harness-fitting
- Museum number
- 1866,0714.2
- Description
-
Copper alloy bridle-bit. The side-rings are semicircular in section. It appears to be a derivative of the three-link bit, with the side-links made in one with the rings, leaving a straight-bar snaffle. The cross-pieces representing the original side-links have on the inner side a loop through which the terminal loops of the central link swivel. The outer end of one cross-piece is in the form of a pointed oval and in the centre of this is a circular red glass 'enamel' stud containing four lozenge-shaped blue sections arranged in a cruciform pattern. At the top end at the bottom of the ring is a square stud of red glass 'enamel' with four lozenge-shaped blue sections arranged diagonally. The central link has a three-ridged moulding at the centre. In the opposite ring the cross-piece ends in a pair of pointed oval terminations back to back, each similar to the single example on the other side, two square studs similar to those on the other side are placed on the front of the ring at the points of the pointed oval features.
- Production date
- 50 - 100 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Width: 86.60 - 87.60 millimetres (side-links)
-
Length: 279 millimetres
-
Weight: 513 grammes
- Curator's comments
- It appears to be a derivative of the normal three-link, North British form, but the end links have been made in one piece with the rings.
- Location
- On display (G50/dc25)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2016 11 Mar- 25 Sep, Edinburgh, National Museum of Scotland, Celts.
2015-2016 24 Sep-31 Jan, London, BM, G30, 'Celts: Art and Identity'
2003 26 Apr-24 Aug, USA, Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park, All the Queen’s Horses
1991 24 Mar-8 Dec, Italy, Venice, Palazzo Grassi, I Celti
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1866,0714.2
