Had to buy this 16th Century German Crossbow called a schnäpper

**gerrit** · 03-15-2012, 08:51 AM

Couldnt resist this one, something completely different then the german WW2 stuff that i usually buy.
this very weekend i bought a crossbow called a " schnapper".
Its a german design and made by a master blacksmith ( see picture below of the mastermark)
It was used in the 16th century to penetrate armour at 275 yards with lead or stone balls.
Its also been used to shoot a type of burning arrow/rocket to set castles etc. on fire.
Its made of iron and extremely rare.
Its condition is fair but not completely working.
The trigger mechanism needs some work, 2 springs are broken, otherwise its pretty good considering its been around since 1580.......
Enjoy the pictures:
first is a drawing made in the 16th century of the same one as i bought.
1 is stored in the NationalGermania museum in Nurnberg ( Germany)

Mastermark:

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-15-2012 08:51 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Walkwolf** · 03-15-2012, 10:39 PM

Hi Gerrit. This is a great piece of history, which in some ways is more important
than the many firearms of the last century or so, because it shows how far
we have come in weapon design, manufacture and use. Items like these
are usually seen only in museums. No doubt you are proud to own it.

I love it.........!

**Adrian Stevenson** · 03-15-2012, 10:41 PM

Never even seen one of these before. Interesting bit of kit. Thanks for showing it.

Cheers, Ade.

**colt45** · 03-15-2012, 10:53 PM

WOW! great historic piece, made well

**gerrit** · 03-15-2012, 11:09 PM

Thx for the kind words, i'm very happy with this piece of history

**KradSpam** · 03-15-2012, 11:23 PM

Superb catch! I'd love something like this.

**stuka f** · 03-16-2012, 07:03 AM

A delight to see and own!
My favorite periode.Well done.
|<ris

**aussie mick** · 03-16-2012, 07:06 AM

That is so Cool

Congrats on a great piece of history
Mick

**don_kihotis7** · 03-16-2012, 02:00 PM

Unbelievable. How on earth did you find this thing?

**Panzer 3** · 03-16-2012, 02:16 PM

Hi Gerrit,
What a fine piece of history you have found the workmanship is great, i love older weapons, will you try to replace the springs or leave it as it is. I am envious of you lol, Thanks for showing the great pics.
Dave.