Secrets of WootzDamascus Steel

This image comes from the Innsbrick edition of Maximilians Zeugbuch. It shows the equipment of a Landsknecht archer. It is available to view online at viewer.onb.ac.at/109223B5 - page 313. My thanks to Julian Matthias Ronneberger for bringing the exact reference to my attention.Aside from the interest in all the details, it is interesting to note the use of longbow archers in Landsknecht armies. Discuss!The stack of yew longbows seems to include not only very sturdy examples - as we see in other 16th century bows, such as those found on the Mary Rose – but also many with distinctively recurved tips. The late, much missed, bowyer Chris Boyton, was of the opinion that the extreme taper on the hefty Mary Rose bows was a clue that they were originally recurved – the bend having dropped out after years of submersion. Indeed a beautiful recurve bow he once made for me, lost its recurve after a few years until he re-steamed it – it then lasted a further two decades until it was stolen. Some of these arrows have exceptionally long fletchings ??? Thoughts?I love it that this illustration gives so much importance to bowstrings.The stance, with the straightened left leg is reminiscent of that on the image I posted the other day, that caused so much consternation. The elephant in the room of course is the elephantine length of the bow. That is consistent with other images of Landsknecht archers but seems incredible - surely it is simply an artist's way of saying these were incredibly big and powerful bows - making his point by exaggeration. Playing with size and perspective is an old artistic trick to status, importance and power.So much of interest here – dive in! ... See MoreSee Less

Secrets of WootzDamascus Steel

Recent Posts

Mike on Facebook

Take a look at my content on Substack