Near Eastern bronze horse bit with elaborate cheekpieces

A nice Near Eastern bronze horse bit with elaborate cheekpieces, c. 1000 - 600 BC, each in the form of griffins, which are one of the most popular hybrid creatures depicted in the art of Western Asia. The body is long with central hole for the bit, loops at the rump and shoulders for attachment of the check straps. Each check piece is about 4 x 4 1/4 in (10.2 x 10.2 cm) the total bit is 6 5/8 in(16.7 cm) in length. Some encrustation and deposits but a nice example with old custom wood mount. Ex collection of Edward Sassoon, New York.

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