This Archaic bronze crossbow mechanism (Han Dynasty) has a flanged rectangular body grooved on top and slotted to receive the trigger, cast in three interlocking pieces and held by 2 pins. It has a dark green patina with brownish encrustation. Formerly part of the Paul Spheeris collection, former director of the Indianapolis Museum. Compare this to the crossbow mechanisms in the collection of H.M. the King of Sweden illustrated in Palmgren's Catalogue, pl. 39. See also O. Karlbeck, Selected Objects from Ancient Shou Chow, B.M.F.E.A., No. 27, 1955, pl. 2, fig. 2.
