Corrado,
That bracket over the tiller is a puzzle, as it would appear that it would Also interfere with a projectile from a bullet crossbow.
I still think a bolt was to be fired, but maybe the type without fletching? ....making this piece possibly a slurbow?
If the bolt/quarrel was laid across this 'fence', it could not get out of line if a wooden upper portion of the "barrel" enclosed it.
The groove in the forestock looks like it was meant to take the projectile. (Whatever it was!) and if covered as I think it may have been, would be in essence a slurbow.
The groove in the fore-stock would I believe have to be deeper and of a consistent depth if a barrel was to be fitted.
Also, one would think it unlikely to bed a barrel into the bone/ivory strip that runs up the centre of the stock. Most times when a 'wear strip' like this is fitted, it is for the projectile to travel over.
I really do not know what it is, and only give my opinion as a guess. :-)
Very best wishes,
Richard.
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