Medieval Crossbow 79cm – approx. 80-100lbs

Crossbow with decorated wood shaft and a wood arrow with metal point and feathers. Our crossbow is a weapon reproduction from the 15th century. We don’t want to attribute a particularly high accuracy to it, it is not suitable for effective and regular shooting. It should rather be seen as a special addition to a historical weapons collection. In any case, it will be an exceptional piece of decoration.

Besides the bow, the crossbow was one of the first long-range weapons in history. The forerunners of the crossbow were the great siege machines, i.e. catapults of antiquity. In 1139, the Pope cast a spell over this weapon, saying that it was a deceitful weapon cursed by God, which could only be used against ‘unbelievers’.

Reports of the battles at Hasting around 1187 report that William the Conqueror used crossbowmen. In the crusade, the crossbow was used as a surprise weapon against the Muslims. Richard Löwenherz is reported to have maintained departments with crossbowmen. He himself died in 1199 from a crossbow shot during a siege.

Depending on the strength of the crossbow, most armour could be penetrated with a whistle up to 100 metres. In the middle of the 16th century, the use of crossbow shooters ended with the introduction of the Arquebus, the Lunten rifle.

Material: wood and metal limbs

Delivery contents: Crossbow including one bolt

Please note: This crossbow is for decoration purposes only and is not suitable for shooting!