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

Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373

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.

Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna

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Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna
Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna
Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna
Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna
Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna
Crossbow of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), Wood, horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, Central or Eastern European, possibly Vienna

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