Cossack Bit from Russia

This bit belonged to Pavlova’s father who was a Cossack. (Cossacks are of Turku-Tartaric origin. The name Cossack comes from the word Quasar meaning adventurer or vagabond or predatory horseman in popular Russian it acquired the meaning or a free man and later specifically a warrior or a soldier.

Quote from Russian Hussar, A Story of the Imperial Cavalry 1911-1920 by Vladimir Littauer (pub. Long Riders Guild Press) (Pavlova was a famous Russian dancer died of pneumonia in Hampstead in 1940’s).

Made of iron with brass inlay, the style is medieval with the ring curb weighted with brass and iron balls. There are two sets of rings to hold reins. The curb ring is attached to the port.

5” (12.5 cm) width 6” (15 cm) length of shank.

Provenance: bequeathed to Private collection by Eileen Pearcey who purchased it from the sale of Anna Pavlova’s effects at Ivy House 1931. Approx value £200