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Title
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English Bullet Crossbow
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Collection Location
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London, United Kingdom
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Date
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Early 17th Century
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Location
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England, United Kingdom
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Description
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A bullet crossbow of English origin, originally belonging to an ancestral Northumbrian family. The prod of the crossbow is made of steel, set securely within the upper middle portion of the stock. At the fore of the prod is an adjustable foresight which retains a U-shape, and towards the back is a foldable backsight. The string of the crossbow is made from a twisted plant material and possesses a pocket or cradle at the center of the cord for the pellets. The wooden stock is ornately decorated, featuring intricate staghorn, mother-of-pearl, and plaques of copper alloy inlays throughout all sides of the stock. The engraved decorations depict images of hunting scenes, with animals such as hares, hounds, and exotic birds. The scene features intricate decorations with curling tendrils of vine-like patterns and leaves in green coloured horn. At the top side of the stock is a bolt channel, bordered by detailed decorations of a rope pattern made from mother-of-pearl. The crossbow also features an iron gaffle—a lever for drawing back the crossbow—secured with a transverse pin that passes through the stock. The area surrounding the pin is reinforced with iron plates at the side of the stock, lined with silver. The release button, an older replacement, is missing its catch and retains minor damage. The butt of the stock possesses a horn inlay that retains minor damage and repairs.
Stock Measurement: 77.2 cm
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Source
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Olympia Auctions
