Bit Boss

first half 16th century

Not on view

Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. This boss, embossed on its center with a stylized scallop, bears stamped on its rim a proverb in French, partly illegible. It belongs to a large group of bosses, some inscribed with proverbs, produced in Northern France or in the Southern Netherlands during the 16th century.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Bit Boss
Date: first half 16th century
Culture: French or South Netherlandish
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Diam. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm); Wt. 2 oz. (57 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.227
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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