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Title
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A heavy crossbow by Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder (1696 - 1778), Dresden, dated 1717
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Collection Location
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Private collection
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Date
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c. 1717, by Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder (1696 - 1778)
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Location
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Dresden, Saxony, Germany
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Description
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This heavy crossbow features a set of heavy, polished steel prod, with the mark of a wheel with a sun burst stamped on the inside on the right end. The original bridle and originally knotted hemp bowstring are still intact, with a yellow safety cord in the front of the prod. Tassels of green woollen pompoms are attached onto the front plate. The bow is rounded, with a curved body in brown fruitwood, lavishly embellished with blackened antler inlays, engraved with dense, delicate tendrils containing circular, stylized blossoms, serpent-shaped monsters coiling around the axles around the lock, bunches of fruit and wavy ribbon bows. A large curved border of with lattice on both sides is at the end of the butt, which is inlaid with smooth bone. The manufacturer's monogram "I.G.H." on the underside of the body, and the date "1717" at the front. The top and bottom are embellished with typical Hänisch décor in the form of mascarons and volutes. The original nut is made of antler and secured with nussfaden. It features a multi-axle lock, with a hair set trigger. The original bolt channel seems to be made out of brown horn with a ground visor rear sight.
Hermann Historica notes that this bow is unparalleled, whole weapon made by the crossbow maker to the court of Augustus the Strong. See H. Richter, Die Kunst der Armbrustmacher in Dresden, Beucha, 2008, pp. 25 - 44.
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Source
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Hermann Historica
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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78cm
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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75cm
