A Very Rare Cased English Bullet Crossbow
By Thomas Jackson, Upper George Street, Portman Sqr., London, Circa 1830
With slender steel bow with original string and two spare strings each of twisted cords, the first with spacers, built-in gaffle engraved with foliate borders and retained by a sprung catch at the rear, signed border engraved folding back-sight, threaded folding fore-sight acting against a side-spring and with wing-headed brass sight adjusting screws, hinged bow mount extending back to form two tapering side-straps, engraved with a running stag in a landscape on top, secured by a square-headed screw beneath, and with faceted bud-shaped finial, figured flat-sided gun-stock with chequered grip and further flat-sided pistol-grip forward of the trigger-guard, border engraved iron mounts decorated with scrolling foliage and comprising trigger-guard and butt-plate, and blued trigger-plate with engraved pineapple-shaped finial (iron parts with some surface rust): in original lined and fitted mahogany case (lock mechanism missing) with accessories including brass gang mould stamped 'R. Jackson', and with turned wooden handles, two iron wrenches, and ten spare spacers, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label and instructions label for 'Proper Method Of Using Jackson's Patent Steel Bow', the exterior (split) with brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting brass carrying handle
79.5 cm.
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