Leather Reins, Decorated with Woven Silver

These reins are straight on the top and dog toothed below. They have been much mended and might well have been handed down through many generations. A fine silver thread has been woven into a thin leather in geometric designs in which the centers have two different repeated patterns. They would have been used for special occasions such as weddings.

The leather is in a very poor and delicate condition, which suggests that these are probably over 150 years old. They would have been attached to the curb ring on a bit. 66” (168 cm) long and 5 1/4” (13.5 cm) deep to the point of the triangle.

Provenance: purchased from John Gillow £40. 1990’s for private collector. Approx value £250.