2-737-566 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Pellet Crossbow, 1600s. Pellet crossbows shot small stones or molded clay pellets rather than steel-tipped bolts. They were used solely for hunting fowl and small animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, or ermine. Pellet crossbows (also called stonebows) lacked the power and range of conventional crossbows, but they could be drawn by hand. They were used throughout Europe from about 1550 to 1700 and were often beautifully decorated.