Presented here is a very nice, Civil War Model 1863 artillery curb bit found at a local Gettysburg estate. Used by the longarm branch of the Federal military during the war, this item of horse equipment has had its slobber bar modified from the slight crescent shape into a bar with a pronounced right angle at either end. In very good overall condition, the iron surface of this artifact bears scattered rust pitting and has acquired a pleasing, dark gray coloring overall. The arc design of the heavy side branches (a.k.a. cheek pieces) make a pronounced ‘half S’ curve from each of the bosses down to the piece’s vertical rein slot just above the bit’s slobber bar. Curb bit has no U.S. brass ‘bosses’ on the side branches, nor does it retain the curb chain and chinstrap. Specimen exhibits a # 2 size port or arch in the center of the mouth piece bar which is tight and strong. Both cheek pieces exhibit a pronounced outward bend at the top edge just above the two upper rein rings. Instead of the curb chain hole located directly below the headstall billet slot, this specimen has a curb strap slot indicative of artillery use. Curb bit shows just a hint of original tinning. This example of a modified Federal artillery bit is a pleasing piece of Civil War horse equipment and would augment any equestrian collection. [ra]

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