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Title
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Pellet Pistol Crossbow, 17th Century
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HCA Identifier
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002237
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Collection Location
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Geneva, Switzerland
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Date
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second half of 17th century
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Location
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Italy
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Description
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This small pistol-shaped pellet crossbow has a steel prod, connected to a wooden stock with bow irons. The crossbow is inlaid with steel, which has been carved and engraved to resemble plant leaves. Part of the stock also bears this plant motif. The crossbow has an arch-shaped steel sight, folded down in the photos. Its trigger is a hair trigger, protected by a continuous trigger guard. A steel protrustion on the underside resembles the lever-type triggers on older crossbows and is likely decorative. The end of the stock curves to form the grip of the “pistol" shape. There is a steel spike on the tip of this crossbow.
Note: Pellet crossbows are also called bullet crossbows and stone crossbows. In Italian, a small pellet crossbow is called a "balestrino."
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Source
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Art and History Museum of Geneva (MAH: Musée d'art et d'histoire à Genève)
Bought in 1937
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 30.8 cm (about 1 ft)
Width: 24.6 cm (about 10 in)
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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Height: 9.8 cm (about 4 in)
Weight: 380 g (about 13 oz)
