AS SEEN ON TV ! A Flemish Target Crossbow, Late 17th-Early 18th Century

A Good Large Flemish Target Crossbow, circa. Late 17th-Early 18th Century. 29.5" wide Robust steel bow struck with armorer's mark, retained by a pair of molded irons and wood wedge, walnut tiller with rest of characteristic form, applied with a large steel panel on each side of the nut cavity, steel nut, bolt channel with copper lining, the upper portion of the tiller inlaid with (4) brass foliate shaped panels on the top ridge (two missing), fitted with an additional finger rest, molded iron trigger-guard, and iron stirrup. Iron bow missing original string. Stock- 36.5" overall. Rather plain utilitarian stock has worm holes, scratches and light dings from years of handling. In good mechanical working order. Good form with great provenance.

NOTE: This crossbow may be much older.  Researching...

PROVENANCE: Featured on Discovery Channel’s TV show MASTER OF ARMS, 2018.

Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, 17th November 1944.

EXHIBITED; JOHN WOODMAN HIGGINS ARMORY MUSEUM COLLECTION, WORCESTER, MASS.
(JWHA #2779)

TTI-3162

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