Can anyone identify this bit?

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The very basic design of this mouthpiece is similar to one referred to as a "Sweetwater" bit. And it also looks very similar to a mullen mouth.

http://www.horsetackinternational.com/index.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=7984&reviews_id=4

Have seen a lot of colts ridden in this above example of the "Sweetwater" mouthpiece.

http://www.rods.com/p/497,234_Imported-Heavy-Stainless-Mullen-Mouth-Bit.html

The bit in your photo has a mouthpiece that looks as though it has "sections" of copper rollers that will turn when the horse moves it's tongue against the mouthpiece. The bit may have been a "one of" however, it's mouthpiece shape, is certainly popular with those riding colts.

Both bits, "Sweetwater and the Mullen mouth" provide tongue relief.

Both Ricotti and Capriola Saddlery (California) carry the above examples of the Sweetwater bit and the mullen mouth bit; however, their bits are certainly better built than these examples (copper inlay in the mouthpieces and their bits are beautifully balanced)....Show more

I wouldn't get too excited over $1,000,000... there is a backwoods tack shop at the barn where I board my horses, and bits similar (not exactly like) come through all the time bought in junk boxes at auctions. The rough edges, different designs, lack of a maker etched on there.. odds are it is a cheap curb and probably not homemade. I have seen ones with stars, guns, circles, squares, you name it, pass through.

But hey, I think that I only own one or two name brand bits, but who cares?? If my horse works well with the cheap one and it isn't wearing at an abnormal rate, I just saved a lot of money, right?...Show more

this is a "tom thumb" or "Argentinean snaffle" this is an entire misnomer, because of the fact it is not a snaffle in any respect. I believe the guy that advised you to not use it, this is an exceedingly severe bit, even whilst utilized by skill of the main experienced delicate exceeded riders. You seem new to the pony tack international, and because you weren't knowledgeable sufficient to become attentive to the bit i motivate you to learn bits and how they function, and their generic makes use of in the previous choosing slightly on your horse. Tack is extremely exciting. undergo in recommendations that in the time of maximum situations an elementary O ring or eggbutt snaffle is a suitable selection for many initiating riders. additionally, interior the destiny you would be an excellent movie star in explaining how a tom thumb works in case you undergo in recommendations what OKEY DOKEY mentioned and likewise, to boot, to those strikes the tom thumb makes use of it is going to additionally "squeeze" the bars of the mouth whilst the rider possibilities up on the reins because of shanks. i wish you delight in learning bits and different products of tack. save asking solid questions and you would be unfolded to an entire new international....Show more

It might be some kind of walking horse bit. Just remember....you get what you pay for. I've purchased "bargain" bits before only to find out that the "stainless" steel is just chrome over some cheap metal when it starts flaking a peeling off. Yuck. I'll stick to name brands like Reinsman....Show more

it is defiantly home made, but i've never even seen a bit remotely like it?
so i really have no idea what it could/would be used for....Show more