Antique US Civil War Ring Bit - Blue Finish & Maker Marked *For A Cavalry Bridle

Description

This is a very nice antique U.S. Civil War ring bit whose condition is remarkably good for it's age, as it still retains a majority of it's original "blue" finish.
Inside (or in the shade) the finish looks more like a silvery grey, but outside in the sun the finish has a pretty blue-ish sheen to it.
The bit does have some minor rust showing, but the rust is not that bad at all considering the age of the bit.
The bit is maker marked, but I am not familiar with the mark and I have shown it in picture #6.
The maker's mark is on the outside of one of the upper shanks and on the outside of the other upper shank are the initials of W.M.E., which I imagine are the inspectors initials and these are shown in picture #7.
During the War there were a few Federal contractors whose name began with a W that supplied bits to be used during the War. -- such as William P. Wilstach & Co. of Phil. PA and Condict, Wheeler of Newark, N.J. --- but these are just two names and I am sure that there were others as well.
The mouth-piece has a high port and in the center of the high port is a brass roller that spins easily. The large jaw ring moves well too.
The bit has two US brass bosses and both are securely attached. The slobber bar is securely attached as well.
The lower rein rings do have some rust on them, but there is no wear showing where they are attached to the bottom of the lower shanks....sometimes the lower shank's little "eye" holes that the rein rings go through show wear, but the eye holes on this bit do not show any wear.
Nice, nice bit. Not easy to find these ring bits that still retain a lot of their original "blue" finish, as this one does. It would certainly be a great addition to anyone's collection.
This antique US ring bit is being sold "no returns" and I will gladly send to anyone any additional pictures that they might like. I would also be happy to answer any questions.
Bidders from the lower 48 states only please and payment would be appreciated with-in 3 days after the auction ends. Thank-you.