|
MODEL 1859 BRASS
FACED 1st PATTERN ARTILLERY BIT – VERY NICE
SPECIMEN WITH INTERESTING CURB STRAP MODIFICATION:
One of he rarest of the Civil War Bits, this 1ST
Pattern Model 1859 Brass Faced Artillery Bit was
introduced just prior to the Civil War with the newly
adopted Horse Equipments which included the Model 1859
McClellan Saddle. Manufactured in relatively small
numbers the Model 1859 Artillery Bit was replaced by the
far more common Model 1863 Artillery Bit.
This specimen shows evidence of an interesting
modification, that is the addition of wire loops to
accommodate a leather curb strap rather than the curb
chain as the bit was originally designed. The addition
of this wire curb strap loop is reminiscent of the
modifications of the Model 1872 Cavalry Bits and the
style of the loop is similar to one of the styles used
to modify the later bits, leading to the possibility
that this Model 1859 Artillery Bit was still in use
during the Indian War years.
This bit is in very good condition with all of the brass
facing intact, to include the facing on the rein rings,
and the brass has a wonderful aged patina overall. This
bit has not been abused nor has it suffered from age or
poor storage, with no damage or bending out of its
original shape. The exposed steel on the inside faces
of the branches and the mouthpiece has aged to brown in
some areas, but there is no pitting to the surfaces –
they are all smooth overall. The lower bar at the
bottom of the bit has been removed as many of these were
for a variety of reasons.
Overall, this is a very nice specimen of a relatively
rare, early Civil War bit, and one that would never need
to be upgraded once on display in your collection. $495
|
