Crossbow Bolt
Culture
European
Cultureperhaps
German
Date1500s
Mediumwood
Dimensions29.5 cm 1.0 oz
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.685.5
DescriptionRelatively short wooden shaft for a bolt with remains of wood vanes or flights. Head missing as is most of the vanes. Wood worn. End of socket insert chipped. There a small hole near the rear.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.ProvenanceProbably purchased by John W. Higgins on January 4, 1929 from W.O. Oldman, London, England Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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