Miniature metal full cheek, loose ring, snaffle horse bridle bit

This miniature bit was bought as having belonged to World War One Australian soldier, Norman William Tulloh.
Norman was a 21 year old clerk from Malvern, Melbourne when he enlisted on 1 April 1915 (service number 4650). He served as a Gunner with the Field Artillery Brigade 2, 7th Reinforcements.
He served at Gallipoli but was invalided to hospital with enteric fever. After time in convalescent hospitals in Alexandria and England, he was returned to Australia. He then returned to service in France and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant with the 1st Division Artillery by the time he was discharged in June 1919.

Field Artillery Brigades in World War One heavily relied on horses, which were crucial for transporting guns, ammunition, and personnel across rough terrain where motorized transport failed.

It is not possible to know whether Norman developed an affinity for horses during this time or whegher it was something he came to after the war. The purpose of the miniature bit is also unknown.

The FM bit (or Fulmer bit) is a specialized full-cheek snaffle where the rings are loose rather than fixed. The design combines the safety and steering precision of full cheeks with the "play" and responsiveness of a loose ring bit. It was designed by Franz Mairinger (FM) - a former Spanish Riding School instructor who immigrated to Australia after World War Two.