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- Windlass crossbow, the strong steel bow stamped in three places with a maker's mark. The cord remains.
Stock of dark wood, furnished with a steel stirrup at the forward end, grooved for the bolt, and at the rear deeply slotted and reinforced with brass for a windlass. Antler nut. There is a curved, steel spring to hold the end of the bolt in place. The underside of the stock has a large projection in the centre to provide a firm grip for the left hand. The edges are outlined with fine lines of antler.
Bridle of steel overlaid with brass plates; these are en suite with the brass supports to the trigger-guard, both are engraved with ornament and formerly gilt. On the left bridle plate is a figure of Minerva, and on the right, Diana, surrounded by running foliage and small satyrs, animals and terminal figures. Each strap is finished at the rear tip with a small, flat plate pierced with floral ornament. The forward trigger-guard support is engraved with figures of Mars on one side and on the other Cupid hunting, with two captives, among foliage, birds, animals and insects; the rear plate has a trophy of arms and two Tritons blowing conch-shells. The remainder of the trigger-guard is of steel. The brass butt-plate is engraved with foliage and a butterfly.
The lock is cocked by pressing a button or lever which projects on the upper side of the stock. Between this and the nut is a transverse groove from which some part is missing, possibly a peepsight. Behind the cocking button is a kidney-shaped, stag's horn projection with probably served as a grip for the right thumb.
Flemish, mid-17th century.
- Windlass crossbow, the strong steel bow stamped in three places with a maker's mark. The cord remains.