Crossbow nut; Crossbow bolts

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This antler crossbow nut (part of the trigger mechanism for a crossbow) and three iron bolts were found at Buiston Crannog in Ayrshire. They date from between 585 and 630. Crossbows such as these were used at close quarters.

The antler nut is rounded on one edge, to allow it to swivel and release the crossbow string when fired. The bolts are long and sturdy, for piercing.

For over 5000 years people in Scotland have hunted for sport and prestige as well as to obtain food. Scenes of aristocratic hunting were carved on stone monuments around 750 to 850. One from St Vigeans has a crouching archer aiming a crossbow at a boar.

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-394-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HV 106
• Date: Between 585 and 630
  
• Material: Antler
  Iron
  Iron
  Iron
  Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow nut
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow bolt
  Crossbow nut
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
  Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
  Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
  Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron crossbow bolt from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
  Iron crossbow bolt from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
  Iron crossbow bolt from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
  Crossbow nut of antler, from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
  
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