Crossbow: Medieval, renascence crossbows and spanning devices 2

In 14th century was popular belt and claw method for drawing bows of crossbows. Belt and claw is spanning device consist of waist belt and metal claw single or double pronged attached to the belt. Drawing of bow was done by lifting the crossbow attaching claw to middle of string, putting the right foot in the stirrup and by straightening bended foot string was drawn to the lock. Other method was possible without lifting the crossbow by hooking string, putting foot in the stirrup and by lifting the whole body string was rised to the lock. In Gaston Phoebus manuscipt (14th century) there are many pictures representing crossbows drawn with belt and claw. Gaston work on hunting is very valuable source of information about medieval hunting.

Spanning device for more powerful bow on crossbow was screw and handle. This device was used in 15th century even on steel bow on crossbow. Representetation of this device is very rare in manucripts. This device consists from screw rod with hook and handle. It was used on crossbows that had longitudal whole on rised part of stock of crossbow. Bow was drawn by pushing the screw rod through that hole, hooking the string and by screwing the handle at the end of the rod, then device is removed when string is on the lock.

Crossbow with steel bow

Spanning device for more powerful bow on crossbow was goats-foot lever. This steel device is used from middle of 14th and till and in 15th century and it is used on steel bows. This method of spanning is fast, easy and because of that it is used also by the mounted croossbowmen. This device consist of handle, fork and two claws. Crossbow drawn with this device had two tranverse pin close to the end of the stock. Bow was drawn by holding the crossbow in air or by putting it on the ground, hooking with claws centre of the string, placing the prongs of the fork on tranverse iron pins of crossbow and by pulling the handle back. In this way string was drawn to the lock.

Crossbow drawing with belt and claw: