crossbows from the Hermitage

[fernando]

Originally Posted by fernando

Thank you David; didn't think of that .
You see, it's the only part which is not ornated, not in harmony with the rest .
Fernando

I have just had a look to pictures of cross bows, some with same origin and similar decoration as these ones.
None had this catch device. Besides, once they were hunting versions, they would hardly need to be shot in an inclined position, right?
Couldn't have this thing been a later addition?
Fernando