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Title
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Mahogany Crossbow
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Collection Location
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Unknown (private collection)
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Date
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likely 19th or early 20th century
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Location
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likely Belgium
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Description
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The front of this crossbow is not visible in the photo, so one cannot tell whether it has a suspension ring, stirrup, or other features on the tip. The area of the bolt rest is also obscured. The metal prod is missing its bowstring. Bow irons, which seem brass, secure the prod to the stock. The stock is made of mahogany. The stock features a large wooden handle protruding downwards. Where the stock morphs into the upper part of the handle, there is some metal inlay in the shape of a shield, possibly representing the coat of arms of some organization. Unfortunately, the details have worn away. The upper part of the handle is clearly continuous with the stock, but the lower, curly part of the handle appears discontinuous with the upper part of the handle. Historical Belgian crossbows often featured a wooden support which was continuous with the stock and which had a flat bottom to support the crossbow against the ground (to be used when the user was shooting while lying on their belly). This context and the discontinuity in the shape of the handle implies that the lower, curly part of the handle is a later addition.
There is a trigger guard protecting the trigger. The stock ends in a butt like a rifle’s. This butt has a metal cap on the end which seems brass.
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Source
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Rossini Société de ventes aux enchères [Rossini Auction Society]
