Horse lunging cavesson??

[buffalocolt27]

Found this at a flea market today, was actually going to use it on my horses, then cleaned it up and spotted a mark on the headstall "rock island 1918 G.H.W." Looks like a halter with cheekpieces attached to a heavy padded noseband and over the noseband leather is a heavy metal bars held down by small leather buckles, in the center of this is a metal swivel ring. (You would attach your lunge line to said ring and the horse would warm up around you in about a 20 meter circle) There is other marks G.W.H. and J.B. on it as well. I will try to upload a picture as soon as I get it cleaned.
Thanks!

[buffalocolt27]

Further markings found... C.L.G., W.C.P., J.T. Looks to have been repaired, has one broken small buckle, but buckle is still attached, chin strap has been repaired, and is now "hanging by a thread" as it were.

[Patgore]

Hi, Buff:

I'm sure you know that Rock Island Arsenal (aka R.I.A.)was one of the United States' major suppliers of all kinds of military gear, including tack.

Not sure of the dates, but certainly WW1, and maybe even now.

Cheers,

Pat

[buffalocolt27]

pics at buffalocolt27.shutterfly.com

[buffalocolt27]

Thanks, purchased from an English lady with lots of other old tack. Do they still make horse equipment? I know they still make arms, but didn't know about this.