Crossbow.

[Matchlock]

This is a 19th c. trap crossbow indeed.

Best,
Michael

[kronckew]

what is a 'trap' crossbow? what does it shoot? doesn't look particularly well adapted to launching clay pigeons...

[Matchlock]

Hi Kronck,

I was waiting to see that insinuation to modern trap shooting using shotguns. Actually today's trap shooting has nothing to do with its muzzleloading predecessors.

In the days of old, trap guns (and much more seldomly trap crossbows) were in use since at least the development of the wheellock in the 16th c. They were installed in the woods as well as at fortified places, cocked and primed and ready to fire in order to harm either animals or people releasing their mechanism by chance. The German terms are Legebüchse (trap gun) and Legearmbrust (trap crossbow) respectively.

Best,
Michael

[Jim MacDougald]

Thanks, Norman, for your help with IPhoto. I have resized the photos and am attaching one of the crossbow, one of the inscription, and a hand-drawn replica of the inscription, because the photo isn't the same as looking at it under a magnifying glass. When looking at the photo of the inscription, you will notice the battered look of the construction of the surface on which the inscription was placed. Pretty primitive! I can send more photos if anyone is interested, showing more detail The wood is very "wormy", and the construction of the trigger mechanism and the "nut" that hold the steel bowstring are identical to traditional crossbows from the 15th century, as is the "Goat's Foot" lever. In addition, the inscription has elements that are separated by colons, a tradition in the 14th and 15th centuries. Why would a 19th century trap crossbow be so crudely built, and containing 14th century mechanisms rather than the much better trigger mechanisms designed in the 1600's? "Matchlock"..., thanks for your comment. Have you seen others like this? Do you know where they can be found? Are there any in any books or museums that you know of? When I first contacted Royal Armouries, they told me they had never seen one like this before. Many thanks for you help.

[Matchlock]

Hi Jim,

No cyphers in Arabic script are known to have been used in Europe before the early 1400's, so please forget about the theory that it might be that old.

If you are interested in the shape and form of 15th c. Gothic crossbows, please see my thread

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7516

You will at once see the differences.

And: I cannot remember seeing any other trap crossbows at the moment, they seem to be quite rare indeed.

Best,
Michael

[cornelistromp]

I have once seen one with a screw clamping mechanism, all made of iron, also the stock.

I'm not sure if this is a trap crossbow trap, because these two crossbows seem to be very unstable if you place them down in postition, also the trigger mechanism is not as you would expect from a trap crossbow.
where is the eye to tie the trigger-rope to?


I think it's a crossbow that can shoot heavier arrow-projectiles away, 18thC or 19thC not earlier.

this theory unfortunately I can not substantiate with literature.

best,

[fernando]

Originally Posted by cornelistromp

... I think it's a crossbow that can shoot heavier arrow-projectiles away ...

Reason why it is provided with a "muzzle" extension?

.