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Rare Complete Large May's Dragoon Bridle Bit, Bridle & Reins
Price: 1250
No museum I know of has a Dragoon set like this. The bridle bit is the largest of the Large May's Bridle Bits and of the type shown in Fig. 11, Page 24 of BRIDLE BITS OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY, 1776-1945, by McPheeters & Dorsey. This particular Dragoon bit was faced with brass only on the outside of the branches. 100% of this original brass (unpolished) remains. The mouth bar is solid brass, the hooks for the curb chain are brass and the original chain is iron. The buckles on the bridle are horseshoe-shaped, brass-faced iron. The buckles on the reins are of identical type and construction. All leather is is live and supple but the reins are slightly irregular on the edges from normal breakage before they were preserved with Pecard Antique Leather Care. The bridle has two lead-filled, brass rosettes on circular leather backing. Overall, in excellent condition for a set nearly 150 years old. A few other views are available on request.
An extraordinary set that is correct for display with a Ringgold, Grimsley or early CW McClellan Officers' Saddle. The brass bits were considerably more flashy than the 1859 iron bits and officers used them when they could be obtained. And, too, many of the senior officers on both sides of the War were still using the earlier Dragoon bridle bits. If desired, a copy of the referenced book will be provided to the purchaser of this fine, rare set.
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