Head of a Crossbow Bolt
Culture
European
Date1400s–1500s century
Mediumiron
Dimensions6.4 × 1.9 × 1.3 cm (2 1/2 × 3/4 × 1/2 in.), 3 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsIn red paint on blade: "6."
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.549
DescriptionQuadrangular head lozenge-shaped in section (actually a parallelogram) with short socket of circular section.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. This stout head for a crossbow bolt is designed to pierce armor.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Sumner Healey, N.Y., April 30, 1929. Given to the Armory on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1680
