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Title
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A South German or South Eastern European noble Renaissance crossbow, entirely inlaid in bone
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Collection Location
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Private collection
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Date
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circa 1580
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Location
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Private collection
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Description
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This crossbow features a heavy steel prod with knotted hemp bowstring and bridle, with decorative tassels of green woollen pompoms along the prod and front plate. The bow body is slender and wooden internally, as it is completely veneered in polished staghorn, lavishly decorated on all surfaces with blackened engravings, including iconographies such as scrollwork, masks, a barred helmet, a coat of arms with an armoured arm and scimitar (possibly from South Eastern Europe?), a bear and wild boar hunt, castle hill, Leda and the Swan, resting nymphs etc. The bone butt features an engraved stag's head. The nut is made of antler and secured with the nut thread. The bow also has a complete, multi-axle lock with a safety lever and simple folding trigger, and the trigger guard can be seen with remnants of gilding, and a transverse pin possibly for a cranequin. The horn bolt channel and folding brass sight seem to be newer than the dated bow, possibly later replacements, along with the bow and tassels.
Hermann Histiorica adds that this piece is extremely rare, slender version of the Renaissance crossbow with stunning, bone-inlaid tiller for a noble owner of high rank.
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Source
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Hermann Historica
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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55cm
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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61cm
