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Title
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1726 Polish Hunting Crossbow
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Collection Location
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M.224-1919
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Date
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1726
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Location
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Poland
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Description
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The stock of this crossbow is made of walnut and inlaid with antler engravings. The stock features highly detailed engravings including stylized foliage and cherub figures which are framed into distinct panels by borders which follow the shape of the crossbow stock. However, most interestingly, the butt end of the stock is decorated with the Polish arms of Jan Tarlo, the Governor of Lublin and Steward of the Royal House. The butt end of the stock is additionally ornamented with fine wood engravings in winding foliage designs. The cheek rest appears to be installed at an angle and more pronounced with an extended engraved staghorn panel added to the stock of the crossbow. The steel prod is a grey hue and decorated with yellow green pom poms. Additional hardware including the trigger guard, and the bolt rest standout against the stock with their gold hue.*
*Although appearing differently than the prod and additional metal hardware such as the nut and transverse pin, the Museum description does not indicate these pieces to be constructed of a metal other than steel.
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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: 71cm
Bow width: 58.8cm
Height: 10cm
