Mexican War Ringgold Cavalry Horse Bit

This is a very interesting horse bit attributed to Artillery Major Samual Ringgold in the 1840's. He also furnished the army with a new saddle type in 1844 and a watering bit. This is an exact copy of the bit found on page 86 Fig. 2 of "Horse Equipment of the Civil War Era" by Howard R Crouch. This example is in very good condition with most of the heavy brass coating and light oxidation on the un-plated mouthpiece. Distinctive double side ring are all free and functional. Excellent piece of cavalry history.