From Middlebie, Dumfriesshire

Bridle bit rings

These four simple bronze rings were probably part of bridle bits. They were found at Middlebie in Dumfriesshire, part of a hoard of 28 items, mainly objects for use on horse harnesses. The hoard was deposited sometime in the first two centuries AD.

The two rings on the right of the picture are extremely worn at opposite points.

Leather on early harnesses rarely survives, but the metal fittings, ornaments and components of bridle bits are often preserved. Bridle bits come in a number of forms, sometimes plain, as in this case, sometimes with ornamented rings and linking pieces.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-000-973-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FA 72
Date:	Deposited between 0 and 200 AD
Material:	Bronze May show considerable signs of wear on the inner side May show considerable signs of wear on the inner side May show considerable signs of wear on the inner side May show considerable signs of wear on the inner side
Dimensions:	2.50" D 2.50" D 2.50" D 2.50" D
What:	Cheek ring Cheek ring Cheek ring Cheek ring Mask / chamfrain
Subject:
Who:	Joseph Train (Originally presented item to Sir Walter Scott)
Where:	Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kelton, Torrs Scotland, Roxburghshire, Abbotsford
Event:
Description:	Cheek ring from a bridle bit, found in a moss at Middlebie Cheek ring from a bridle bit, found in a moss at Middlebie Cheek ring from a bridle bit, found in a moss at Middlebie Cheek ring from a bridle bit, found in a moss at Middlebie Bronze mask or chamfrain found in a moss at Torrs, Kelton
References:	MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 31, 54; vol. 2, nos. 12 & 13.
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