RARE antique fly head terret, with brass bells and plume. This was used to keep the flies off of draught horses. A terret or swinger is a metal loop on a horse harness, guiding the lines and preventing them from becoming tangled or snagged on the harness. A fly head terret is one of the best known heavy horse decorations. These are not only worn on the head, but on other parts of the harness such as the cart saddle or even on rump straps for instance. The Plume is made of horse hair and in white, green and red. These information came from the National Horse Brass Society of the United Kingdom website.
I have never seen one quite like this before. One of the two bell clappers order is missing, easily replaceable. Please have a look at the photos for more detailed description. Measures 12 inches long.
Product code: RARE order Antique Brass Bell Terret with Plume, Bells and Plume Terret, Fly Head Terret, Late 1800s