Interesting crossbow from Laos?

[wildwolberine]

Making an effort to post some Southeast Asian crossbows from my collection for comment/reference. I believe this may be from Lao or vicinity, it resembles some Hmong crossbows I’ve seen online.

Mimics a European shotgun! Engraved metal side plates, trigger guard, metal trigger instead of the usual wood or bone. Some checkering on the wrist section. The butt plate is made from buffalo horn. Nicely made bow, plant fiber string, possibly nettle or hemp?

Wondering if anyone can confirm the origin and maybe the wood used?

[wildwolberine]

More photos. This may be made for sale but it’s still an interesting piece

[fernando]

No comments ... at all ?

[RobT]

wildwolberine,

I can't help with country of origin but I can say that you have a fantastic piece. I only have two crossbows. One is a toy (the stock is only 13'' [33cm] long) and has "VIET-NAM 1965" written on it in magic marker. The other (also probably from Vietnam) is a full size one with a mahogany stock and a bow of some sort of light brown wood. It also came with a complete bamboo quiver full of fletched bolts. The stock on your crossbow looks like some sort of rosewood. I know that covers a multitude of woods but it's the best that I can do. I'll bet that the wood is as hard and heavy as all get out. I don't even collect these things but I envy you yours. It's really something.

Sincerely,
RobT

[wildwolberine]

Thanks RobT! I appreciate your comments. I have a couple others that are probably more traditional in form than this. I find the blending of traditional and European styling interesting. You’re certainly correct about the wood, it’s very dense!