Author:Anonymous
Category：Weapons and defense
Year：ca. 1460
Introduction：Crossbows are weapons based on the use of a traditional vertical bow fitted in a horizontal assembly with a mechanical release system (the tiller), which together form the crossbow’s distinctive "T" shape.
For any normal archer, drawing the string on a crossbow by hand is impossible, hence some other force or mechanical method must be used to span the string; for example, using a stirrup to apply strength from one’s legs and back, using a cranequin (a geared mechanism), a lever, or a pulley. After spanning the bowstring, the trigger is operated to shoot the bolt. The crossbow in Europe initially used a wooden bow and then a composite one. The composite construction provided superior levels of strength, flexibility and power. By the end of the 15th century the composite bow was rapidly superseded by the steel bow, and crossbows of this type were frequently modified and given steel bows.
Crossbows of such large size and as early as this are now relatively rare. It has a composite type bow built up from layers of horn, wood, sinew and possibly bone held together with natural animal glue. The outer surfaces retain fragments of the original decorated printed bark covering. The tiller is made from pear-wood and is partially covered with white stag horn, a characteristic of the gothic design. It has a hook-stop on the top of the tiller to hold the arming mechanism. This hook is a witness of the earlier crossbows and usually an additional steel peg was inserted through the tiller at a later date to accept a more modern cranequin.
The crossbow was used extensively by noblemen for hunting with the advantage that it was much quieter than the gun, and so the wild game would not be frightened away by the noise. In Europe, from the 13th century onwards, it was encouraged to own a crossbow and also to practice regularly. From this, the start of crossbow shooting guilds, groups and clubs developed and it continues to be a popular sport even today.
Accession number:0011724
Place of Orgin：Germany