Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490)

Unknown

dated 1489 · Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy · Arms and Armor

This crossbow is one of the earliest surviving dated examples to include heraldry in its decoration. It was made for Matthias Corvinus (1443–1490), king of Hungary and Bohemia, whose personal coat of arms and the arms of his kingdom are visible. In addition to its rich ornament, the crossbow is remarkable for its sophisticated firing mechanism.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1489

Medium

Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy

Culture

Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1925