Very Rare And Superb, Profusely Inlaid Museum Quality 16th Century High Art German Hunting Crossbow

The walnut shaft measures 25 and 1/2 inches and is profusely inlaid with 8 human figures in 16 poses in engraved white stag horn, amid white stag horn tendrils enhanced with pellets. The upper and lower borders of the shaft finely inlaid in wood and stag horn marquetry, (a very rare technique) the work of a true master.

The bolt channel entirely veneered in finely engraved white horn with large scene of Adam and Eve directly behind the turnbuckle. and further with a scene of two herms, one male the other female and further with expanded blossoms and panels all executed in the very best quality of the period.

The bow’s underside completely veneered in engraved white stag horn with a marquetry border. The stag horn buttcap engraved ensuite. The heavy iron bow is 24 and 1/2 inches (these were extremely powerful weapons requiring a cranequin to draw) is struck with the maker’s mark of a pair of smith’s tongs.

Additionally this museum quality crossbow bears the inventory number 2201.4 of the San Francisco Museum of Fine Arts from which it was deaccessioned sometime in the 1960’s. This wonderful bow retains its original flax bowstring and retaining cords. Well patinated iron triggerguard with folding trigger.

The beauty and quality of this crossbow will make it stand out in even the most advanced collection of arms and armor. Crossbows of this quality are rarely offered for sale as most are already in museums.