Crossbow Bolt
Cultureprobably
German
Datemid 1500s
Mediumsteel and wood
Dimensions38.8 cm (15 1/4 in.), 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.683.2
DescriptionProbably Germany, 16th c. Wooden flights, formerly secured with a pin as WAM 2014.683.1. Bolt head attached to a wooden shaft with remains of two wood vanes or flights. Steel pitted with losses on edges and surface fracture at point. Seam pulling apart and cracking near ends. Large loss from surface on one side. Wood shaft worn. One vane mostly intact although cracked, the other almost entirely lost. The nock end chipped.Label TextBody armor was ultimately made obsolete by gunpowder, but already in the Middle Ages it faced a serious threat from crossbows. Like firearms, crossbows were simple “point-and-shoot” weapons that could be used by soldiers with very little training. These crossbow bolts have stout heads to help them pierce armor.ProvenanceWilliam Randolph Hearst collection Purchased by Museum from Parke-Bernet Galleries (NYC) on December 4, 1952, sale no. 1387, lot no. 147. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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