14th-16th century AD. An iron curb bit consisting of long arched shanks with U-shaped cheek-pieces, one end of the shanks with U-shaped openings through which a bigger rein ring passes; the body of each openwork shank is embossed; the end of the shanks with D-shaped extensions with rectangular loops, attached to them are two U-brackets, the left one open, the right one once holding a chain; mouthpiece consisting of three parts: a bar with a rectangular cross-section, fitted with three holes, attached to the arms and ending with round wide terminals; a second rod with articulated rings, connected to the upper part of the shanks. See ????????, ?., ???????????????? ????????? (The Old Bulgarian Armament), ?????, 1996, fig.1, pl.XXIV and fig.5, for an identical example.340 grams, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). From an important private Dutch collection; formerly in the collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. This type of horse bits, although much decorated and gilded, are visible on one of the most important equestrian artwork of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi in Florence painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, representing the Three Kings visiting Christ depicted in costumes of early quarter of 15th century. One of the Magi is representing the penultimate Roman Emperor John VIII Palaiologos. All the cavalrymen on the artworks had heavy curb-bit (but with short and curved shanks, like our specimen) and heavy, single reins.