crossbows from the Hermitage

Spiridonov · 4th January 2010, 10:23 PM

Two German crossbows of second half of XVI century

Spiridonov · 4th January 2010, 10:25 PM

else

fernando · 4th January 2010, 11:37 PM

Great pieces.
Those steel handles are a later addition, right?
They look horrible.
Fernando

Jim McDougall · 4th January 2010, 11:45 PM

Outstanding Spiridinov!! What are your observations or notes on these in addition to being German 16th c.? Anything unique about them, such as the handles Fernando has noted?

Best regards,
Jim

Dmitry · 5th January 2010, 03:13 AM

Alas, we meet again! I saw this very crossbow while in Hermitage this past Summer. Our bus tour of the city allowed for only 2 hours in this amazing museum.

The room it's displayed in is quite breathtaking, and contains European weapons truly sans pareil !

Correct me if I am wrong, as this is not my area of expertise or interest, but judging by the size of the slot for the projectiles, this piece shot either stones or lead balls?

katana · 6th January 2010, 01:28 AM

The first crossbow shown is missing its roller nut (holds the 'string' before release via the trigger) Dmitry I think the 'hole' left is what you are mistaking for a stone/ball 'holder'.
The metalwork to which I think you are refering to Fernando, is a spring catch (sprung steel) pivoted on the screw 180 degrees it holts the bolt in place, if firing downwards (without this the bolt will just slide off) Think: shooting down from battlements.
Due to the ornate work on both these crossbows, it is extremely likely they were for hunting. War x-bows tend to be more utilitarian.

Both fantastic pieces.

Regards David

4th January 2010, 10:23 PM	#1
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	crossbows from the Hermitage Two German crossbows of second half of XVI century Attached Images

4th January 2010, 10:25 PM	#2
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	else Attached Images

6th January 2010, 01:28 AM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	The first crossbow shown is missing its roller nut (holds the 'string' before release via the trigger) Dmitry I think the 'hole' left is what you are mistaking for a stone/ball 'holder'. The metalwork to which I think you are refering to Fernando, is a spring catch (sprung steel) pivoted on the screw 180 degrees it holts the bolt in place, if firing downwards (without this the bolt will just slide off) Think: shooting down from battlements. Due to the ornate work on both these crossbows, it is extremely likely they were for hunting. War x-bows tend to be more utilitarian. Both fantastic pieces. Regards David Attached Images Last edited by katana; 6th January 2010 at 02:36 AM.

4th January 2010, 11:37 PM	#3
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Great pieces. Those steel handles are a later addition, right? They look horrible. Fernando

4th January 2010, 11:45 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,753	Outstanding Spiridinov!! What are your observations or notes on these in addition to being German 16th c.? Anything unique about them, such as the handles Fernando has noted? Best regards, Jim

5th January 2010, 03:13 AM	#5
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Alas, we meet again! I saw this very crossbow while in Hermitage this past Summer. Our bus tour of the city allowed for only 2 hours in this amazing museum. The room it's displayed in is quite breathtaking, and contains European weapons truly sans pareil ! Correct me if I am wrong, as this is not my area of expertise or interest, but judging by the size of the slot for the projectiles, this piece shot either stones or lead balls?