Originally developed in the 16th century, the prodd, ballester, or stonebow was a bullet/stone launching cousin of the more commonly encountered bolt-launching crossbow. Prodds never caught on with the military, mostly due to the ammunition being less effective than the sharp bolts of the crossbow, especially against armoured combatants. However, they did become popular as a hunting tool and for use in pest control, and carried on in that roll well into the era of firearms due to their ability to dispatch small game quietly and cheaply. This example is quite ornate and was likely intended for use in pest control on an English estate. The upper rear tang on the tiller is faintly marked " SIKES - SHEFFIELD". It is fitted with folding front and rear sights and all of the fittings are iron, including ornate sideplates and inlays on top of the tiller. The finely figured tiller is also inlaid with fine silver wire patterns. It is fitted with folding front and rear sights and it appears to be restrung in a period style with a leather pouch for the projectile/bullet.

Very good, the iron components showing mostly a dark grey-brown patina with extensive pitting throughout. The wood is also very good, retaining almost all of the wire inlay and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically untested. An interesting, lesser-known competitor to early firearms!