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Title
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Early 17th Century Italian Crossbow
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Collection Location
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Collection of Aso O. Tavitian, Sotheby's, New York, USA
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Date
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c. 1600
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Location
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Possibly Florence
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Description
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This stonebow has a steel prod, stirrup and steel tip at the front of the weapon. The tip is protruding from the carving of a masked lion's jaw. The prod is clasped to the walnut stock with ridged steel plates. The stock is carved with grotesque masks on top of the curved part of the component. Its whole body is engraved with guilloche mouldings. These refer to precise, intricate, and repetitive patterns as shown in the stock. The decorations are lined with acanthus leaf motifs, a form of style popular in Renaissance era. The ornamental carvings appear to be done in the manner of the Florentine artist, Dionigi Nigetti 's woodworking. The lock mechanism and ovular rear sight appear to be made of steel and there is a mounted wooden carving on top of the stock in the shape of a womanly face, decorated with shell patterns. It also seems to have an iron trigger.
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Source
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A Private Collection
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 36 in
Width: 19 ½ in.
