Tod of todsstuff shooting a ballestrino (assassins crossbow)

This is a ballestrino, or often these days called an assassins crossbow. They were popular amongst the gentry of Italy and Spain in the late 16th and 17th Centuries, so late Renaissance. I suspect they were excutive toys more than anything. This like all of them, is operated by a screw jack with a sliding trigger block; the jack is needed because they are powerful. This bow is 320lbs, but as the draw is very short the impact energy is low - so good fun, but no killer. I made this to be stripped down, as everyone loves a cool gadget and it is very Assassins Creed. If you are interested in medieval replica weapons take look at my websites: for budget medieval knives for custom knives, swords and crossbows