-
Title
-
Crossbow and Cranequin
-
Collection Location
-
The Reitz Collection, Helsinki, Finland
-
Date
-
1550–1590
-
Location
-
Switzerland
-
Description
-
The steel bow is attached to the bridle block with a hemp rope and a small suspension, most likely made of iron, can be seen in the image. The string also appears to be composed of hemp. The rivet is surrounded by steel-plated lines on the backside and within the lines, a spiral vine design as well as a crowned humanoid face can be found along with a leaf hanging off a small sphere. The stock (material is not mentioned) has a veneer of bone and carved with images of battle troops and hunting knights. Near the transverse pin are scenes of mountains, castles, houses, and trees. The cheek rest is also engraved with floral and leafy patterns, bordered with wavy drawings. The rectangular piece near the nut seems to be rear sight, however, the hole is not clearly visible. The trigger mechanism is made of iron along with the cranequin which has a wooden handle. The museum website suggests it to belong to a nobleman for hunting purposes.
-
Source
-
The Reitz Collection
-
Crossbow Top Measurements
-
77,5 cm × 84,0 cm × 17,0 cm
