A South German Renaissance crossbow lavishly inlaid with bone, circa 1560 The heavy, iron prod with a dark age patina and braided hemp bowstring. Cord anchors with an iron suspension loop. The bellied tiller made of fruitwood, the bolt channel and underside completely veneered with bone inlays. The nut secured with cord. Triple-axle lock with trigger. Ridged iron trigger guard. Lavish embellishment of engraved and blackened bone. A lansquenet at prayer below a crucifix on one side of the tiller, a depiction of John the Baptist on the other. The rest of the shaft adorned with leafy vines, interspersed with putti, animals and mythical creatures. A representation of a woman in contemporary dress on the entirely bone-inlaid underside. The barely legible year "1560" (?) underneath. The bone veneer restored in places, minor replacements. Length 75 cm. Condition: II -