XV Century Crossbow
The goal of this project is to create a crossbow that looks the part of its
fifteenth-century European counterpart, yet is still safe and effective to use
on an SCA battlefield. Period
styles and dimensions are used where possible, period techniques are used where
applicable, and modern materials and designs are substituted when needed for SCA
battlefield safety and effectiveness. Heavy string, thicker prod, tapered stock
and cheeks, aged effects, etc.
I found a crossbow that I wanted to emulate in
Payne-Galwey's book on crossbows*.
The image is from C. Leberthais' Ancient Tapestries of the City of
Rheims, and depicts two 15th century crossbowmen in what appears
to be eastern European armor. I
chose the crossbow because of it's simple
lines, classic trigger shape, and compact, heavy appearance. I started
with my "western" teller outline, made it smaller, and added some
taper to the fore-stock.
I'm
exceptionally pleased with the way it turned out. The string looks very
much like I had envisioned it, and it lends a feeling of primitiveness to the
whole thing. I've got a few more modifications banging around in my head,
but they will have to wait until next time.
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*
The Crossbow, Mediaeval and Modern, Military and Sporting, Sir
Ralph Payne-Galwey, London: Holland Press, 1995 (c.1903).
