Gothic crossbow and reconstructed arm belt

Title

Gothic crossbow and reconstructed arm belt

HCA Identifier

ARB-2011-001-1 and ARB-2011-001-2

Collection Location

Périgord, southern France

Date

c. 1450-1475

Location

Germany or Switzerland

Description

Crossbow with a composite bow and a stirrup. This bow consists of several layers of horn strips covered with tendons, then bark, and finally a layer of paper decorated with painted dots and scrollwork.

More recent strings hold the bow to the stock, as well as a stirrup probably dating from the 19th or 20th century.

The pear wood stock, which is relatively long and thin, is decorated with strips of bone or deer antler glued on in the Gothic style, as well as horn inlays in the form of scrollwork. Two inlays appear to be missing (grooves are still visible in the wood). A cord, the purpose of which is unknown, protrudes from underneath the bow. Between the trigger and the nut, a metal pin for attaching a cranequin appears to have been added at a later date. The top of the stock, just before the bow, is decorated with an engraving that appears to be a coat of arms: two fish facing each other diagonally, a flower at the top right, and a clover at the bottom left; the tip at the top left of the coat of arms continues into a scroll motif.

The stock houses a wooden nut made from deer antler, clearly turned on a lathe and reinforced with an iron insert. This nut is no longer held in place due to the absence of an axle; it was probably secured with nussfaden, as suggested by the rope mark imprinted in the wood at this location.

The long iron trigger, although now deformed, was forged with particular care. At its base, two engraved circles are visible, as well as the letter “E,” possibly a craftsman's mark, near one of the circles.

The armament belt that accompanies this crossbow has been partially reconstructed. Its leather is not original, but it has a buckle and hook that may date from the 15th century.

Materials: wood (pear), deer antler, horn, tendon, iron, string (unknown fiber), bone, bark. Leather and iron for the cocking strap.

Source

Data and images courtesy of:
Château de Castelnaud

Link:

https://castelnaud.omeka.net/items/show/2

Crossbow Top Measurements

98 cm (length)

Crossbow Side Measurements

76.5 cm (width of the bow)