The early history of the crossbow

[Robert]

Interesting though. The handle would in that case just be an ornamental part of the stock. Could be, I was just trying to make sense of the different pieces found in that grave. You see, I am also searching for a good design and wondering if the Z type handle had always been around as a trigger configuration. My bowmaker, who has made many a medieval crossbow, tells me there is much wear on the revolving nut and it needs replacement after only a limited time of heavy use. Which is why I was looking at a pre-medieval possible design. It does solve quite a few problems early crossbows have, but the lip on the nut makes the design questionable for sure. I do believe it will work fine, actually :-)