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28th May 2022, 06:47 PM | #1 |
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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 | #2 | |
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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 | #3 |
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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 | #4 |
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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 | #5 |
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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 | #6 |
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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 | #7 |
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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 |
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