Ancient Roman, Empire War Horse Snaffle
06
days
12
hours
43
minutes
39
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
 | €50 | |
|---|---|---|
| €40 | |
| €1 |
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An Ancient Roman iron loose snaffle horse bit from the 1st–3rd century AD, with two bars connected at the centre and large terminal rings, showing a dark brown patina and wear, and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A fine Ancient Roman iron loose snaffle horse bits, composed of two bars connected at the centre with two small rings. From the joint, unadorned bars extends from each side and splay out into large terminal rings, through which the cheek pieces would have originally passed. This piece would have sat in the horse's mouth attached to the reins giving the rider more control over the animal. A dark brown patina and rust to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches and chips.
During the Ancient Roman empire, iron and bronze were popular materials for making horse bits, but today stainless steel, rubber and plastic elements are preferred. Horses were an integral part of Roman society, fulfilling many roles. Horses were used in the Roman military, primarily as cavalry. These breeds were trained for battle for both pulling chariots and carrying soldiers riding horseback making them an essential asset in warfare. Outside of the military they were used extensively in agriculture, transportation and entertainment. Horses would be used for farm work, pulling ploughs, carts and wagons, but also used for racing and in gladiator contests. Horses were selectively bred for strength and speed and were valued for their ability to perform specific tasks.
COMES WITH CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
A fine Ancient Roman iron loose snaffle horse bits, composed of two bars connected at the centre with two small rings. From the joint, unadorned bars extends from each side and splay out into large terminal rings, through which the cheek pieces would have originally passed. This piece would have sat in the horse's mouth attached to the reins giving the rider more control over the animal. A dark brown patina and rust to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches and chips.
During the Ancient Roman empire, iron and bronze were popular materials for making horse bits, but today stainless steel, rubber and plastic elements are preferred. Horses were an integral part of Roman society, fulfilling many roles. Horses were used in the Roman military, primarily as cavalry. These breeds were trained for battle for both pulling chariots and carrying soldiers riding horseback making them an essential asset in warfare. Outside of the military they were used extensively in agriculture, transportation and entertainment. Horses would be used for farm work, pulling ploughs, carts and wagons, but also used for racing and in gladiator contests. Horses were selectively bred for strength and speed and were valued for their ability to perform specific tasks.
COMES WITH CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1st - 3rd century AD
Name of object
War Horse Snaffle
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
