Toward the end of the 15thC. a number of spectacular hunting bows were made with heavily carved bone or ivory covered stocks and usually composite bows.
They are usually associated with Germany, and Bavaria in particular.
This crossbow is based on A1032 in the Wallace Collection, London which has sustained damage during its life and the original bow was replaced fairly early on with a parchment covered steel bow.
The reproduction has a steel bow of about 450lb, covered in parchment and painted.
The string is waxed linen, the bindings are hemp with a woven leather cover.
The stock is ash covered in ox bone, the nut is old ivory and the clip is antler.
The carving is fairly faithfully reproduced and is an allegory about St George and the Dragon interspersed with hunting scenes.
There was not an original cranequin associated with the bow so an etched late 15thC cranequin was supplied.
It all took a long time to make.
