Bit Boss first half 16th century French or South Netherlandish Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. This boss, embossed on its center with a stylized scallop, bears stamped on its rim a proverb in French, partly illegible. It belongs to a large group of bosses, some inscribed with proverbs, produced in Northern France or in the Southern Netherlands during the 16th century.. Bit Boss. French or South Netherlandish. first half 16th century. Copper alloy. Equestrian Equipment-Bits