A Military Rule Jointed Pelham Horse Bit by Hawkins - Bit823 june24 Dimensions : Length including handle

Dimensions : Length  including handle and ring : 10½" (27cm)

There are no stamps or maker's marksThere are a few patches of surface rust which could be polished off

Its straight mouthpiece is covered in black rubber

Ref : spur446

There is a monogram on the flask

A Military Rule Jointed Pelham Horse Bit by Hawkins - Bit823 june24 Dimensions : Length including handleThis pelham is made from steel, with quite a dark aged patinaThe mouthpiece has a central hinge or rule joint. One mouthpiece is stamped "J. H." with a broad arrow an ordnance mark indicating military use."J. H." stands for John Hawkins who, according to the Saddlery & Harness Journal, was apprenticed to the bit making trade aged nine and set up his own company in 1840, he died in 1891, leaving the company in the hands of his sons James & Benjamin.