A Steel Spring or Butterfly Bit with Hinged Tongue Bar - Bit782 april25 Its plating is in good

Its plating is in good condition

The outer surfaces of the front and rear bows are decorated with painted dragons

the ends of the port protrude below the mouthpiece of the bit

The buckles are gilt and have cast foliate decoration

this would originally have been covered in leather

A Steel Spring or Butterfly Bit with Hinged Tongue Bar - Bit782 april25 Its plating is in goodA hand forged steel spring or butterfly bit. This has two short rods protruding from the the top surfaceThese rods hold two curved bars joined by a hinge presunably these work as a tongue grid. Dimensions 16cm (6") Wide, Tongue Loop 11cm (4") LongWeight : 217g (7oz)