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Title
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Large Italian Pellet Crossbow, 17th Century
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Collection Location
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Unknown (private collection)
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Date
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17th century
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Location
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Italy
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Description
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At the tip of the crossbow, there protrudes a carving of curling vegetation. On the top of the crossbow, there are two sticks which would have formed a sight by tying a string between them. The prod is made of wrought iron and has a bowstring made of braided cord, with small wooden supports to keep it in position. The prod connects to the stock via bow irons. The stock is made of cherry wood. The curved part of the stock seems to have metal plating reinforcing it, right up to the catch area. Near the catch, there is a foldable sight made of wrought iron in the shape of an arch, lightly decorated. There is a wrought iron hook to catch the bowstring with. Farther down the stock, on the topside, there is an elaborate carving of a naked woman, seemingly contorted with her back extremely arched. She appears to have no legs; it is unclear whether she is meant to be a mermaid or whether her legs are not visible due to the camera angle. The rest of the stock is very plain and ends in a small knob. The trigger is a lever made of wrought iron.
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Source
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Ader Maison de Ventes [Ader Auction House]
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 100 cm (about 3 ft 3 in)
Width (length of prod): 55.8 cm (about 1 ft 10 in)
