Unknown item - snaffle bit?

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Detlef,
So it is obviously too long (and heavy) to be a Fob Watch chain. If, as has been suggested, that it is some kind of necklace, why the necessity for the "revolving key"? It does not seem logical to me for the need of this even if something heavy was to be hung on it. I could be quite wrong here but that is just my thoughts.
Stu

Hi Detlef,
Just another thought about this item.
It could (maybe) be a neck chain used by some well to do person for leading a horse or some other animal. The chain would go over the head and around the neck, unlike a snaffle bit which goes in the mouth. Then a halter is attached to the "key" to lead the animal. As has been said elsewhere, this item appears quite old so we may never know exactly what it was used for. Could possibly be of Middle Eastern origin???
Stu