{"product_id":"extremely-rare-german-incendiary-crossbow-with-steel-bow-goat-s-foot-lever-circa-1600-1700","title":"Extremely Rare German Incendiary Crossbow with Steel Bow \u0026 Goat’s Foot Lever, circa 1600–1700","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eextremely rare German incendiary crossbow\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating to circa\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1600–1700\u003c\/strong\u003e, represents one of the most specialized and elusive forms of late medieval and early modern projectile weaponry. Constructed with a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewooden tiller\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand a powerful\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esteel bow\u003c\/strong\u003e, this configuration reflects post-1500 advancements that favored durability, resistance to moisture, and greatly increased draw strength over earlier composite bows. The crossbow is equipped with a period\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egoat’s foot lever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(pied-de-chienne \/ gaffe), a mechanically efficient spanning device utilizing leverage and double hooks to cock the heavy steel bow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this example is its\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eincendiary capability\u003c\/strong\u003e. Crossbows specifically designed to fire flaming or incendiary bolts were produced in exceptionally limited numbers, intended for siege warfare, ship-to-ship combat, and the ignition of structures or equipment. While effective, such designs carried inherent risk and added complexity, making them far rarer than conventional military crossbows. The increased mass and reinforced construction necessary to support incendiary use further underscore the specialized nature of this weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crossbow stands among the most influential weapons in military history. Originating over 2,500 years ago, crossbow technology spread from Asia into Europe, where it reshaped medieval warfare by allowing relatively untrained soldiers to defeat heavily armored opponents. Its battlefield dominance was so feared that in 1139 the Second Lateran Council under Pope Innocent II sought to restrict its use among Christian forces. By the 16th and 17th centuries, steel-bow crossbows represented the technological apex of the form, persisting in specialized roles even as firearms gained prominence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge steel-bow incendiary crossbows with intact spanning mechanisms are\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eexceptionally scarce survivals\u003c\/strong\u003e. Examples retaining strong structural integrity and correct period configuration are virtually unknown on the open market. This piece stands as a museum-grade artifact of late medieval warfare and represents a singular opportunity for advanced collectors to acquire one of the rarest functional variants of the European crossbow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eINTERNAL USE:\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43612507897930,"sku":"WGR0061","price":17000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/Extremely-Rare-German-Incendiary-Crossbow-with-Steel-Bow-Goats-Foot-Lever-circa-1600-1700.jpg?v=1779368894","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/extremely-rare-german-incendiary-crossbow-with-steel-bow-goat-s-foot-lever-circa-1600-1700","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}