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Title
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C. 17th Century Children's Crossbow
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HCA Identifier
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M.223-1919
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Date
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C.1600
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Location
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South Kensington, London, UK
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Description
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This c.17th century German crossbow was crafted for the use of a child, as indicated by the reduced size. The bow would have been used to prepare children adequately for activities of adulthood such as war, hunting and target shooting of which they were expected to be highly skilled in. The wooden stock of the bow is partially covered in stag horn and engraved with a lively hunting scene. Closest to the butt end of the crossbow is a depiction of a male figure on a horse that is up on its hind legs, indicating a swift pace forward. The mustached subject totes an undecipherable weapon in his right hand, and is sporting a wide brimmed hat resembling that of a cowboy’s. In front of the subject, moving along the stock towards the prod are two four legged animals understood to be dogs, chasing a herd of deer running away from the horseback hunter. The length of the stock features sparse, stylized landscape engravings emulating German folk art of the period exhibiting various types of trees, bushes and grasses that the subjects run through. Beneath the bolt clip made of cow horn is a delicate floral engraving reflecting the folk art style, which fills this small space. Similar motifs are seen on a smaller scale around the reinforcing rivet, cocking pin (possibly a rear sight) and the bridle creating a cohesive ornamentation. The steel bow is un decorated and accompanied by the original rope fixing and suspension ring. The trigger guard, also crafted of steel, takes a more dramatic curved form than other German bows of the prior century.
The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired this item through the J.G. Joicey Bequest of 1919 and its prior provenance is unknown.
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Source
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Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 42.3 cm
Depth: 35.9 cm
Width: 35.9 cm
Weight: 0.56 kg or 1.23 lbs
