Rapid-loading crossbow with lever, nut and locking key
Studies of a crossbow spanning mechanism, its release and its lock, with labelled parts
The sheet studies a crossbow (balestra) and, above all, the two-handled lever Leonardo calls the tenieri that spans it. The notes explain how, on opening the lever quickly, the nut (noce) passes over the cord, and how bracing one lever a against the belt while gripping the other b with both hands drives the key n into the lock m to hold the weapon spanned. Separate details at the right show the release catch, the loading action with its fixed and moving parts, and the locking key. Leonardo calls this 'the fastest loading there is.'
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Rapid spanning of the crossbow with the two-handed lever
To load quickly the lever is opened so the nut passes over the cord. Lever a is braced against the belt while lever b is gripped with both hands and pressed home; when the two levers meet, key n enters lock m and the weapon is held firmly spanned. Leonardo declares it the fastest loading possible.
Labelled lever with parts b, n, m, a
A drawing of the crossbow with the loading lever open carries the letters b - n - m a. One member is gripped with both hands and joined to the one below; the other is placed, or rested, against the belt.
Release catch and loading action
At the upper right a release mechanism is marked 'to release'. A further loading device distinguishes a fixed and a moving part governing the draw of the crossbow.
Key that locks the crossbow
A closure detail shows the key that locks the crossbow and the locking piece that holds it, though several words of the note are now illegible.