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Title
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Italian Stonebow
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HCA Identifier
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A1043
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Date
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1571
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Location
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Italy
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Description
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"Stone-bow or prodd, the steel bow with a double curve. The string, with its sling, remains. This is not of the usual double type but consists of a single twisted skein, which divides in the centre to hold a small ebony button hollowed on its inner face to receive the bullet.
Stock or tiller of ebony, the neck only slightly curved. It is of square section with bevelled edges and is decorated with carving in low relief. On the fore-end in front of the bow is a double lion's mask (above and below) from the mouth of which issues a steel, spiked ring, possibly for suspension, or to obtain purchase in bending. Behind the bow is carved a grotesque bearded mask and a band of scales, and similar ornament is on the underside of the neck; in front of the trigger is a caryatid figure. On the upper surface at the rear is a projection carved as a couchant lion holding a hare in its paws, and behind it the figure of a dog in the round. The rest of the surface is ornamented with bands of guilloche and cartouche ornament. Octagonal pommel or butt of flattened pear-shape, the facets carved alternately with masks and interlacing bands; at the end is a medallion containing the letter H among foliage. On a sunken tablet immediately behind the bow is the date 1571."
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Source
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Collection The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 66.5 cm
Span: 55.9 cm
Weight: 1.3 kg
