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Title
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A FINE GERMAN SPORTING CROSSBOW SIGNED BY THE MAKER HGA
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Collection Location
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Private Collection
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Date
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LATE 16TH CENTURY
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Location
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German
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Description
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This crossbow features a steel prod stamped with a mark on one side (Neue Stockel 5217). The upper and lower edges of the prod are etched with a rope work design and, on the outer face is a running band of etched anthemion. The inside of the prod is etched with elaborate patterns of scrolling foliage with differing flowers and fruit inhabited by a butterfly and birds-of-prey. The decorated prod is fitted with a later added bowstring and retained by later added cords. The stock is veneered with large ebonised panels on each side and contrasting panels of staghorn on the top and bottom. The raised cheek-piece on one side is signed with the maker's initials HSA on a staghorn panel at the front. The stock has been fitted with a later stirrup, a pair of lugs for a cranequin, a long slender trigger, an additional later modified trigger, later fore-sight, and bone nut. It would appear that this bow was modified with the second trigger, fore-sight and probably a back-sight (now missing) in the 18th Century. Another bow stamped with the same mark is preserved in the Museum Fur Deutsche Geschichte, Berlin and another in the Armoury at Skokloster.
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Source
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Thomas Del Mar Ltd in association with Sotheby's
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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57.0 cm; 22 in stock
