Antique 19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Pellet Crossbow

Authentic antique Chinese Pellet Crossbow 19th century Qing Dynasty, composed of hand carved hardwood stock of elegant form with iron sight attachment and two-piece trigger mechanism made of brass. The composite bow is made of black lacquered bamboo belly and core with a sinew backing and its original double gut string.
 
MEASUREMENTS:
Sock overall Length: 63 cm (24.8 inches)
Bow width: 50 cm (19.69 inches)
 
CONDITION: Showing the age and usage, central pellet pocket worn.
Please notice that the pictures in the listing are part of the description of the condition of the object.
 
Pellet bows and crossbows have a long history in China. Confucian scholar Jing Fang (京房, lived 77-37 B.C.) noted that the moon was shaped like a ball, much like a round crossbow pellet. They were mainly used for sport, fun, and small game hunting such as birds and squirrels.