17th century Low countries crossbow with windlass

[Marcus den toom]

This is an item i just wanted to have had in my collection, eventhough it is not my collection area at all.
Meaning as well that this is something i know little about.
Hope to learn more here

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=crossbow

[Lansquenet59]

Hi ,

It is very beautiful . Is it a reproduction or original? Can someone say more?

[corrado26]

I think that this is very nice original with exception of the ropes which certainly have been replaced

[cornelistromp]

an authentic Target crossbow with so called English windlass with spoked wheels , the Nethelands first half - Mid 18th Century.

are there any marks on the bow? bull's head or rooster with stars.

best,
Jasper

attached one from my collection.

[Lansquenet59]

Is it more military or for hunting?

[cornelistromp]

neither

this target crossbow is for practicing, on a crossbow shooting range.
Those shooting ranges (Doelen) stems from the training grounds for the dutch militia. probably founded in the 14thc onwards.

Militia/civic guards as seen on Rembrandt's masterpiece the night watch.
There were seperate Doelen for crossbows, for the longbow archery, and for matchlock firearms/muskets.

These civic guards were established probably between the 11th and 13th centuriy. The first archers' guilds "sheltered" the bourgeoisie, but their duties were later expanded with the defense of walls and canals.

From the 16th century the guild lost its military function, but it continued to exist as a relaxation shooting club for the elite.



best,
Jasper

[corrado26]

............and here a further piece of the Netherlands
corrado26

[Marcus den toom]

Thank you all so much, its an even more interesting piece than my own research had panned out.
No markings as far as i can decern.
Does anyone know what rope would be best to replace this flimsy one?

And though i believe you (Jasper) on the dating i am curious to know the (stylistic) differences between a 17and 18th century bow of this type.

[fernando]

Marcus, you may as well visit the Königlichen Niederländischen Armeemuseum, which is not far your neighborhood .
Quite a few examples there ... and a comprehensive catalog in the bookshop .

[Marcus den toom]

True Nando, though not as close anymore with my new residence.. haha. I have been there a few times as well as in the old Visser collection.

Another question, does anyone have schematics of how such a crossbow should work from the inside?

[corrado26]

I hope these pages will help you
corrado26

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Marcus den toom

--- Another question, does anyone have schematics of how such a crossbow should work from the inside?

Do you mean the arming method or the trigger action, Marcus ?
I believe there are various arming systems as also a few evolutions of the trigger system.
The arming of the model under discussion may be seen HERE and HERE.
But you surely know all that ... .

... Oh, Udo was faster

,

[Marcus den toom]

Thanks, i am breaking my head on mine though..
i attached a image of what mine looks like.. i understand how it works when its armed, but i can't figure out how it would work after releasing the trigger.

The trigger has a small nodge which keeps the trigger from releasing (and a bigger nodge for keeping the sear in bounds).
Whence the trigger is released the sear is pushed down without a force counteracting it. How it will be armed again with the sear on the trigger nodge...

[corrado26]

I think after the shot you have to turn back (c) by hand until (d) will engage again, that's all. Then you can stretch the string again

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Marcus den toom

Thanks, i am breaking my head on mine though..
i attached a image of what mine looks like.. i understand how it works when its armed, but i can't figure out how it would work after releasing the trigger.

The trigger has a small nodge which keeps the trigger from releasing (and a bigger nodge for keeping the sear in bounds).
Whence the trigger is released the sear is pushed down without a force counteracting it. How it will be armed again with the sear on the trigger nodge...

Hi Marcus,

please see crossbow post #4, you have to push down the big mushroom headed pin , to arm the trigger mechanism again. At most crossbows this pin has been lost and there is only a hole to be seen.

best,
Jasper

[Marcus den toom]

Hi Jasper, thanks yes that is it.. simple elegant solution. I tried it and the trigger will catch on indeed.

[fernando]

The Columbus egg, Marcus .