Group of Crossbow Bolts
Cultureprobably
German
Dateearly 1500s
Mediumsteel, wood and leather
Dimensionsvarious
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.686
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.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on June 5, 1930 from Ernst Schmidt, Munich, Germany.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.On View
Not on view
