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Curb Bit
c. 1580-1600
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
A well-constructed curb bit was an essential piece of equipment for keeping a powerful battle stallion under control. Like other horse trappings, bits were often elegantly fashioned and ornamented. This example has applied and gilded bosses.
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Details
- Title: Curb Bit
- Date Created: c. 1580-1600
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 25.4 x 15.6 cm (10 x 6 1/8 in.)
- Provenance: Frank Gair Macomber, Boston, MA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Arms and Armor
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1916.1581
- Medium: iron with gilt bronze bosses
- Fun Fact: A curb bit uses lever action, meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider.
- Department: Medieval Art
- Culture: Italy, late 16th Century
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
- Collection: MED - Arms & Armor
- Accession Number: 1916.1581
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