A fine German Sporting Crossbow signed by the maker HGA

Title

A fine German Sporting Crossbow signed by the maker HGA

Collection Location

Private Collection

Date

LATE 16TH CENTURY

Location

German

Description

This metal steel sporting bow stamped with a mark on one side (Neue Stockel 5217), etched on the upper and lower edges with ropework, on the outer face with a running band of anthemion. On the inside with elaborate patterns of scrolling foliage, there are differing flowers and fruit inhabited by a moth and birds-of-prey, fitted with later string and retained by later cords. The large fruitwood column is veneered with large ebonised panels on each side and contrasting panels of staghorn top and bottom, with raised cheek-piece on one side, signed with the maker's initials HSA on a staghorn panel at the front, fitted with a stirrup. A pair of lugs is in place for a cranequin, with a long slender trigger.

Source

Thomas Del Mar Ltd in association with Sotheby's

Link:

Data and images courtesy of

Thomas Del Mar Ltd/Olympia Auctions

Crossbow Top Measurements

57cm