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Title
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Trap Crossbow (with damage)
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HCA Identifier
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Inventory number: 874
Urban identifying number: 88655
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Collection Location
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Brussels, Belgium
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Date
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Unknown (likely 17th-19th century)
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Location
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Europe
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Description
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This crossbow is a hunting trap primarily intended for burrowing animals, such as the mole. It can be positioned near the opening of a burrow so that the animal can be shot as it emerges.
Its supporting fork would have been composed of the two large prongs on either side of the center (only one remains). The three smaller central prongs belong to the reusable trident, which is permanently attached. The trident is used instead of crossbow bolts. There is a small metal strip attached to the stock which goes between the prongs of the trident to intentionally restrict its range. This helps keep it attached to the crossbow. The prod is long and relatively thin. The supporting fork, prod, trident, and accompanying mechanisms are made of metal. The bowstring is made of four metal links. The stock is wooden.
A similar, more complete trap crossbow can be found here:
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Crossbow Archive - Trap Crossbow
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Source
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Grand Serment Royal et de Saint-Georges des Arbalétriers de Bruxelles [Great Royal Oath of St. George of the Crossbowmen of Brussels]
Inventaire du patrimoine mobilier de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale [Inventory of Movable Heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region]
