2076 Cross Bow
2076) MUSEUM QUALITY HIGHLY DECORATED CROSSBOW CIRCA 1650s:
Introduction: The exceptional decoration and craftsmanship of this crossbow are most indicative of a person of great wealth and stature who commissioned its original creation. The inlay on the crossbow’s side tiller is in the Mannerist style of Etienne Delaune (1518-83), a prominent French Renaissance goldsmith, engraver, and designer whose work significantly influenced 16th-century decorative arts. He is credited with designing some of the most elaborate parade armor of the French Renaissance, including his most prominent work, a Royal Armor for Henry VII, currently housed in the Louver Museum. His work is preserved in major world collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum.
Discussion: Just as topics and negotiations are discussed on the golf course today, the hunt in the Medieval and Renaissance periods played the same role. It was also a time to show off‚ wealth and socialize among the rich. It was a conservative affair among the wealthy and powerful who reminisced about earlier times; this may explain why the crossbow tiller was identical to a Gothic crossbow tiller and did not adopt the stock of a contemporary rifle, which would have been the crossbow’s natural next progression.
The crossbow’s silent discharge made it better for hunting than a firearm. The silence let hunters hunt without scaring away animals, and the lack of gunpowder odor meant the hunter’s position was not betrayed. Crossbows for hunting were much more elaborate and expensive, such as the one under discussion, compared to military crossbows, which had a Spartan appearance.
The wealthy hunted bear, boar, and deer in what was referred to as the “high hunt.” Lesser animals, such as birds and rabbits, were hunted by the poor. The hunt for the wealthy and noble was an elaborate affair planned with military precision and included many servants.
Among the multitude of servants for the “high hunt” were beaters who made noise using implements to scare animals toward the hunters. The hunters would be camouflaged in natural terrain, in camouflaged carts, atop trees, or in any combination as the animals were driven to them. Hunting was also done on horseback.
The crossbow was initially designed as a weapon of war. It is a seriously effective weapon. The crossbow posed a significant challenge for 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 in a few seconds by a peasant with a newly acquired crossbow.
The crossbow’s effectiveness did not go unnoticed. In 1139, the Second Lateran Council, under Pope Innocent II (d. 1143), issued a canon (decree) stating that the Church had outlawed the use of the crossbow and longbow among Christians. It could only be used against non-Christians.
Description: Constructed with a richly embellished stock and a robust steel bow. The tiller (stock) is crafted from a dark, polished hardwood—likely walnut or fruitwood—carved with an ergonomic, straight grip typical of the period. The stock is extensively adorned with engraved bone plaques. The side panels feature oval medallions depicting detailed figurative scenes, including a prominent hunting bird (falcon or hawk) nestled among foliage. The top and bottom surfaces are covered with long bone strips engraved with intricate foliate scrolls, acanthus leaves, and stylized scale-like geometric patterns. The butt end terminates in a distinctively shaped, inlaid cheekpiece and a scrolling floral engraving. It utilizes a classic mid-mounted iron trigger mechanism. A robust folding iron trigger lever sits under the stock, complemented by a secure iron top-bridle/nut assembly to hold the bowstring. A heavy, slightly curved forged steel bow is securely lashed to the front of the stock using a traditional heavy cord and leather wrapping (bridle). The bow is heavily accented with large, dark green wool pom-poms (tassels) placed at the front attachment point and near the tips. Historically, this dampened string vibration, protected the stock from striking the bow, and showcased status. The original or period-accurate thick, multi-strand fiber bowstring remains tightly fitted across the steel prod.
Approximate length: 24 inches.
Condition: Superb, conserved/restored to museum standards.
Provenance: A private Swiss collection.
Conclusion: The addition of a crossbow like this to your collection screams wealth, power, and class. This crossbow is priced at a bargain-basement price for much less than it should. Don’t hesitate; add it to your collection today. All Arms and Armor collections should have a good crossbow. ACT-NOW!!!
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I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW!!!*