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Marko Susimetsa
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 Posted: Wed 14 Nov, 2012 6:54 am Post subject: Pistol crossbow question |
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I recently got interested in pistol crossbows - or so-called assassin crossbows - as they possibly existed in the early 17th century. I found one example of a modern replica made by Denix that states that it is based on a 17th century original, but that's as much as I know.
Does anyone have images of the original or any other images or info about these small thingies from the said period? Their range, accuracy or any knowledge of how common they were?
Is there anyone making working replicas of these things (the Denix version is apparently non-functional)?
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Leo Todeschini
Industry Professional
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Gene W
Location: The South Of England Joined: 01 Dec 2010
Posts: 116
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| Posted: Wed 14 Nov, 2012 10:53 am Post subject: |
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I've seen one of those Denix ones. 
Unless the bowstring is elastic it won't be firing anything. All the metal parts are die-cast pot-metal.
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Marko Susimetsa
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| Posted: Wed 14 Nov, 2012 12:14 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for the link! Looks interesting and I'll delve deeper into that thread tomorrow. 
And, yes, I am suspicious of the authenticity of the Denix as a replica since I could find no info on the claimed original anywhere.
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Ralph Grinly
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| Posted: Wed 14 Nov, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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I dare say little crossbows like this *may* have existed, but I suspect they may have been just used as novelties, or toys for rich nobles to play with indoors. They aren't really 'practical' weapons..or easily concealable. An assasin of the time would have been far more likely to use an easily concealed dagger, or a small pistol. Just my two cent's worth 
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Marko Susimetsa
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| Posted: Thu 15 Nov, 2012 4:15 am Post subject: |
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Yup, the most common description I've seen for this piece says that it was a...
"Belgian Crossbow Pistol (Decorative) from the 17th Century. The crossbow was likely used for target and sporting purposes and not as a serious weapon, but it was able to throw a bolt a considerable distance."
They also seem to have carried an almost similar Italian version of the same weapon and that made me wonder how common weapons like these could actually have been. It is a shame that Denix does not care to offer actual historical information about their pieces...
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Marko Susimetsa
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Tom King
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| Posted: Thu 15 Nov, 2012 5:20 am Post subject: |
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http://www.todsstuff.co.uk/crossbows/balestrino-crossbows.htm
Somewhat related; pistol crossbows did exist, but they seem to follow the "balestrino" , IE assassin bow, profile. Essentially a small, high poundage crossbow with a internalized cocking mechanism.
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Marko Susimetsa
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| Posted: Fri 16 Nov, 2012 1:41 am Post subject: |
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Thank you, Tod - that thread was very informative and I trust that you would have bumped into pistol grip miniature crossbows during your research if they had existed. For some reason, the pistol grip appeals to me and the discussion in the thread makes me wonder if they would be (even) more toylike than the ballestrino bows or if they would be about equal in their power and range...
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Lafayette C Curtis
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| Posted: Fri 16 Nov, 2012 4:04 am Post subject: |
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I'd normally take the deep downwards curve in the distal end of the tiller/stock to indicate a bow designed to shoot pellets, so it's pretty odd to see one with an arrow. Besides, a pellet makes rather more aesthetic sense for such a pistol-like design, doesn't it?
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This is a standard topic
