A Fine Stonebow by H W Mortimer & Son of London circa 1810

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Price: £2,800

Ref: 62080705

Item Description

Stonebows, sometimes called bullet crossbows, were used primarily for shooting small game, vermin and for leisure. Towards the end of the 18th century stonebows were fashionable accessories produced to very high standards as extensions to the product ranges of leading London and regional gunmakers. As the name suggests, ammunition could consist of pebbles, but being manufactured by gunmakers, the most effective ammunition was small lead pistol balls. This stonebow by H W Mortimer is a fine example in excellent condition. 

The slender steel bow is attractively shaped in the oriental manner. The tiller incorporates the steel gaffle and is fitted with a sprung folding forward sight on top strung with a sighting bead. The forward portion of the tiller is inlaid with iron plaques engraved with scrolls and foliage. A pair of flush fitting side plates are engraved on one side within a scrolled border H W MORTIMER & SON 89 FLEET  ST on one side and GUN MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY on the other.     

The bow is secured in the fore end by a pair of flanking irons which terminate in a moulded pyramidal finial at the snout. The sprung folding backsight has four vertically aligned ranging holes and the bed in front at the triggered  release hook is engraved with a stand of arms. The walnut stock is chequered at the wrist and finely cheeked for a right handed user.  The sprung lever button is decorated with a flower head and the lever is closely moulded to the stock contours. The forged iron  trigger guard is engraved with a scrolled tail and a stand of arms on the bow with a  pineapple finial in front.  

The wooden stock is nicely patinated and the iron parts are in fine condition. The bow strings are expert modern replacements. The bow span is 25.25 inches (64 cm) and the length is 29 inches (74 cm).