A Possible 18th Century Bit Boss

[SwiftSword]

During last week's event at a 1750s farm in Ashburnham, MA, I pulled a domed lump of rust from about a foot under a former pasture. There wasn't much to see apart from the tab sticking out on one side, and the very obvious nipple. This immediately led to the designation of "colonial pasty", but nobody had a clue as to what it really was. 

At home, I dropped the find in evaporust for a week, with daily brushings. It soon became evident that the little dome was decorated. It was too small for a Victorian door knob, and then there was that tab sticking out. A friend suggested it might be a bit or bridle boss. Modern ones are mostly plain and are typically made from lead or copper alloy. But 18th century ones are often elaborately decorated and are sometimes made from cast iron. 
The remaining tab on mine (there were two, but only a scar remains of the second one) doesn't have the characteristic hole, but apparently that's not necessarily a deal breaker. Sometimes the tabs were fitted into leather pockets on the bridle. 

I would love to hear your considered opinions on this! 
 

 

 

 

 

 

[Valens Legacy]

Nice find and good luck on your next hunt.

[Rick N. MI]

Impressive find.

[JCR]

Very neat. And it cleaned up quite well,

[SwiftSword]

It did! I love evaporust. Reverse electrolysis would have worked as well, but I find I lack the patience and turn the amperage up too high, which results in pitting and things falling apart, especially wrought iron. The chemical works at its own pace, no matter how much I'm hopping up and down 😄

[JCR]

I will see if I can find some of that product. I have had fair results with White Vinegar.  I have had very good results with Ospho  Phosphoric acid as a preservative after cleaning an Iron object.

[SwiftSword]

You can get it on Amazon, or at pretty much any auto parts store.   

[F350Platinum]

Great find, SS. 👍 would like to have seen the "before" pic.

I don't dig much iron but I'll take a look at that rust remover. Thanks!

[SwiftSword]

I don't often forget to take a before picture, but when I do, it's always on a better find 😄

[Rick N. MI]

I've had great results with white vinegar too. On super rusty items I have to let them soak for week. It's amazing what's in there after the rust gone.