Pellet and Bolt Crossbow
Unknown Artist
dated 1573
Medium
Steel, wood (cherry, mahogany), staghorn, ivory (probably elephant)
Dimensions
L. 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm); W. 25 5/16 in. (64.3 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 6 oz. (1,977 g)
Classification
Archery Equipment-Crossbows
Culture
Northern Italian or French, probably Savoy
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Accession Number
14.25.1583
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of Renaissance weaponry with the *Pellet and Bolt Cross*, a masterful 1573 creation likely from Northern Italy or France, possibly the Savoy region This versatile piece, classified as archery equipment, could fire both bolts (short arrows) and pellets (lead balls), making it ideal for hunting or battlefield use. Measuring 37 3/4 inches long weighing just over 4 pounds, its compact design balanced portability with power, reflecting the era's innovative arms engineering. Crafted from steel for the bow and mechanism, cherry and mahogany woods for the stock, plus staghorn and ...