The crossbow revolutionised infantry warfare allowing armies to field large numbers of missile troops without the expense of having to employ skilled archers, who were usually trained from boyhood. Armies of Mercenary Crossbowmen were not uncommon and as many as 3,000 were employed in battles such as Agincourt. Our range of crossbows is hand made in Italy and they are designed as display pieces - being primarily suited as such. They do have working mechanisms and can be fired, although they are not very powerful or accurate. The maximum range for this crossbow is approximately 5-10 metres. Comes complete with 1 x wooden quarrel (arrow).