Found in the area of Culp's Hill on the battlefield of Gettysburg is this fancy, iron bridle bit in relic condition. The excavated artifact measures 6" long and is 5¼" wide. Its iron surface exhibits moderate to heavy areas of rust pitting and still holds some dirt in the crevices. This bit is of civilian design with side branches that exhibit a motif of fish and tassels with integrated rein rings on both branches. Bit has a standard number 2 port or arch in the center of the mouth piece bar. No slobber bar. No markings are visible. Artifact, which is still tight and strong, has acquired a mottled coloring of rust and some surface grime. This bridle bit from Culp's Hill is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

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The Horse Soldier is pleased to offer a number of items from the John P. Geiselman collection, a collection that was on display for many years at the Geiselman Country Store Museum on Barlow - Two Taverns Road. Geiselman began his collecting as a child in the early 1920s, and during the pre-World II period had access to artifacts that had been purchased earlier at the estate sales of the Trostle, Rogers, Rose, Weikert, and Wentz farms - local properties that figured prominently in the battle and its aftermath. During this period he had access as well to the Hill , Plank, and Stewart collections, and was able to acquire other items that had been sold from turn-of-the-century relics establishments such as the Danner, Ziegler, and Oak Ridge Museums. Furthermore, Geiselman carefully documented most artifacts, and collectors perusing the list will be able to note, in many instances, not only the source of the relic and the date of its recovery, but also the part of the battlefield from which it came. In other words, his collection is the last major grouping of Gettysburg artifacts assembled and documented by a local resident.

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