Help with ID of Wyoming relics and looking for possible age of horse bit.

[fortbybee]

Found these things on the same hill that I have found many eagle buttons and tons of old brass cartridges. Would like to figure out about how old the horse bit is. The twisted wire pieces I find every time I go there. The other two pieces were just a couple feet apart. Looks like some sort of snap to a leather strap. Not sure. I am not sure if the numbered tag is an old cattle tag or what. The bird head is kinda heavy. Not sure what it is made of. It was found out in the middle of the pasture by its self. Any info would be helpful.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[duggap]

I don't know how to date your harness item but the other is a musket sling hook. I always consider them a good find.

 

[creskol]

At first glance you bit looks like a spin off of an 1859 bit, but the large, squared edge tight jaw design indicates that it is post ACW and probably WWI era.

The twisted wire pieces look like old burlap sack ties. The 42 tag might be associated with the wire ties.

The bird looks like an umbrella handle.

 

[kuger]

The piece that resembles a Rifle sling hook is likely a harness buckle

 

[fortbybee]

Thanks for the info !

 

[fortbybee]

Thanks ! That makes sense on the wire pieces. They seem to be all over the hill top. There was a hotel and wagon stop close by in the 1800s.They must have camped on that hill for many years. I have found things from the 1850s to the 1920s. Thanks for the help!

 

[fortbybee]

Thanks. I love this website. So many smart people !

 

[stefen]

Similar style bit still made and used today...maybe a straight or curb type...

 

[Rich in Houston]

The 42 looks to be a baggage claim chit maybe.

 

[scottypub]

The 42 is a miners tag

 

[DesertWalker]

At first glance you bit looks like a spin off of an 1859 bit, but the large, squared edge tight jaw design indicates that it is post ACW and probably WWI era.

The twisted wire pieces look like old burlap sack ties. The 42 tag might be associated with the wire ties.

The bird looks like an umbrella handle.

I agree with this and the tag being a miner's tag, given that I have found many of them around the old coal mining towns over there.
The only thing that looks older is the knapsack hook, possibly Civil War era.
Good luck in the future!

 

[ynpto804]

The smaller bent over hook looks to be a federal issue sword hanger. Nice find