17th century
United Kingdom
Object qualities
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Objecthorse equipment or accessory: Bit boss
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumCopper alloy
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SizeDiam. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 1.5 oz. (42 g)
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Geography detailsCountry of Origin
United Kingdom -
Country today
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Date17th century
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CultureEnglish
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The center part of this horse bit boss displays the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, which consists, at that time, of the association of the arms of France, Scotland, Ireland and England. The shield is topped by a crowned helmet, circled by the Order of the Garter and flanked by the two traditional supporters of the British arms: a lion and a unicorn.
The pierced rim consists of a frieze alternating the French fleur-de-lis (France was an official claim for England since the 14th century) and the English rose.