Bridle bit rings

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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: 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
  Cheek ring
  Cheek ring
  Cheek ring
  Cheek ring
  Mask / chamfrain
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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