28th May 2022, 01:29 AM | #1 |
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A Heavy Weight Crossbow
More than two years, and I have now caught covid for the first time. Not being one to just sit around, a couple motrin and out to take some pictures of a crossbow Ive had for a while. I dont know a lot about it except it's big and heavy.
I think for castle defense? Approximate age? Does anyone know of similar examples? Period art work? What time period were the four pins used to secure the parts? I think the string is likely a replacement? What would the empty holes in the top be for? Is the trigger in its original configuration or would it have been fired with a lever when first made? Lots of pictures! Thanks a bunch! |
28th May 2022, 01:30 AM | #2 |
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28th May 2022, 01:48 AM | #3 |
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CS, have you searched the term 'crossbow' here for posts by matchlock?
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28th May 2022, 01:10 PM | #4 |
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Interesting item indeed, Casey. What do you understand as big and heavy; can you tell its length and weight ?
Somehow it looks like this target example from the second half 17th century. Only that this one's stock length measures 935 milimeters and weighs 5 190 grams. Can you take a picture of yours in the same position as this one i show? Just curious to know how 'different' they are . . |
28th May 2022, 03:42 PM | #5 |
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It is a Flemish/Dutch target crossbow from the beginning of the 18th century. It is not a combat bow to defend a castle.
With this crossbow, competitions were held, targets in the form of a wooden rooster were shot. The winner was named "Gilde Koning" and was allowed to wear a silver chain with a King's bird as recognition for the coming year. A round pin is pressed in one of the empty holes to tension the trigger spring, you can do this a simple with a screwdriver. ps The nut must be in the correct position. The string of the bow was tensioned by a system of two levers with rope, pulleys and hooks mounted at the rear of the stock. best, Last edited by cornelistromp; 28th May 2022 at 04:03 PM. |
28th May 2022, 04:30 PM | #6 |
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Ah ... betrayed by the absence of the so called English Windlass .
Excelent ID and comprehensive info, Jasper . |
28th May 2022, 06:47 PM | #7 |
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I was able to get it weighed and measured.
Weight- 7.1kg Overall length- 104cm Width across the bow- 84cm Thickness of bow where it enters the block- 1.25cm This seems really massive and powerful just to shoot targets? A waste of resources in building. And a whole lot of extra work cocking it and just handling it in general. Jasper, would you be able to get similar pictures with measurements of the one you posted? Thanks! |
29th May 2022, 08:15 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
Mine the one on the pictures is even a bit "stronger" lenght 97cm width bow 90cm thickness of bow @ block 2cm! They are massive and had to be strong to shoot a rooster from a tower from a relatively large distance. These ironbows were often marked, a small mark 3-4mm was struck in the bow , are there some remains to be found a bull's head or rooster or 5 pointed star or something else ? best, Jasper Last edited by cornelistromp; 29th May 2022 at 11:44 AM. |
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29th May 2022, 10:16 AM | #9 |
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Long time i dream of having a (earlier) crossbow. I realize that, if they ever show up, would cost a fortune.
Here for your entertainment, Casey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMoL_SBD6gw . |
29th May 2022, 01:07 PM | #10 |
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I’ve got nothing to add that hasn’t been covered wonderfully above, except that the trigger mechanism with faux lever appears to be a dead giveaway of being a target model, my guess is 18th century.
What I find most appealing is that I see no reason to believe it’s Victorian, and it’s an excellent form for wall-hanging. I’ve been on the lookout for a crossbow for an open spot on my wall, unfortunately I owe the demons at Hermann Historica an unfortunate amount of money at the moment. They are a nightmare to deal with. There’s been a shortage of interesting crossbows at auction the last few years, with the exception the occasional bone-inlay piece. Edit: My crossbow exposure is based on auctions and sales only. I have no authoritative texts, and my opinion means nothing. |
29th May 2022, 03:50 PM | #11 |
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Thanks everyone for your input.
I can't find the remnants of any markings. I think it would show with the condition of the steel. I also have to say, the metal work on it just seems older than 18th century. |
29th May 2022, 04:04 PM | #12 |
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I spent a lot of time searching images yesterday and this is the closest similar example I can find. From a museum in Ghent. They describe it as 16th Century. It has the same trigger mechanism.
https://stamgent.be/nl_be/collectie/kunstwerken/09107 |
29th May 2022, 05:57 PM | #13 |
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I think they are too early with their dating.
attached a few dated examples: cat no 3 dated 1697 cat no 5 dated 1721 cat no 6 dated 1756 I stay with the 18C dating and target crossbow. from the publication Crossbows in the royal netherlands army museum. best, jasper |
29th May 2022, 06:25 PM | #14 |
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Cat. Nš 3 (pages 100-103), as per my post #4.That was my initial idea .
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29th May 2022, 07:57 PM | #15 | |
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Quote:
best, Jasper Last edited by cornelistromp; 29th May 2022 at 08:09 PM. |
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30th May 2022, 01:49 PM | #16 |
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Thanks Jasper. I know it may seem that I am being argumentative, but for me, it's important to be thorough in exploring as many trails as possible.
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31st May 2022, 07:39 AM | #17 |
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No problem, it is a very good not to take everything indiscriminately. When I got my Target crossbow back in 2000 I had the same discussion with JP Puype, the former curator of the Army Museum.
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31st May 2022, 09:52 PM | #18 |
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Another target crossbow
Very interesting thread, thanks! What is the age and origin of this target crossbow?
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1st June 2022, 10:33 AM | #19 |
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Eftihis, it will be a late model, late 19th. century ?, with that 'complex' shiny trigger guard and the accuracy set (hair) trigger.
But don't trust my judgement . |
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