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Title
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A high-quality German Renaissance crossbow, circa 1600
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Collection Location
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Private location
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Date
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c. 1600s
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This crossbow feature a sturdy steel prod with bevelled edges, the manufacturer's mark, a wheel, stamped on the right inner surface (Stöckel, vol. 2, nos. 6448 - 6453) with braided, greenish safety cord on the outside with six greenish woollen pompons, secured with loose bridling alongside a suspension ring. Many additional small wires is holding up the suspension ring, suggesting fragility. The prod is strung with thick braided cord. This fruitwood stock has the top and bottom veneered with bone inlays (engraved with blackened tendrils, bunches of fruit and birds), lavish inlays of engraved bone on the sides (cartouches with hares, deer, birds of prey etc., surrounded by scrollwork, tendrils and flowers), and capped off with a smooth, bone butt cap. A bolt bridge can be seen laterally inserted on the side. The folding sight is adjustable laterally and for height as well. The bow is operated by the revolving nut, which is made of antler, moving on a cord pivot, or nussfaden (nut string). Running off of a multi-axle lock with hair set trigger, it is protected with a smooth trigger guard. Several lock components and the lug for the rack-and-pinion cranequin are adorned with decorative gilt etching.
Hermann Historica notes that this bow is lavishly embellished, late Renaissance crossbow of a high, courtly calibre, only very rarely found in this quality.
Provenance: Schulthess collection.
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Link:
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https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/14482
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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61.5cm
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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59cm
