeks are scrolled with tulip decoration, each ends in a curb rein ring.
One of the cheeks is stamped "Hawkins". According to the Saddlery & Harness Journal, John Hawkins was apprenticed to the bit making trade aged nine and set up his own company in 1840, he died in 1891, leaving the company in the hands of his sons James & Benjamin. They continued the business into the twentieth century.
The bit still has its original curb hooks.
Dimensions : Mouthpiece 4½" (11.5cm), total cheek length ( not including curb rein rings) 6½" (16.8cm) Weight : 242g (8½oz)
