Featured in this lot is this Buermann Hercules bronze horse head bridle bit. The bridle shows iconic "Hercules Bronze" construction with nickel horse head adornments on the shanks of the bridle. The mouth piece is considered a Mona Lisa bit with a roller cricket. August Buermann immigrated to the US from Germany in 1864. After fighting in the Civil War, Buermann returned to New Jersey, where he went to work at Alexander Barclay’s company. Buermann bought out Barclay and over the next 60 years, Buermann’s company produced the most complete catalog of bits and spurs of any company in the US, producing as many as 441 spur styles and 496 bit patterns. Many of these styles were original designs that were patented. Buermann also patented a metal alloy he called Hercules Bronze, which is a non-rusting alloy that has a nice bronze appearance. The condition of this bridle bit is good, with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this bridle bit are 6 3/4" x 6" x 1 3/4".