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Title
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A South German bone-inlaid Renaissance crossbow with hunting motifs, circa 1600/20
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HCA Identifier
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HHA891311
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Collection Location
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Private collection
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Description
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This crossbow is composed of an iron prod and features the original green woollen pompoms. The inner side of the prod a features a stamp which resembles a 5 fingered hand. The safety cord, and binding are crafted of braided hemp bowstring, which was also used to attach the suspension ring to the front of the prod. The stock is made of walnut, and the top and bottom are entirely veneered in bone. The front top of the stock is 2 cm shorter than the rest of the stock. The sides of the stock are inlaid with bone and depict hunters pursuing various animals including large game. The figures are positioned amongst vines and floral motifs. The underside of the stock is finely engraved with further floral motifs. The underside, butt end of the stock depicts an engraved standing Adam and Eve and towards the prod is another human figure believed to be the icon of Fortuna. The nut is also made of bone and secured with a thread. This crossbow's mechanism is a multi-axle lock and folding trigger. The butt end of the stock has a thumb depression and evidence of mounting holes indicating that a rear sight used to be attached.
Provenance: From the Schulthess collection (CH).
Condition: II -"
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length 65.5 cm
