viking crossbow

[the_power]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone's ever seen a replica viking crossbow ? Seems the ones used in Ireland had an antler "nut".

I like the idea of such a thing, even if it'd be tough to use one on the battlefield.

John

[Roibeárd]

Has definate evidence been found of viking crossbows?

The example found in Waterford was dated to Viking/early Norman period I thought and they couldnt know for certain which period it belonged.
Modern Irish deer antler sadly is far smaller then it was in this period and making a accurate reproduction would probably need reindeer or even moose antler.

[the_power]

Earliest documented evidence of crossbows here are from the pipe roll of 1211, where mentions of arbalistes and balistae are mentioned. The earliest find is of a crossbow nut in fishamble st., early 11thC context. That area is pretty well dated, and it's a bit back from the sedimentary deposits by the river. Two other nuts were found in Waterford and Trim castles, though likely late 12thC, very early 13thC. The trim castle one had a metal reinforcing plate, likely the Waterford one did too, as it has holes for rivets.

[Guthrum]

Not seen the Irish nuts, but the Scottish ones, which go back to the 9th century, are probably similar. I've seen a repro one at one of the Regia events, but don't know if I've got any pictures of it.

[numbskull]

I have seen the replica but only in the net not the real one.