European Crossbow Mechanisms and Tillers

Timeline

1. c. 1200–1350Italian city-states and the Rhineland · Alpine regionEuropean craftsmen developed a trigger mechanism centered on a roller, trigger plate, and nut, with a metal stirrup at the front of the tiller for foot-spanning, improving loading efficiency and firing stability.
2. 1370–1420Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire · BurgundyHigh-poundage military crossbows were commonly equipped with a windlass or goat's-foot lever to assist spanning; the tiller was lengthened and fitted with a cheek rest and rear sight, suited to city defense and firing from field cover.
3. 1431–1440Duchy of Burgundy and the Swiss Confederacy · SwitzerlandThe warlike Duchy of Burgundy and the Swiss cantonal infantry fielded fine crossbows fitted with cranequins, with mechanisms and tillers standardized by armorers; they served as the main anti-cavalry firepower at the end of the Hundred Years' War and in the Swiss–Burgundian conflicts.