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Title
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German Crossbow
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HCA Identifier
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M.99-1930
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Date
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ca.1620
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This German crossbow would have been used by European nobles for hunting. The stock is made of walnut and is inlaid with engraved staghorn. The deep brown of the walnut creates a sharp contrast with the cream antler designs. Towards the butt end of the stock there is a myriad of stylized florals creating a balanced pattern. In the middle of the stock, around the transverse pin and the trigger guard, the designs become more intricate. In the staghorn portion of the stock directly above the transverse pin a small four legged mammal is engraved and surrounded by stylized abstracted designs that create a sense of motion for the animal. In front of the Nussfaden, the engraved design continues and another four legged mammal is repeated. Directly above the Bridle a tiny rabbit is engraved and also surrounded by ornamentation that emulates a sense of motion. The underside of the stock also features the repeating floral design found on the side and next to the bridle is an engraved figure dressed in draped cloth, holding a staff. The underside of the stock, closest to the prod, has an engraving perhaps resembling the face of a lion or a man with a large nose, prominent teeth and flowing hair. The steel prod is decorated with fabric pom poms that would have once been brightly coloured and now are a deep green hue.
The provenance is not described on the Museum website.
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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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Base of trigger to top of stock height: 12cm
End of stock to tip of tiller length: 60cm
Maximum, across span width: 57.5cm
Weight: 3.26kg
