1667) SUPER RARE FIRE ARROW CROSSBOW WITH ORIGINAL GOAT FOOT LEVER: This post medieval crossbow is in exceptional condition.
Discussion: Crossbows were a prized weapon of war from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Armories throughout Europe had a multitude of them for defense. Many individual citizen-soldiers required to participate in the defense of their town or city armed themselves with this state-of-the-art weapon that required very little formal training. Crossbows presented a significant problem to the armored knight. A well-placed bolt shot by the most inexperienced crossbowman could penetrate armor. A lifetime of knightly training with the most expensive implements of war could be trumped by a peasant with a newly acquired crossbow in just a few seconds. The crossbow‚ effectiveness did not go unnoticed. In 1139, the Second Lateran Council under Pope Innocent II (d.1143) issued a canon (decree) that stated that the Church had outlawed the use of the crossbow and longbow among Christians. It could only be used against non-Christians (see Papal Canon #29, page 400 in my book).
AN ANTIQUE CROSSBOW SUCH AS THIS ONE SHOULD NEVER BE FIRED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. An antique crossbow is no longer a weapon of war but a piece of European history, an antique that must be preserved. It could break if you try spanning or using it.
Description: Constructed with a steel bow and elongated metal bars that serve as a bowstring, the nock is made of steel in the conventional design and located at the front of the crossbow a chase of tubular form with an opening extending its length, an iron horizontal Y-shaped clamp serves as binding, a short tubular extension at the base of the chase to attach a torch to keep the arrow lit, metal nut for retaining the crossbow cocked, tiller of wood (some loss as pictured) with trigger, thumb rest is worn with minor worm damage, two lugs for the attachment of the goat’s foot lever. In generally good condition, the fire mechanism is locked but can be easily released. With a Goat foot lever (Pied-de-chienne, gaffe, bender). A lever with prongs and large double hooks gripping the crossbow, powered by a large lever using the hooks as a pivot. Dimensions: Lenght:28.5 inches, without arrow 21.25 inches, crossbow span 17.25 inches.
Provenance: Gottlob Herbert Bidermann Stuttgart/Aach Germany started collecting after WWII. Herr Bidermann was one of Europe’s largest collectors of Arms and Armor. He wrote several books on the subject of Medieval and Renaissance Arms and Armor and was appointed court expert on Medieval/ Renaissance Arms and Armor by the German Government (Öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter Sachverständiger für Historische Waffen).
Conclusion: This is an exceptionally rare item that could be the conversation piece of any collection. I have only had three in 35 years. I urge you to ACT NOW!!!
Contact Me To Get The Latest Lowest Price Possible From The Owner*