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Sporting Crossbow

Sporting Crossbow

Date: 18th or early 19th century
Medium: steel, iron, fruitwood, bone, cordages, wool
Dimensions:
Overall: 27 1/2 x 24 x 5 in. (69.9 x 61 x 12.7 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1951.68.1
Long after it became obsolete as a military weapon, the crossbow retained popularity in hunting and target shooting.  This particular example was “spanned” or cocked by means of a pivoting lever called a push bender, and has an adjustable, double set trigger which permitted firing with the slightest pressure possible, enabling one to remain on target.
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