Gilt bronze mechanism which once formed the trigger part of a crossbow. The crossbow mechanism (see photo how it functioned) was a Chinese invention. This one is of exceptional quality with thick gilding. A gilt bracket has been glued to the back of the mechanism in order to prevent it from getting lost. This bracket most probably once formed part of the wooden butt. The moving parts of the mechanism are stuck together and the pins on which the parts of the mechanism used to rotate have deteriorated long ago and were most probably made of wood or bamboo. The mechanism dates from the Western Han period (206BC – 25AD). Length 21 cm. See also Quick Find 0325-2 and 0325-3 for other trigger mechanisms.