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Title
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Large pellet crossbow
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Collection Location
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Private Collection
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Date
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17th / 18th century
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Location
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Northern Italy
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Description
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At the tip of this crossbow, there is a pyramidal wooden spike tipped with a metal cap.
There is a forked sight with an unusual form - the two vertical metal sticks have curly ends (like the antennae often seen among the Auplopus genus of spider wasps, for example). There is a sort of metal collar around the stock here - it may be reinforcing the wood. The wooden stock then bends into a concave curve, before coming back up and returning to a straight form. At this point, there is a metal hook which folds back into the stock. It is probably the mechanism which would hold the bowstring. It is on an axle which connects to two small metal pieces. The metal pieces attach to the stock on either side. The two metal pieces have beautiful decorative elements, including their general shape and the filigree-style engravings on the surface. The metal piece on the right side of the stock is damaged. There is a foldable sight in the shape of an arch. Farther down the top of the stock, there is a large, prominent scrollwork carving protruding upwards. The rest of the stock is relatively plain, except for the butt which is in the shape of a circular knob or pommel.
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Source
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CZERNY'S INTERNATIONAL AUCTION HOUSE
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 93.5 cm
