✅ SOLVED Horse Hardware

[ANTIQUARIAN]

A friend of mine found this today at an old fairground where they used to hold rodeos and other agricultural events. Can anyone tell me what it was used for, how old it is and is it rare?

It measures approx. 5" long x 3" at it's widest point or (13.5 cm x 6 cm).
It looks to be made of bronze and brass. The center portion rotates 360 degrees.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Broken knee]

It's a fancy rein guide. HH
BK

 

[BosnMate]

Yes, it's a fancy rein guide. Everyone on T Net seems to call them reins. Where I come from on driving or driven horses the reins are called "lines." Anyhow, here is where rein guides are located on the harness.

 

[BigBobBow]

(Swinging Toggle Threaded for Show Harness) Threaded swinging Toggle for Horse Harness Big Black Horse LLC

Very cool

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Antiquarian, in the horseharness/horsetack business, a rein-guide is one form of what is called a "terret." The version of terret you found, which has a rotating decorative section, is called a "swinger" terret, and it is a type of fly terret or head terret. In the scan below, showing an advertisement in an early-1900s horsegear catalog, you'll see several which are very similar to yours.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I want to thank everyone for your input and support in helping my friend to ID this rein guide!

You guys are amazing!

Thanks again guys,
Dave