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Rare Complete 1850s Dragoon Bridle Bit, Bridle & Reins
Price: 1100
No museum I know of has a Dragoon set like this. The bridle bit is the smaller 1850s type shown in Fig. 12, Page 25 of BRIDLE BITS OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY, 1776-1945, by McPheeters & Dorsey. This Dragoon bit was faced with brass inside and out and the lower bar is also brass-faced. 98% of this original brass (unpolished) remains on the shanks and about 50% is worn from the bar. The curb chain and hooks are iron. The buckles on the bridle are solid brass, box buckles . The buckles on the reins are horseshoe-shaped iron with brass facing. All leather is is live and supple. Overall, this set is in excellent condition. The brow band is faced with yellow, enameled leatherthat has one thumbnail-sized piece flaked out. The rosettes are hollow brass with a decorative, stacked-dome design (obviously personal purchase). 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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