A Vintage Gold Coloured Military Pad Cheek Horse Bit - Bit1018 june25 They were traditionally used to

They were traditionally used to weight a rope that passed through a ring or slot in a manger or tying up ring and attached to the halter or headcollar

These are lithographs of drawings by Alan Osbahr

possibly because they are small and round (at least in one direction)

There is a museum or collection number painted on the back of the cover plate : 1181B

A Vintage Gold Coloured Military Pad Cheek Horse Bit - Bit1018 june25 They were traditionally used toThis branch or pad cheek bit is plated in a gold coloured metal. The fixed cheeks are curved, each bears a curb rein loop, there is a curved shackle bar. There are holes drilled for cheek badges or bosses on each side of the bit. The mouthpiece has a medium height port. There are no maker's marks or stamps on the bit Dimensions : mouthpiece 11. 5cm (4"), cheeks 20. 5cm (8") not including rein loops Weight 538g (1 lb 3oz)