Hi Roy. Your bit is a Kimberwick also known as Kimblewick. I cant date it for you, but can say early bits from early 1900s were made from nickle. They can still be bought today but are chrome plated. This particular bit is still in use today…but not in vogue. A variation on the Kimberwick bit included a couple of slots in the “D” through which the reins were attached. Depending upon the slot used, it increased the severity of the "curb " action. The chain on yours would lay flat under the horses jaw and hook to the hook on the other side of the bit. That curve in the middle of your bit is called the “port”. It enables room for the tongue. So to briefly finish, your bit is one of the milder curb bits used to have more stopping control on horses with very little brakes. Measure between the “D” and if 4 and half inches or more…then it was used on a hack not a pony. A hack is 14.2 hands high upwards. A hand is equivalent to 4 inches. Nice find and in very very good condition!
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