#16 • A Fine and Complete Staghorn Inlaid German Sporting Crossbow Late 16th/Early 17th Century

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $2,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

An exceptional German sporting crossbow from the late Renaissance or early Baroque period. Highly prized by the European nobility for hunting deer, wild boar, and target shooting, crossbows of this magnificent caliber served as profound status symbols of wealth, prestige, and engineering mastery. The rail finely engraved in front of the turnbuckle with scrolls and a flourish. Staghorn panels decorate the entire top. This crossbow retains its original steel sight (nearly always missing) as well as its light horn retaining strap for the quarrel. The fruitwood stock inlaid with staghorn roundels and a scrimshaw decorated panel under cheekpiece. The woven cords attaching the robust iron bow are the original. Bowstring may be original as well. Overall condition is very fine. This is a complete and original late Renaissance German crossbow and most attractive.