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Title
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Combination Wheel Lock and Stonebow
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HCA Identifier
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M.618-1927
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Collection Location
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Victoria and Albert Museum South Kensington
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Date
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ca. 1620
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This combination weapon made in ca. 1620 Germany, unites the technology of a steel wheel lock used to fire a gun, with that of a traditional stone bow. The wheel lock is composed of a steel wheel placed under tension that when rotated, creates a spark to ignite the gun powder. In the case of this combination weapon, the wheellock does not ignite a spark but rather functions similarly to a rolling nut, in that it allows the bow string to be released in order to fire a bolt or pellet. These types of crossbows would have been made for use in hunting as well as target shooting and were likely created for European Noble men. The wheellock and prod are both composed of steel and have been incorporated into a wooden stock. The stock features minimal design and an inlaid ivory border. The steel plate attaching the mechanism to the stock features a distinct stamp in the shape of a shield, appearing to contain a cross entwined with a serpent. Though the Victoria and Albert Museum description does not provide a formal explanation for the significance of the stamp, it can be inferred this may have been a maker's mark, a guild symbol or even an apotropaic marking.
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 745mm
Height: 150mm
Depth: 495mm
Weight: 2.62kg
