This early form of crossbow was developed by the Ancient Greeks some time before 400BC and is spanned by leaning down on the bow to push the slider and trigger back, which then catches on the toothed racks. This is an established interpretation of this type of crossbow.
It is shot with the stock held against your belly.
Originally these crossbows had a horn/sinew composite bow, but this version uses a linen covered modern composite bow with a relatively long draw, to create a formidable weapon.
This crossbow is typical of many medieval 15thC munition quality war crossbows so it is plain. Bow irons came in around 1400 though lashing was also still used, and this...
15thC medieval windlass crossbow - 880lbs Ash stock, linen string, sprung trigger and steel windlass. Often called a rampart crossbow. This crossbow is a massively powerful winch operated artillery weapon...
This medieval crossbow is typical of many 15thC munition quality war crossbows so it is plain and rather blocky. Bow irons came in around 1400 though lashing was also still...