Medieval Iron Crossbow arrowhead (Bodkin) - Medieval crossbow bolt head / quarrel - 50 mm (No reserve price)
04
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06
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52
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52
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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A hand-forged iron medieval crossbow bolt head, known as a bodkin, measuring 50 by 13 mm and weighing 22.67 g, dating from the 12th to the 15th century, authentic and intact, acquired from a private collection in the Netherlands in 2026.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This object is a hand-forged iron medieval crossbow bolt tip. This type is known as a bodkin point. They were characterized by a solid, thick, pyramid-shaped or diamond-shaped tip (square or diamond-shaped in cross-section) with a hollow conical shank (socket) into which the wooden shaft was attached.
Size: 50 x 13 mm
Weight: 22.67 grams
Condition: intact - preserved
Function: While ordinary bow arrowheads were often thinner or leaf-shaped to cut flesh, these heavy, solid crossbow points were specially designed to withstand the enormous impact of a crossbow. They were intended to penetrate medieval armor, such as chain mail and later plate armor.
Dating: This type of arrowhead was widely used in Europe from the 12th to the 15th century.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s Smart Shipping.
This object is a hand-forged iron medieval crossbow bolt tip. This type is known as a bodkin point. They were characterized by a solid, thick, pyramid-shaped or diamond-shaped tip (square or diamond-shaped in cross-section) with a hollow conical shank (socket) into which the wooden shaft was attached.
Size: 50 x 13 mm
Weight: 22.67 grams
Condition: intact - preserved
Function: While ordinary bow arrowheads were often thinner or leaf-shaped to cut flesh, these heavy, solid crossbow points were specially designed to withstand the enormous impact of a crossbow. They were intended to penetrate medieval armor, such as chain mail and later plate armor.
Dating: This type of arrowhead was widely used in Europe from the 12th to the 15th century.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s Smart Shipping.
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
12e t/m 15e eeuw
Name of object
Crossbow arrowhead (Bodkin) - Medieval crossbow bolt head / quarrel
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Iron
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
50 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1971
Width
13 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
