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Title
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A western European bullet crossbow, circa 1700
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Collection Location
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Private location
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Date
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c. 1700s
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Location
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Europe
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Description
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This crossbow is operated by a set of steel prods, markedwith "L W L" on the inside of both limbs and held to the stock in the center by two wedged iron clamps. Integrated into the stock is an iron cocking lever with a mushroom-shaped handle and cocking box, containing an intact lock with a single-finger nut and button release; a locking mechanism is located at the rear of the lever end. A set of high sight with rear sight and two diopter holes aligns with the folding iron sight fork. Built into the sturdy, fine-grained wooden stock is partially engraved bone inlays on the top, an owl motif, the monogram "MVM" and the year "1698" on the front. brass fittings, a downward-folding iron shoulder rest, and a swiveling suspension ring with a claw at the front.
Hermann Historica mentions that this bow is a very rare, beautifully preserved ball-barreled crossbow with an interesting mechanism. This type of ball-barreled crossbow originated in Spain and spread to the Netherlands and England following the Spanish fashion.
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Link:
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https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/896520
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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75.5 cm
