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Title
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A Rhineland archer's heavy crossbow, 19th/20th century
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Collection Location
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Private location
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Date
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c. 19th/20th century
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This crossbow is fitted with heavy, bolted down steel prod strung with hemp string. The square wooden stock features a transverse pin for the rack and pinion winch or cranequin. The top of the bow is lined with iron fittings screwed into the bow. The bow locks the string with a brass nut connected to an axle rather than string, controlled by a folding iron trigger, and a solid iron trigger guard with a rounded end.
Hermann Historica notes that included, for decorative purposes, is a new wooden bolt with an iron tip, 29 cm long. This crossbow continued to be used in the 20th century; during its period of use, the steel bow, string, iron bolt rest, and nut were replaced with functionally and stylistically appropriate replacements due to wear and tear. Such weapons, the size of a suit of armor, were used by Rhenish shooting fraternities, such as those in Jülich or Herzogenrath, for long-range target shooting.
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Link:
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https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/18590
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Crossbow Side Measurements
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91cm
