Ebony Crossbow with Bone Inlay · Historical Crossbow Archive

Title: Ebony Crossbow with Bone Inlay
Collection Location: Unknown (private collection)
Date: 19th century according to Hermann Historica
16th-17th century according to Aguttes
Location: Switzerland or Germany
Description: This crossbow has a steel prod (bow) and a braided hemp bowstring. There are the original pompoms, made of green wool. The prod is attached to the stock with cord bindings. The stock is made of sculpted ebony decorated with bone inlay, some of which is missing or replaced. Inlay motifs include a scimitar crossed with an ax, a fasces symbol, a Roman officer (lictor), and a conch shell. The inlay on the cheek rest depicts William Tell and his son (Swiss folk heroes). The bolt rest is made of bone, while the suspension ring, nut, and trigger guard are made of iron. The crossbow has an iron flap lock mechanism and a set trigger.
This crossbow is an example of the Saxon type, referring to the German province of Saxony, but the Swiss imagery suggests another possible origin.
Source: Auctioned at Hermann Historica and Aguttes
Link:: Images and information courtesy of Hermann Historica and Aguttes:; Hermann Historica - A Saxon bone-inlaid target crossbow with ebony stock, 19th century; Aguttes - arbalète suisse (Swiss crossbow)
Crossbow Top Measurements: Length: 68 cm
Width (length of prod): 55 cm