This is the last pattern of the U.S. artillery brass-faced bits, having US or USA raised markings on the ends of the mouthpiece and a slot for the curb chain. This one is nicely marked by J.M. Frazee & Co. of Newark and a US inspector “A.G.B.” Frazee was a maker of saddle hardware and is known to have had contracts in early 1864 that included 10,000 artillery bits. From this and other examples it is clear he was supplying the 1862/3 pattern, though with a slot for the curb chain instead of a hole and using the entwined USA motif on the rosettes instead of just US. (He may have made the tinned iron pattern, usually called the 1864 pattern, as well.)

This set in excellent condition. The maker stamp in the metal is legible, if a little light on the end. The brass surface is untouched and has some dark areas and some green build up that will clean. The leather is in super shape, untreated, and with no breaks. The reins are complete and full length, and the headstall is complete also, with no breaks and all buckles intact. The small curb chain is missing, but these show up on the loose occasionally and can be replaced.

This will make a great addition to an artillery display.  [sr]

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