15th-16th century AD. An Irish-type bronze bridle cheek-piece with a separate looped fitting for attachment to the reins; the loop a substantial D-section bar extending to two flat plates, pierced to take an attachment rivet, the junction decorated with geometric detailing and a facetted section; the cheek piece formed as a pair of addorsed serpentine heads with elaborate lappets extending in a radiating series from the crest of the head across the void to rejoin the neck at the point of bifurcation; the lower lappet in each series with two transverse ribs towards the lower end, and similar ribs to the junction with the loop. 123 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). From an old English collection; acquired in the early 1990s.

Very fine condition. Rare.