This is an antique steel horse bit with a dark patina.
It has divided rings which are fixed in position relative to the mouthpiece. The headstall would attach to the small upper sections of the rings
Its straight mouthpiece is covered in black rubber.
The mouthpiece is hollow, a long straight inner bar passes through it and can slide and rotate freely. This bar has a ring on each end for the reins. This bar is much wider than the horse's mouth, presumably to give some mechanical advantage with a horse with a tendency to run out or lean ? It is similar but not identical to one of Swales's patents.
I cannot find any maker's marks or stamps
Dimensions of bit : Mouthpiece 12.5cm (5"), Total length 39.5cm (15½") Cheek rings 8cm (3") Weight : 486g (1lb 1 oz)
