There is a comparable example in the crossbow collection in Vienna. Acquired by Henry Walters, 1921. French (Artist) (Baroque Europe ) Materials/Media walnut, iron Dimensions/Measurements L: 37 1/2 x W: 22 1/4 in. (95.25 x 56.52 cm) Other notes Bashford Dean Sale, American Art Association, New York, November 18, 1921, lot 213; Henry Walters, Baltimore, November 18, 1921, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

It retains its original bow-string of twisted cord. The subjects of the carving on the sides and underpart of the stock are: St. George in armour standing on the Dragon, with the arms of Bavaria. On one side of him is Emperor Maximinus ordering the beheading of St. Catherine. On the other side three men (two of them fighting with longswords). Painted, not carved, on the top of the stock, are the quartered arms of Völs -Colonna, its former owners. Below the binding of the nut on the left side is “a fool playing bagpipes” and a woman being enticed. On the other side three armed men, two showing their backs and a girl between two young men. On the other side “the martyrdom of St. Sebastian” and three nude figures, a male between two females, and Adam and Eve. On the underside are entwined dragons. Located in “European Armoury I” Völs Colonna; Sir S. R. Meyrick; Sir Richard Wallace, August 1871. Exhibited: Manchester Art Treasures, 1857 (Planche, 1857, p. 15); South Kensington, 1869, no. 2 (The Illustrated London News, LIV, 1869, p.224, no.20). Materials/Medi a Steel, antler, wood, gold, iron, paint, parchment, cord and leather, gilded and carved Dimensions/Me asurements Length: 72 cm | Length:59.6 cm, span of bow | Weight: 4.4 kg