A rare military crossbow for incendiaries

Title

A rare military crossbow for incendiaries

Collection Location

Private Collection

Date

17th century

Location

France

Description

This massive crossbow operates off of the large windlass attached to the back with the attachment point. With a protrudng part at the botoom, the bow is used in a different manner than the handheld versions. Featuring a massive stirrup for two feet possibly (with it bent in the middle), this large wooden crossbow has metal securements in the front for the prod and windlass, winded by many coilwheels. The large wooden bow is cocked by the claws and feature a metal trigger at the bottom to release the cocked bow from winding the windlass. In front is a large bolt channel with ivory inlaid tracks.

Thomas Del Mar mentioned a bow of similar construction is preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds. Another, signed 'A. Perot' on the trigger was sold Sotheby's Billingshurst 14th July 1998, lot 69.

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

45cm