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Title
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A crossbow with lavish bone inlays by Johann Bensheimer the Elder, Dresden, late 17th century
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HCA Identifier
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HHA821552
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Collection Location
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Private collection
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Date
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Late 17th century
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Location
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Dresden, Germany
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Description
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This Rüstung crossbow has a heavy steel prod that tapers towards the end and passes through the stock secured by hemp cord. On the inside on the right of the prod there is a stamp of a wheel mark with a sun burst. The bowstring made of braided hemp cord is in original condition with gilded cord anchors. There is a rounded metal suspension also secured to the front of the stock with hemp string. There are green woolen pom poms around the prod as well as one on the end of the trigger lever. The slender wooden stock is completely veneered in bone inlays with intricate decorations. There are scrolling tendrils, castles, a hunting scene with men on horse, a stag, a hare, bears, a bird, and dragons all found in the elaborate landscape. On the underside of the stock near the nut, the maker's name "J. B. Senior f." (Johann Bensheimer Senior fecit) is engraved. The lock mechanism is a rolling nut with a multi-axle lock. The nut is made of antler and functions on the original cord pivot. Below this is a band of green fabric. There is also a bolt clip made of horn. On the sides of the butt and the cheek-rest are simple inlays of horn grayish-brown in colour with a bone butt cap. There is a curved piece on the underside has the year "1569" and the double cross pattée stamped. The bolt clip and trigger guard are new.
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length 69 cm
Width of the prod 69 cm
