Cranequin or jack hunting crossbow with wooden... Lot 47

Cranequin or jack hunting crossbow with wooden core covered with bone and black-stained wood plates, wrought iron bow; cove with turned wooden handle, small gilt shield mark, hemp rope. Switzerland or southern Germany, mid 16th century L. : 81 cm - W. : 60 cm (missing parts and accidents) Provenance : Former collection of Louis-Pierre Bresset, Château de la Rochelambert, Haute-Loire. At the end of the 15th century the crossbow reached the end of its military life because soldiers with firearms could reach the archers while remaining out of their reach. Nevertheless, as a hunting weapon the crossbow remained in favor with the ruling classes for a long time. A similar crossbow is kept in the Basel museum (inv 1888.99)