It's Neat...But What Is It?

[Bell-Two]

Found this at an early 1800's house, it is brass and about 3" long large loop has some wear on top as if it swiveled or turned some. Maybe some kind of horse tack....but I just don't know!

 

[taz42o]

Gag runner/check line guide.

 

[Ism]

I think it might be for a horse harness from latter 19th century. I found a similar one with a hook on one end.

 

[Jim West Pa]

n/t

 

[Ism]

I don't know much about horse tack.
Here's a pic of the item I found.

 

[taz42o]

Those items go on a bridle for use with a gag bit. They are called different things by some people,rein guides ,check line guides, gag loops , gag swivels and ISM the one you have is often called a gag hook .But they are gag runners.The check lines run from the gag bit up through the gag runners [top of bridle]back to the harness. They keep the animal from running or moving its head too much by pulling on the gag bit. Used for diving with a harness, not when riding.
There are many styles as you can see in the patents link.

http://www.google.com/?tbm=pts&hl=en#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&site=&tbm=pts&source=hp&q=gag+runners&oq=gag+runner&aq=0v&aqi=g-v1g-b1&aql=&gs_nf=1&gs_l=hp.1.0.0i15j0i8.88702.99099.1.100434.10.10.0.0.0.0.820.2585.0j7j1j1j6-1.10.0.GCHJkceM_2Q&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=70d2a1aa1da75570

some examples here... http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showcat.php?cat=all&stype=1&si=rein+guide

 

[Bell-Two]

Very nice taz I think you have really nailed it there...Thanks so much!