Crossbow

Title

Crossbow

HCA Identifier

1881,0802.132

Collection Location

The British Museum

Date

1550-1575

Location

Germany

Description

This crossbow features a straight wooden stock that tapers toward the butt end. It is elaborately inlaid with engraved ivory panels featuring decorative hunting scenes, including scrolling foliage and figural scenes, such as a standing nobleman in 16th- or 17th-century attire. The prod is made of steel and is bound to the stock with a thick, twisted rope bridle. The rope is looped through metal rings or fixtures on either side of the stock and secured tightly around the prod, with red wool pom poms placed at the binding points likely for decoration. The bowstring is made of coarse twisted fiber, looped at each end around the tips of the prod. It runs across the front of the stock and sits in place near the nut mechanism. This crossbow is fitted with a multi-axle lock mechanism partially enclosed in an engraved metal plate at the top of the stock. The trigger is located beneath the stock and enclosed by a decorative metal trigger guard that is covered in a red material. Lugs are visible along the sides of the stock, a ring is attach at the top of the stock possibly for hanging or carrying the weapon, and the weapon is marked with a maker’s stamp in the form of a bunch of grapes.
Materials/Media Steel, wood, cotton (?)
Dimensions/Measurements Length: Length: 64 centimetres
Weight: Weight: 3950 grammes
Width: Width: 59.50 centimetres
Other notes Bequeathed by William Burges, acquired in 1881

Source

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1881-0802-132
The British Museum