What: A bridle, given by Secretary of State for India, Sir Stafford Henry Northcote

Where: The British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG

The catalogue entry reads:

“Bridle, comprised of reins, curb bit and headgear made of leather and iron. The reins are made of plaited leather decorated at the top with an elaborate leather coil. They are attached to the curb bit by a series of knots. The bit, made of iron, has two parts, a “u” shaped bar which rests on the animals tongue and a moveable ring which goes around the animals lower jaw. The leather headgear is attached to the bit by a series of leather loops and knots. The headgear consists of two cheek bands and a nose band; each decorated with two silver discs with elaborate conical bosses and punched design around the edge and one rectangular silver ornament with daisy motif and a punched design. The cheek bands are further decorated where they attach to the bit with leather embroidery.”

Details:
Museum number: Af1868,1230.13
Date: 19thC(mid)
Acquisition name: Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, 1st Earl of Iddesleigh
Acquisition date: 1868