5 1/8″ US Cavalry Model 1911 Rock Island Full Cheek Snaffle

This is a literal piece of history! Made by Rock Island Arsenal for the US Calvary, designed for Calvary’s medium stock-slightly larger for the draft cross mounts but still small enough for mounted horses (5 1/8″ mouth). In a short cheek version (5″ cheek) of a full cheek snaffle to be used in both driving and riding horses, with a slightly large side snaffle ring. Rock Island Arsenal was contracted to design and built multiple models of bits with this model being the Model 1911 Artillery Snaffle Bit. Rock Island got the contract in the early 1900’s, creating a small testing issue to the Army between 1907-1909, with the contract being extended in 1911. Those build for the US Army before 1911 were not stamped with a date, meaning this one is pre-1911. Is stamped RIA (Rock Island Arsenal) and US. This is a vintage bit and despite its age, is in very good condition. It had rusted a bit so has some minor pitting, but has been carefully cleaned and shows little to no rust any longer. Just some minor/typical pitting. The bottom of one side of the full cheek is very, very slightly bent, but could easily be pounded/pressed back. This is a true collection piece, and what a piece to have!