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Title
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A Bavarian Renaissance Crossbow
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Collection Location
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Houston, Texas, USA
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Date
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1470-1563
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This is an ornate fruitwood crossbow with a small iron suspension ring, string and prod binding made of twisted gut and rope respectively. The front of the stock is has an iron plaque affixed on it and according to the auction site, the weapon is engraved with the maker's name, 'DH, Daniel Hopper'. The stock is carved with scenes from the story of the Swiss folk hero, William Tell, composed of mother-of-pearl and bone. The slightly damaged backdrop is that of Renaissance and Late Medieval architecture with views of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. and blooming flowers and trees. It depicts an army with William Tell at the head, wielding a crossbow, and an apple being shot off a boy's head, assumed to be the hero's son. There is a maiden on horseback and William at the end of the stock is seen to be holding a Swiss-cross shield with another shield on the ground. The top of the stock consists of creeping and repeating patterns and William Tell smiling with his son, on a mountain.
Note: the rear sight, nut, and some of the details of the carvings are not visible in the images on the website.
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Source
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Private Collection
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Height: 4 inches
Width: 27 inches
Depth: 30 1/8 inch
