Late Gothic Crossbows and Accouterments

[Matchlock]

The left one late 15th century, with a horn composite bow.

Michael

[Matchlock]

The wooden tiller completely covered by carved and part colored ivory plaques. The arms are those of Fels-Colonna, The Tyrol.
Note the mark on the tiller trigger.

Michael

[Matchlock]

At the Museum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck/The Tyrol.

Michael

[Matchlock]

Finally here is the image of the smith's mark on the tiller trigger.

Michael

[Matchlock]

Sold at auction two years ago, bearing an old inventory label from the famos Vienna Collection of Albert Figdor, early 20th century.

Of beechwood. Both the obsolete 14th century form of the crossbow illustrated on the lid and that of the tinned iron mounts denote that the casket was actually made at least some 100 years earlier than the date 1524 suggests. Furthermore, close inspection proves that all the painting is at the same level, only the date 1524 - showing the Gothic form the numeral 4 - consists of a much thicker layer than the rest.

So this fine object should be referred to as a casket for special crossbow bolts (not the common quarrels), and made in the early 15th century, probably as a prize for the best aiming crossbowman and containing the bolts that he won the title with. It seems to have been dated 1524 some 100 years later - or may be exactly 100 years later, possibly in remembrance of the founding of a crossbowmen's guild.

Michael

[Matchlock]

Preserved at the City museum of Cologne, Germany.

In the first picture, the bow is of course inversed; this had been corrected by the time the second picture was taken.

The open curve of the composite bow is due to not having had a string attached for hundreds of years.

The detached bow of a huge wall crossbow also at the Cologne museum.

Michael

[Matchlock]

The wooden core is covered with pig skin, the mouth of the quiver is leather covered, the original leather lid is now missing on almost all surviving samples.

Michael

[Glaive203]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Preserved at the City museum of Cologne, Germany.

In the first picture, the bow is of course inversed; this had been corrected by the time the second picture was taken.

The open curve of the composite bow is due to not having had a string attached for hundreds of years.

The detached bow of a huge wall crossbow also at the Cologne museum.

Michael

This is a false statement. Any horn bow or horn lath pulls forward like that when unstrung, even completely new ones.

[Carlo Paggiarino]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

The wooden tiller completely covered by carved and part colored ivory plaques. The arms are those of Fels-Colonna, The Tyrol.
Note the mark on the tiller trigger.

Michael

Micheal,
do you need better images of the crossbow?
I may have a few!
Cheers.
Carlo

[junker]

Hi Michael,
is the book which is mentioned in the article of the soester museum already availible ?
Dirk

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by junker

Hi Michael,
is the book which is mentioned in the article of the soester museum already availible ?
Dirk

Hi Dirk,

I cannot seem to find the article on the Soest Museum you referred to - could you please link me with the quotation?

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by Carlo Paggiarino

Micheal,
do you need better images of the crossbow?
I may have a few!
Cheers.
Carlo

Hi Carlo,

Please forgive my not responding any earlier but my computer was down by virus.

Yes, I would be glad to receive better images and have sent you a PM.

Thanks and best,
Michael