This is the “Number 1” of the four sizes of curb bit officially adopted in 1859, by the same board who adopted the McClellan saddle. The pattern seems to have been in use for some years previous as well, for it is similar to Lt. Col. May’s dragoon bit of the 1850s and an example was also send to Denmark in 1857 as part of the exchange of sample military equipment. The Number 1, with the highest arch of the port bar is also known as the Mexican or Ring bit. One feature is a small roller in the port that was thought to act as a pacifier of sorts or at least would stimulate saliva and keep the bit lubricated. Its most significant feature, however, was a large pivoting ring that encircled the horse’s lower jaw when the bit was put in its mouth, tremendously increasing the pressure a rider could apply.

The bit was used throughout the Civil War. In fact, it was disproportionally used in the war because of the huge increase of neophyte cavalry troopers untrained and unable to control new cavalry horses without using such a severe bit, where old hands recognized that just trying to put it in the horse’s mouth might cause it to become frenzied, which only increased the determination of an inexperienced horseman to use it. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy that only faded out after the Civil War as the cavalry was again reduced in size to a smaller cadre of professionals.

This example is in excellent condition, retaining most of its original deep blue and preserving some of the gilt finish to the brass US side bosses. The curvature of the side bars and configuration of the bosses suggest this is a government contractor produced bit. Like other pieces of U.S. issue horse equipment, it is a key piece in a cavalry collection.  [sr]

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