Springald

A Springald is a late 12th century or early 13th century mechanical artillery device for throwing large bolts and less commonly stones or Greek fire, based around the design of a contemporary crossbow and a Greek ballista, but with inward swinging arms.

Examples have been drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, but at a time when he was also drawing powder-propelled weapons. There are no known archaeological finds of parts for these machines but it is highly likely that due to the nature of the materials used then it is probable that some material recycling took place at the time of their demise.

Reconstructions

Several reconstructed examples can be found, Jean Leibell produced a 12" model for his researches into "Springalds and Great Crossbows" which was jhvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Size

Although Leibell describes this size of machine as a "Great Springald”, it is more likely to be the standard size. If the evidence is investigated, such as the size of the figures in “The Romance of Alexander”, where they are at about the height of the top horns, there is no evidence to suggest that they are dwarves. Although the length of the bolt to be fired may be a little on the long side.