✅ SOLVED Two New Mysteries

[Iron Buzz]

Both of these came from a farm field that once held an 1850's settler's house.

Item #1

The piece in the center that my thumb is on rotates.

Item #2


There are two similar shaped pieces to this... the back one is steel and springy, and has a rivet or something like that through the center. The piece facing the camera is copper or brass, and is decorated. These are connected at the base by a piece that probably once slid up and down to control tension and close or open the gap between the pieces.

 

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[Indian Steve]

I think the first is half of an ornate horse bit.

 

[Iron Buzz]

I think the first is half of an ornate horse bit.

I don't see how that would work. It may be hard to see in that picture, but the hole in the free end of that piece my thumb is on is perpendicular to the hole that connects it to the other piece. Also, the more ornate piece's finished side is facing the camera, which would put the finished side up against the horse's cheek, if the bit would operate as I think you are saying.

[Edit... OK, I think I see what you're saying, Steve. That would only be one half of the bit, like this one.

 

[dingode]

I also think item #1 is a horse bit

Item #2 may be a garter clip.

 

[Iron Buzz]

I also think item #1 is a horse bit

Item #2 may be a garter clip.

By golly!! I think you're right about the garter clip! I've never seen one like that, but it makes perfect sense!

I suspect you guys are right about the horse bit too. I haven't found a match yet, but I had no idea there was so much variety in horse bits!

 

[zombieraccoon]

i agree with half of an ornate snaffle bit for the first one, the top and bottom loops on the side would attach to the bridle and allow the reins to attach to the bit. It likely had a chin strap as well.

 

[sutphin]

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[releventchair]

Draft horse maybe.
Bit looks big in the pic. Or hand is tiny...

 

[nhbenz]

In support of Steve’s answer of a bridle bit, some similar ones here:

 

[Iron Buzz]

Yeah, I'm calling this one solved. Horse bit, and while I can't find a garter snap picture that looks like that other item, I'm convinced that is what that is. Thanks again, guys!