80. Auction

Crossbow with stirrup, engraved bone inlays, swan motif and mother-of-pearl, probably circa 1800

Wood, iron, bone and mother-of-pearl. Crossbow, probably circa 1800, with reddish-brown, polished wooden tiller, the butt end cut out in a curved shape. Upper and side surfaces with engraved bone inlay plates with foliage and scrollwork, interlace borders and bird motifs, on the side of the butt a large plate with a swan with spread wings, the underside of the butt with a plain light-coloured bone strip; in the upper strip a lozenge-shaped and an oval mother-of-pearl plaque. Dark, forged bow with cord wrapping, string of natural fibre with centre serving, the bow binding decorated with green and brick-red wool pompoms and two large natural-coloured tassels. Long iron trigger lever under the tiller, in front of it a carved wooden trigger guard with foliage and rosette, on top a bolt clip over the bolt groove and folding sight, at the front an iron stirrup. The bone plates with age cracks and small chips to the edges, pompoms soiled and faded. Condition commensurate with age. Please inspect. 77x67x15 cm (LxWxH)

Bone-inlaid crossbows with engraved scroll and animal decoration stand in the tradition of the hunting and target crossbows made since the 16th century and continued in the marksmen's societies of the 18th and 19th centuries.