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This is a bridle boss made of copper-alloy and dating to c.1620-1680. It was recently found by a metal-detectorist near Ringmer in Lewes, East Sussex. While heavily corroded, it is unusual in two respects. First, it is still attached to the remains of its iron curb fittings and, second, it was found within 100m of the findspot of an identical bridle boss, also with attached curb bit, which was discovered and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme 16 years ago (search for SUSS-025985 on the PAS database: https://finds.org.uk/database). It is highly likely that these are a matching pair.
The boss is circular, with a raised central dome decorated with a six-petalled flower and surrounded by six openwork hearts with grooved borders. Around the dome is a flat section, which originally comprised 15 triangular projections ending with trefoils, although one has since been lost. The copper-alloy rivet securing the boss to the curb bit remains in place, and the lever arm of the bit is almost complete, with just a few areas of corrosion and breaks.
While similar horse bosses usually date to between the 17th and 18th centuries, this specific example is considered to be of an Openwork Multifoil Type that is more characteristic of the 17th century, as depicted in paintings from this period, such as Anthony van Dyck’s Equestrian Portrait of Charles I (1635-1636), and more Baroque-period paintings such as Aelbert Cuyp’s Lady and Gentleman on Horseback (1660).
For more information about this bridle boss, see https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1149558 or search for SUSS-4A2932 on the PAS database.
Text: Kathryn Krakowka
