Crossbow Help Needed

[Rikkn]

I have had this for several years, just hanging on a wall.... When I bought it all I was told was that is is very old and shoots balls. Have been trying to research it, and pretty much coming up blank. Here are some pictures, will take more this evening and post them.

The only markings I see are a proof ( looks like an animal crouching or running ) and a number, 1631.

[Rikkn]

More pictures

[Rikkn]

More pictures

[fernando]

Interesting piece, Rivkkn.
Are those cell phone pictures ?
Can't you take larger ones ... and a more accurate one of the markings ?

[Rikkn]

Fernando, they are cell phone pictures. I tried larger ones but the site would not let me upload them. I will take better pictures later this morning.

[fernando]

You can not upload too large pictures but, in any case, they may be three times as large as the ones you posted :cool: .

[Rick]

Pellet crossbow or stone bow.
http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/bulletbow/bulletbow.html
Could you take a guess as to caliber?

[Rikkn]

Trying to add more, not having much luck...

[Rikkn]

More pictures

[Rikkn]

Overall the bow is in very good condition, but you can see in one of the pictures that there was a repair made to the top of the barrel - brassy colored piece is the repair. It is a smooth bore, approximately .340 diameter - will measure it later.
Would love to hear some theories about it, age, country of origin, etc. , or be pointed in a direction where I can learn more. Thanks.

[Rikkn]

Can anyone Identify this ? Any info on it ?

[Victrix]

I speculate that this crossbow may be used for hunting of small animals for fur. In the days before central heating humans sought to dress warmer with animal furs. Crossbows such as these may have been used for hunting these small creatures (squirrels, pine martens, etc) without damaging the fur pelts?