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Title
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A large German stonebow
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Collection Location
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Private collection
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Date
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c. 1600s
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This pellet crossbow is forged mostly of steel, with the prod wedged into the bow body, with a pronged sight riveted. The hemp string holds a bullet pouch, with two wooden wedge to hold the string in place. The body is made entirely out of metal, with wooden elements near the stock. The body is subtly decorated with tendrils, and the cocking mechanism is imprinted with stamped squirrel mark and manufacturer’s initials "MS". The stock is made mostly out of wood, richly decorated with filigree bone inlays on each side in the center, an oval bone medallion engraved with hunting scenes. The stock is supplemented with a horn butt cap. The thumb grip and handle rest is cut in the shape of a spiral shell. A large lever is present ontop of the bow body. The trigger mechanism is housed in a complete case with a one-finger nut with a lever connect to it. The trigger features a long bead profiled trigger guard. A knob is infront of the trigger guard, most likely to reset the firing pin.
Hermann Historica notes that the bow and string are well replaced, and is a rare, large, decorated specimen. They also mentioned that comparable items with the said marks are on display, for example, in the Schwarzburg Princely Armoury, the German Hunting and Fishing Museum in Munich and the Bern Historical Museum.
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Source
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Hermann Historica
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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63cm
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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72cm
