A South German elaborately bone-inlaid Renaissance crossbow, circa 1580Heavy steel prod, a circular mark with a sun burst struck on the inside on the right, the monogram "HF" stamped on the right. Original, fixed anchors, the hemp bowstring a modern replacement. The bellied tiller in finely grained, reddish-brown wood with lavishly engraved bone inlays. The original nut made of antler with an iron mount, secured with thread. Multi-axle lock, hair set trigger with folding trigger shoe, iron trigger guard and cranequin lug. The top of the tiller engraved with scenes of the Labours of Hercules amidst volutes and depictions of animals, an old inscription with the name "IACOB" behind the nut. The light-coloured side bands featuring antique heroes interspersed with leaping foxes, hounds, a hare and reclining deer. An antique scene with a dead king, killed by a shot, and three archers on the cheek rest. Fortuna floating above a globe on the bone butt cap. St Agnes holding a lamb and St Barbara with staff and chalice on the underside, engraved volutes and elaborately intertwined mythical creatures on the lower side bands. The thumb rest in the shape of an iron crosspiece on the top. The bolt channel and back sight have been lost. Occasional minor flaws, cracks, old repairs, signs of age and handling. Width of the bow 60 cm, total length 64 cm. Rare, exceptionally distinguished late Renaissance crossbow. Probably produced in Nuremberg.Condition: II