A German crossbow, 2nd half of the 17th century

Title

A German crossbow, 2nd half of the 17th century

Collection Location

Private location

Date

2nd half of the 17th century

Location

Germany

Description

This bolt or pellet crossbow features a set of blackened, slender steel prod, secured to the bow with tight bridling. The reddish-brown stained wood stock is covered with engraved bone inlays and iron fittings. On the top of the bone-lined guide rail, a bone inlay inscribed "LEHNHARD WIDENRODT"; on the sides of the stock, bone-inlaid mythical creatures. A teardrop-shaped iron ring is inserted at the front, and a front sight is inserted from the side. Aligning with that is an iron standing sight with an additional folding rear sight. A folding catch is controlled by the exposed hair trigger. To cap it all off, an iron butt cap, and a sliding butt plate on the right mirrored by the cheek rest on the left.

Source

Images and data courtesy of

Hermann Historica

Link:

https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/1041717

Crossbow Top Measurements

67cm