The Crossbow
Fig. 113. - The Lock of the Sixteenth Century Sporting
Crossbow of Large Size. Half full size.
In fig. 113, we have the revolving ivory or steel nut common to all
mediaeval crossbows that had powerful steel bows. We also have the usual
lever D, with its point fitting into the notch of the nut at C. In this
case, however, the lever D, is cut off short inside the stock, instead
of being prolonged into the old-fashioned outside trigger which was pressed
by hand to free the bow-string, as in fig. 55, p. 98.
The rest of the mechanism of this lock is identical with that given
in figs. 108-112, and acts as follows.
On the trigger H, being pulled G is set free, and the projection at
the upper end of G, deals a sharp blow at K, underneath the long end of
D, fig. 113.
This blow of G below D, at K, at once causes the other end of D to drop
out of the notch at c, in the circular nut.
The nut being then free to revolve, the stretched bow-string E, instantly
leaves its claws as these turn over, and propels the bolt.
In this lock we have the same advantages of safety and the same easy
loose of the bow-string as in the one previously described, the principle
of both locks being very similar. |