Bit Boss
Not on view
The rim of this bit boss is decorated with four fleurs-de-lis. At its center are the two interlaced Ls of King Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) or, more likely, King Louis XV (r. 1715-1774), crowned at the top. What looks like a letter V behind the monogram is actually a very simplified representation of the two crossed palms often seen on this kind of composition.
This symbolism suggests that this boss decorated the side of a bit worn by a cavalry or a coach horse used by the French Royal Household.
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