Die „geschraubte armbrustwinde“: eine Sonderkonstruktion

Abstract

The Rüstkammer Dresden preserves a cranequin (Inv. No. U 159) which, in contrast to the usual German winders, is equipped with a threaded spindle. The piece is overlaid with fine etchings and it is in good condition, it is dated to the years before 1585. Considerations show that the ratio of the gear is very high and the bending of a halbe Rüstung (half sized crossbow) is possible, but very time-intensive.
While bending the bow, the spindle is subjected to a high bending moment, which is very disadvantageous for this component. Although high quality steel was used, deformation or even breakage could be expected. In addition, the author emphasizes that the production of a threaded spindle during this time was very complex and could only be accomplished by a specialist.
The Nuremberg screwmaker Leonhard Danner was a well-known craftsman at that time, he worked for Elector August of Saxony. Danner produced tools, hoisting devices and presses, he was also the inventor of the Dannersche Brechschraube (Danner´s breaking screw), which could destroy fortifications and walls. Danner was also the maker of the huge wire-drawing bench, which is now exhibited in the Musée de la Renaissance Ècouen. Unfortunately, the relationship between the other members of the Danner family, including some gunmakers, could not be clarified in the context of this paper. The Dresden winder was already published by Martina Minning in a former article, she attributed the winder to the screwmaker. The investigations in this article confirm this attribution.
The presented cranequin is a special construction, there are no comparatives on the current knowledge. According to the definition, special constructions can not be assigned to any of the known crossbow winders (German, Spanish or worm wheel winders).

Resumée

Le Rüstkammer à Dresde conserve un cranequin pour une arbalète (Inv. No. 159 U), qui ne semble pas aux style contemporaire allemand, parce que il est équipé avec un vérin. La surface de cette pièce est couverté complettement avec des gravures fines, elle est daté avant 1585.
Les considérations dans l’article montrent, que avec une transmission élevé du cranequin le serrage d’une arbalète est possible, mais seulement avec beaucoup de temps.
Durant armer un arc, le vérin est soumise à un moment de flexion, qui est trè fort, ca c’est vraimaent un désavantage. Bien que on a utilisé pour la vérin d’acier de haute qualité, il y la possibilité d’une déformation ou meme une rupture. En outre, l’auteur souligne que la production d’une vérin à cette époque était très compliquée et ne pouvait se faire que par un spécialiste.