1072

European Crossbow with Fine Bone Inlay Accents

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
European Crossbow with Fine Bone Inlay Accents
Date of manufacture is unknown, but the construction and style of decoration suggest central Europe, 15th century or later. Measuring 30 inches in total length and 23" across when strung, overall construction is walnut with a tiger stripe pattern. Equipped with a steel prod, with a decorative cord across the front, secured with a combination of hemp rope painted gold and yellow and a set of bone shims, accented with a set of red puffballs, and stamped with a small proof, which looks like a sun wheel on fire on the right rear side. The bowstring is twisted sinew, measuring .44" in diameter at the center, thicker at the end loops. Attached to the very front is a cocking hook, with a contoured hand rest behind the prod, a folding windage and elevation adjustable notch sight, double set trigger with large hand rest guard, raised cheekpiece and a horn buttplate. Extensive bone inlay, with a scroll decorated bolt channel numbered "2", straight line borders along the top and sides, floral and scroll decorated panels, "R/ 2" punched into the top of the comb, scroll carving at the front of the cheekpiece and an excellent inlaid design on an eagle bordered with a scroll banner on the cheekpiece.
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Condition: Fine. There is some fraying of the decorative cord, paint flaking on the hemp, and staining of the puffballs. The string is mildly worn, but solid. The bow shows a dark patina. Wood and bone show some light dings and a few dark spots.