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Title
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Ornately Carved Pellet Crossbow, 16th Century
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HCA Identifier
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R 842
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Collection Location
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Paris, France
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Date
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second half of 16th century
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Location
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France or Italy
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Description
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This Italian-style pellet crossbow is made of wood and steel. Bow irons connect the steel bow to the wooden stock. The tip of the stock is carved in the shape of a lion’s face with an open mouth. A pyramidal steel spike protrudes from that lion’s mouth. The stock is finely carved with a variety of other faces as well. The face of a bearded man is carved into the stock just past the bow. The stock then curves downwards and back upwards. There is some steel decoration, including a sight in the form of an arch which folds back. Another face (possibly animal or human) is carved into the stock, followed by an entire frog carved as though sitting on the stock. Then there is a large decoration formed out of two faces (a younger, cherubic face and an old, bearded one) connected by a shared mass of hair. Their hair is stylized into curling designs possibly meant to resemble horns or leaves.
This crossbow has a steel lever-type trigger.
As of fall 2025, this crossbow is not on display.
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Source
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Museum of the Louvre, Department of Art Objects from the Middle Ages, from the Renaissance, and from Modern Times (Musée du Louvre, Département des Objets d'art du Moyen Age, de la Renaissance et des temps modernes)
Currently on loan to the Salomon de Rothschild Foundation (FNAGP - Fondation Salomon de Rothschild)
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 105.5 cm (about 3 ft 6 in)
Width: 69.5 cm (about 2 ft 3 in)
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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Depth: 12.5 cm (about 5 in)
