Germany, Saxony, 16th century / c. 1553–73
Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony as arms and armor (Germany, Saxony, 16th century · c. 1553–73).
Augustus was a marksman who took part in crossbow competitions. He had a large collection and often gave them to friends.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms.
The museum's collection notes: This crossbow was a hunting weapon for Prince Elector Augustus I, a member of the ruling elite in the Holy Roman Empire. Augustus, powerful and wealthy, had even the most practical instruments ornately decorated, including this crossbow and its cranequin, or winding device.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtCrossbow of Elector Augustus I of SaxonyOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.