a good and rare crossbow for hunting and competition, South German Dated 1766

the walnut stock veneered with ivory along the top, engraved with foliate scrolls, the year 1766, as marked on the front, a mask and the number I towards the rear, the butt plate of antler also numbered I, the underside inlaid with cartouche shaped plaques of antler, also engraved with foliate and shell motives, applied with massive steel bow secured by twisted ropes, partly gilded and coloured; together with a contemporary cranequin, struck with maker's mark and engraved with the initials PSP, missing tiller, cranequin missing handle