Ancient Roman Iron Bridle Snaffle Bits (No reserve price)
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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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 splays out into terminal rings, with one end displaying a ribbed decoration. Through the terminal rings, two large rings are attached, where 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.
This type of horse bridle is knowns as a snaffle, which is the simplest and most usual type of bit used in horse riding. There are different types of snaffles. 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.
Measurements: (circa) L 23.2cm x W 4.5cm
Provenance: Ex collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman, 1980s-1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
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 splays out into terminal rings, with one end displaying a ribbed decoration. Through the terminal rings, two large rings are attached, where 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.
This type of horse bridle is knowns as a snaffle, which is the simplest and most usual type of bit used in horse riding. There are different types of snaffles. 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.
Measurements: (circa) L 23.2cm x W 4.5cm
Provenance: Ex collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman, 1980s-1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 1st - 3rd century AD
Name of object
Bridle Snaffle Bits
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Iron
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
