CONFEDERATE SADDLES

The following military patterned solid brass cheeked bridle bits and extant pieces were all excavated from war time sites. Brass bits were certainly made by, or for the Confederate arsenals, but except for the Shay & Williamson bit it is impossible to know with certainty whether any of the others are Confederate-made patterns, Militia or even private purchase Federal bits. Nevertheless, all are intriguing pieces

Photo #1: Probable officer’s double rein ring bit excavated in Georgia. It is 8 3/4" in height with an interior
mouthpiece width of 4 7/8". Other very similar patterned bits believed to be Confederate have been found.

Photo #2: This bit has a rather European look to its upper cheek piece and may be an artillery bit.

Photo #3: Piece of a probable officer’s double rein ring bit.

Photo #4: Rather stout brass cheeked bit excavated in Virginia.

Photo #5: Shay & Williamson Bit: This pattern bit was made under contract to the Richmond Arsenal by the
Raleigh North Carolina firm of Shay & Williamson. For more information on this bit and its maker see the
feature article "Richmond Arsenal Officer's Bit" on the home page.

Photo #1
Photo #2

Photo #3
Photo #4

Photo #5