-
Title
-
A Saxon bone-inlaid crossbow with ebony veneer, 17th century
-
HCA Identifier
-
HHA891313
-
Collection Location
-
Private collection
-
Description
-
This crossbow found in Saxony, features a heavy steel prod with remnants of gilding, and the mark of a wheel with a sun burst stamped on the inside of the prod on the right. The stock is finished with gilt cord anchors, and decorative pom poms of green wool. The stock is made of finely grained brown wood covered with approximately 2 mm of ebony veneer which shows evidence of worm damage. The stock is also inlaid with polished antler with blackened engravings. The cheek rest is engraved with representational images including foliage, a large leaping stag, and a castle in the background, closest to the butt end of the stock. The original nut is made of antler and secured with thread. The mechanism is a multi-axle lock with a folding trigger and iron trigger guard. The butt end of the stock has been capped with an iron applique. A fragment of the old horn bolt channel is visible behind the nut. Overall the crossbow is incomplete, damaged, shows evidence of old repairs, and the iron components are rusted.
-
Crossbow Top Measurements
-
Width of the bow 59 cm, total length 59 cm.
