This is a beautifully crafted piece (ca. 1700) which measures 43 1/2" in length (including the curved iron stirrup) and features a 29 1/2" steel bow stamped with a cow's head maker's mark on the reverse side and secured by large brass bridles cast in high relief with the faces of fauns or satyrs. This Crossbow was the centerpiece of Roger Blaisdells collection of Crossbows. The old bowstring is in very good condition and the iron has developed a dark gray/black tarnish over time and has light pitting throughout. The walnut tiller is intricately carved in high relief with floral sprays and decorative abstract motifs which flow onto the large, irregularly shaped wall rest on the underside. The wall rest itself is reinforced on both sides with pierced and engraved decorative brass inlays, and there are narrow inlaid strips of bone forming borders along the edges of the tiller. There is a bone panel with bolt groove ahead of the metal nut. The decorative, asymmetrical triggerguard offsets to the right and terminates with an acorn finial. The windlass assembly is unmarked and has two sets of double pulleys on the front with large single pulleys at the rear attached to 10 1/4" crank handles with wooden grips that have some chips and powder post beetle damage. The old hemp cord is frayed in spots and has been repaired with twine in two places where it separated. The crossbow comes with an attractive, relatively newer wooden display stand. This is a wonderful and handsome crossbow, in fine condition, which would make a fantastic display piece for any gunroom, study, or library.
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