Civil War modified Horse Bit, from the Texas Civil War Museum

This is an excavated US cavalry curb bit originally from the 1859 pattern. It was adopted by the U.S. Army in January 1859 and debuted simultaneously with the McClellan saddle.

This specimen remains tight and strong but has been heavily modified by a blacksmith. The brass "US" bosses are missing, along with the lower nubs on the upper cheek to which they were riveted, leaving only the small holes for the top rivet.

The port, bars, and upper cheeks remain unaltered. However, the shanks (lower portion of the cheeks) have been hammered flat, and the curve altered. The ends of the shanks were hammered out, and the rein rings were replaced. Additionally, the curb chain and slobber bar were removed. A small piece of leather is still attached to one ring.

This fine example of Federal horse equipment may have been broken and discarded only to be refashioned by a Confederate cavalry member. The artifact is in overall fine "relic" condition, featuring an iron surface that is slightly pockmarked with rust pitting and exhibits a dark brown color.  It was deacessed from the famous Texas Civil War Museum collection (see pictures).