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Title
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A South German Decorated Sporting Crossbow (Halbe Rüstung), Dated 1586
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Collection Location
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London, United Kingdom
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Date
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1586
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Location
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Germany
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Description
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This German crossbow is classified as a Halbe Rüstung crossbow and is dated to the year 1586. It features a blackened steel prod secured to the stock with a twisted cord bridle. Around the prod and the upper portion of the stock are a series of eight green woollen pompoms, and along the fore end of the prod are the engraved letters ‘JHC’. The string of the bow is made of a plant material, while the stock itself is made from wood and veneered in staghorn along its top and bottom sides. The top side of the crossbow possesses ornate decorations, such as the engraved date of 1586, floral engravings, and a small panel of checkerboard patterns. The bottom side of the crossbow features scrollwork with designs of fruit bouquets, an image of the Roman goddess of fortune, and an opening for the loading rod. The sides of the crossbow stock feature intricate decorations of staghorn inlays that depict a hunting scene with a huntsman and hounds and scrolling tendrils at the top and bottom of these scenes. These decorations possess minor damage with cracks that have since been repaired. The crossbow also contains a rolling nut and bolt clip made of bone. Behind the nut is an iron-rear sight and an iron transverse pin used to support a cranequin spanning device. The trigger of the crossbow is made of iron and wrapped in cord, and there is a folding trigger that appears to be an older replacement. Toward the butt of the crossbow is a concave cheek rest.
Stock measurement: 62.3 cm
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Source
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Olympia Auctions
