-
Title
-
A South German elaborately bone-inlaid Renaissance crossbow, circa 1580
-
Collection Location
-
Private location
-
Date
-
c. 1580
-
Location
-
Southern Germany
-
Description
-
This bow features a set of heavy steel prod, with a circular mark with a sun burst struck on the inside on the right, the monogram "HF" stamped on the right, secured by thick blackened bridling. The finely grained, reddish-brown stock is rounded and covered with lavishly engraved bone inlays. The original nut is made of antler with iron securements in its chamber, secured with thread, or nussfaden. Operated by a multi-axle lock, the hair set trigger is accompanied with an iron trigger guard and transverse pin/lug, for a cranequin to engage with. The top of the tiller engraved with scenes of the Labours of Hercules amidst volutes and depictions of animals, an old inscription with the name "IACOB" behind the nut. The light-coloured side bands featuring antique heroes interspersed with leaping foxes, hounds, a hare and reclining deer. An antique scene with a dead king, killed by a shot, and three archers on the cheek rest. Fortuna floating above a globe is engraved on the bone butt cap. St Agnes holding a lamb and St Barbara with staff and chalice on the underside, engraved volutes and elaborately intertwined mythical creatures on the lower side bands.
-
Link:
-
https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/1041712
-
Crossbow Top Measurements
-
64cm
-
Crossbow Side Measurements
-
60cm
