Iron bridle bit, an iron latch lifter and a bronze mirror handle

Add to album

This iron bridle bit, iron latch lifter and bronze mirror handle are part of a hoard of native and Roman tools and high quality craftwork. The hoard was deposited in Carlingwark Loch in Kirkcudbrightshire between 80 and 200 AD as a gift to the gods.

The bridle bit is a normal Romano-British type known as a two-link bit. It fitted in a horse's mouth and reins were attached to the rings. One ring is missing. The latchlifter, used to flick open a latch, is bent out of shape.

The mirror handle in particular is a piece of high quality native workmanship. Bronze mirrors are found in both Roman and native sites, particularly in southern Britain. They would have been valuable and prestigious possessions.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-034-870-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DW 77
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  Iron
  Iron
  Bit, snaffle
  Handle / portion
  Handle, key
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bit, snaffle
  Handle / portion
  Handle, key
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch
  Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch
  Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Carlingwark Loch
  
• Event:
• Description: Portion of an iron handle from Carlingwark Loch
  Iron snaffle-bit from Carlingwark Loch
  Iron key handle from Carlingwark Loch
  
• References:
  • Stevenson, Robert B.K. Metal-work and some other objects in Scotland and their cultural affinities. In: Rivet, A.L.F. The Iron Age in northern Britain. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1966, p. 25. 
  • Piggott, S. Three metalwork hoards of the Roman period. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 87 (1952-3), 1-50.
• Translations:
• Related Records: