14th-16th century A.D. A Byzantine or early Ottoman iron curb bitposed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpieceprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop. See ????????, ?., ???????????????? ????????? (The Old Bulgarian Armament), ?????, 1996, fig.1, pl.XXIV and fig.5, for an identical example. 340 grams, 19.5 cm (7 3/4 in.) Collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. Important private Dutch collection. This type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins.Condition Report: Fine condition.