A German Renaissance crossbow with lavish bone inlays featuring hunting motifs, circa 1580

Title
A German Renaissance crossbow with lavish bone inlays featuring hunting motifs, circa 1580
Collection Location
Private collection
Date
c. 1580s
Location
Germany
Description
This crossbow features a heavy steel prod, with a mark stamped on the inside on the right (a wheel with a sun burst) and strung with a braided hemp bowstring. Brdled with hemp rope including a interlaced iron suspension ring, remnants of the green woollen pompoms can be seen in the bridles. Two old collection numbers are attached on the bow. This fruitwood crossbow has the top and bottom veneered with engraved bone inlays and the side with a multi-figured hunting scene, depicting hunters and hounds chasing a wild boar and a stag, inlaid in engraved, blackened bone. The bolt groove is lined with bone, and the original bone nut is secured with cord, or nussfaden. Controlled by a multi-axle lock, the folding set trigger is guarded with the ridged, iron trigger guard. The old monogram "MCVI" is also engraved on the underside.
Source
Data and images courtesy of
Hermann Historica
Link:
https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions/lot/id/68642
Crossbow Side Measurements
62cm