A Heavy Weight Crossbow

BUCC_Guy · 29th May 2022, 01:07 PM

I’ve got nothing to add that hasn’t been covered wonderfully above, except that the trigger mechanism with faux lever appears to be a dead giveaway of being a target model, my guess is 18th century.

What I find most appealing is that I see no reason to believe it’s Victorian, and it’s an excellent form for wall-hanging.

I’ve been on the lookout for a crossbow for an open spot on my wall, unfortunately I owe the demons at Hermann Historica an unfortunate amount of money at the moment. They are a nightmare to deal with.

There’s been a shortage of interesting crossbows at auction the last few years, with the exception the occasional bone-inlay piece.

Edit: My crossbow exposure is based on auctions and sales only. I have no authoritative texts, and my opinion means nothing.

CSinTX · 29th May 2022, 03:50 PM

Thanks everyone for your input.

I can't find the remnants of any markings. I think it would show with the condition of the steel.

I also have to say, the metal work on it just seems older than 18th century.

CSinTX · 29th May 2022, 04:04 PM

I spent a lot of time searching images yesterday and this is the closest similar example I can find. From a museum in Ghent. They describe it as 16th Century. It has the same trigger mechanism.

https://stamgent.be/nl_be/collectie/kunstwerken/09107

cornelistromp · 29th May 2022, 05:57 PM

I think they are too early with their dating.
attached a few dated examples:
cat no 3 dated 1697
cat no 5 dated 1721
cat no 6 dated 1756

I stay with the 18C dating and target crossbow.

from the publication Crossbows in the royal netherlands army museum.

best, jasper

fernando · 29th May 2022, 06:25 PM

Cat. Nº 3 (pages 100-103), as per my post #4.That was my initial idea

.

cornelistromp · 29th May 2022, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

Cat. Nº 3 (pages 100-103), as per my post #4.That was my initial idea

.

It was absolutely your idea and spot on .

best,
Jasper

CSinTX · 30th May 2022, 01:49 PM

Thanks Jasper. I know it may seem that I am being argumentative, but for me, it's important to be thorough in exploring as many trails as possible.

29th May 2022, 04:04 PM	#3
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	I spent a lot of time searching images yesterday and this is the closest similar example I can find. From a museum in Ghent. They describe it as 16th Century. It has the same trigger mechanism. https://stamgent.be/nl_be/collectie/kunstwerken/09107 Attached Images

29th May 2022, 01:07 PM	#1
BUCC_Guy Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Tennessee, USA Posts: 52	I’ve got nothing to add that hasn’t been covered wonderfully above, except that the trigger mechanism with faux lever appears to be a dead giveaway of being a target model, my guess is 18th century. What I find most appealing is that I see no reason to believe it’s Victorian, and it’s an excellent form for wall-hanging. I’ve been on the lookout for a crossbow for an open spot on my wall, unfortunately I owe the demons at Hermann Historica an unfortunate amount of money at the moment. They are a nightmare to deal with. There’s been a shortage of interesting crossbows at auction the last few years, with the exception the occasional bone-inlay piece. Edit: My crossbow exposure is based on auctions and sales only. I have no authoritative texts, and my opinion means nothing.

29th May 2022, 03:50 PM	#2
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	Thanks everyone for your input. I can't find the remnants of any markings. I think it would show with the condition of the steel. I also have to say, the metal work on it just seems older than 18th century.

29th May 2022, 05:57 PM	#4
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,057	I think they are too early with their dating. attached a few dated examples: cat no 3 dated 1697 cat no 5 dated 1721 cat no 6 dated 1756 I stay with the 18C dating and target crossbow. from the publication Crossbows in the royal netherlands army museum. best, jasper Attached Images

29th May 2022, 06:25 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,649	Cat. Nº 3 (pages 100-103), as per my post #4.That was my initial idea .

30th May 2022, 01:49 PM	#7
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	Thanks Jasper. I know it may seem that I am being argumentative, but for me, it's important to be thorough in exploring as many trails as possible.