HUNTING CROSSBOW WITH CRANEQUIN, - Lot 37

HUNTING CROSSBOW WITH CRANEQUIN, wooden crossbow rest covered with bone plates engraved with vegetal motifs, leaning heads, busts of a couple, cherubs, cut-out leathers, Leda and the swan, coat of arms, fruit groups, animated landscape, reclining nymph, foliage mask with scowl; monogram and date inscriptions 1546, 1602 and 1800 on the heel; long iron trigger; steel bow complete with string and trimmings. Etched, engraved and openworked iron cranequin decorated with animated scenes and the Theological and Cardinal Virtues, plus an eighth, chased and gilded grotesque mask; belt hook; crank with bone and turned wood handle. Crossbow: Germany, mid-16th century, 1546, with later plates dated during successive restorations. Cranequin: Germany, late 16th century L: 71.5 x W: 78 cm (restorations, chips and wear) Provenance: Former Collection of Baron Alfred de Vinck de Winnezeele (1852-1014)