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Title
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A Rare Gothic Crossbow
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HCA Identifier
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Item ref: 3893
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Collection Location
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Private collection, Austria
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Date
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C. 1450-75
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Location
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Switzerland or Central Europe
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Description
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This composite crossbow was built in central Europe, likely Switzerland in the late Gothic period. Its stock is made from fruitwood and staghorn. Crossbows of this make were used for multiple purposes including sporting activities for hunting game as well as in battles. Its use for either activity relies upon the particular bolts or ‘qwarellys’ selected with the head of the bolt fashioned for the specific task. The crossbow features a leather binding that runs along the top of the prod, attaching it to the stock. The prod is made of cow horn with a string bow that is of corded hemp added later. At the top of the prod is an iron stirrup used as a foothold when spanning the crossbow.
Materials: Iron, fruitwood, staghorn, cow horn, bone, animal sinew, resin, paper, varnish, leather, corded hemp. The leather binding and string bow later.
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Source
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Peter Finer Collection
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Link:
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https://www.peterfiner.com/artworks/item/3893
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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99 cm (overall length)
