The crossbow illustrated is my next major restoration job to be done. I purchased it last week in one of the major London auction rooms. It was made by J. Blancher of Attleborough (in Norfolk) probably in the mid / late 1600 -s ,and is (in its way) rather a handsome weapon.
Since then I have been studying Sir Ralph Payne - Gallwey's book 'The
Crossbow'. It was first published in 1903, and has (to my mind) never been bettered as a text book on crossbows. There are four small iron parts to be made, which will fix the bow firmly into the stock , and two more slightly larger iron pieces that keep everything firmly in position. All are illustrated in Payne -Gallwey's book, and will have to be made to the correct sizes of the vacant holes in the stock. In a repair job of this sort the holes that remain in the stock, dictate accurately the sizes of the missing parts. It should take a while (and keep me busy). Must try and remember to take 'after' pictures to show when all's done -watch this space.
Just been called up for lunch by Ruth.
2 comments:
Always good to add another string to your bow Mike!! I don’t think Blancher still has a base in Attleborough somehow🤓
Hello Rog. I've been trying to chase up Mr. Blancher - without much success. There do seem to be a lot of Blanchers and Blanchards in the area, though. And also a good many 'Norfolk' sporting cross bows, as opposed to North country stone bows. I would think this one was designed for ground game (rabits and hare) up to red deer. Also - don't let anyone persuade you that these weapons were made for poachers. The poaching gentry couldn't have afforded this sort of thing. I've seen an English stone bow with a rosewood stock and silver mounts!!
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