The Confederate bridle shown here carries the most desirable of all Confederate bridle bits. The bit was made in England circa 1860 for the newly formed Confederacy. Two versions were made, one of iron, and this, the much rarer of the two, of brass, was intended for Virginia[1] officers. Very few of this rare, 1860 pattern survive and almost none in non-excavated condition. The excavated "C” cheek bosses are somewhat more frequently encountered. These are invariably excavated in Virginia Cavalry camps. There are two schools of thought regarding these bits: one, that they were only for Confederate officers; two, that they were issued to the very first Virginia Cavalry that entered Confederate service and served in the cavalry arm of the Army of Northern Virginia. In either case, this is the most widely recognized and sought after Confederate bit. This one has seen service, but it is in perfect condition. The C bosses are original to the bit and remain tight.

The bridle is original, and I have no reason to doubt that the bridle is original to the bit, however there are no other known examples with which to compare. The bridle has the russet leather and ¾ cheek buckles and 5/8 throat strap buckles designated in the Confederate Ordnance Manual, which suggests that the bits were bought in England and the bridles put on in the Confederate States.

This is the one and only!

The bridle comes complete with the "Traveler” mount for display.

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