1944 Antique Crossbow
1944) MUSEUM QUALITY HIGHLY DECORATED CROSSBOW FROM THE ARMORY OF THE PRINCE OF HANNOVER 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 the decorative arts of the 16th century. 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 Louvre 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 allowed hunting without scaring away animals, and the absence 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 strongly formed tiller of oak wood with a heavy steel bow with bowstring (probably original) retained by a security cord with pom poms (probably originals, one missing). It is veneered with deer horn and decorated with dragons, sea monsters, a saintly figure, and floral patterns. It is fitted with a gilded and etched trigger guard and an inventory control tag G146. The thumb rest is veneered in a cross pattern.
Approximate length: 24 inches.
Condition: Superb, conserved/restored to museum standards.
Provenance: Sotheby’s, Munich, The Royal House of Hannover, The Brunswick Ducal Arsenal, Wolfenbüttel, Schloss Blankenburg. Oct. 5, 2005, lot 707.
Conclusion: Royalty…Royalty…
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