as the builder of strange things, I've started work on a 1470's crossbow replica.. getting the main works together, European hormbeam stock, antler parts for the release nut, the trigger(tickler) on this one was more complex than my mapp gas and vise forging set up could handle,, decided to farm this out (kind of like the medieval guild system) I emailed drawings to several blacksmith forges and got varied responses, to help the process a wood model was made.. Reaver Forge in North Raleigh (you can find him on facebook) was given the task.. for a fair price he outdid my expectations!!! all drawn from one piece, no forge welds, very very nice work..
last photo is the crossbow being replicated, the European hornbeam is close to metal working..
last photo is the crossbow being replicated, the European hornbeam is close to metal working..