BRIDLE BIT

An incomplete copper-alloy bit link from a late early-medieval bridle bit dating c. AD 1000 to AD 1100.

The bit link has broken through the plain oval loop, as is often the case, with around half of the loop now missing.

The complete end has a lozenge shaped terminal, with a central oval shaped perforation (12.7 mm by 9.2 mm). The terminal has knops on three outer points. A sub-rectangular arm extends towards the oval loop, before which, and abutting it is a boss with ridge beyond. The boss is domed on the front and recessed at its centre on the reverse, which is otherwise flat.

The object measures 54.8 mm in length, iis 24.3 mm wide and 9.8 mm thick. It weighs 21.5 g.

The bit link is a mid-brown colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of most of the original surface.

Bit links were located at the end loops of bridle bits, adjacent to cheekpieces, and have been discussed by Williams (2007, 4; fig. 5). They are often of this form, with the sub-circular loop (which would have been connected to the bit) broken through: see, for example, WMID-38D662 or YORYM-DDEEB0 on this database. All are considered to be late early-medieval in dating (11th century AD).

XRF analysis at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Conservation Laboratory, using a tabletop Mistral machine was undertaken. The results are below: