That's always been my main aim, anyway.
Michael[/QUOTE]
OK Michael! ..was that a crossbow joke !

Just kidding
Really nice posting, and thank you for explaining the detail, what incredible dimension it adds to appreciating and understanding these fantastic works. I always think it is so interesting to see the weaponry we study in contemporary context, and in a sense is very much like a time machine.
In researching arms and armour its fascinating experiencing them in such context, much as A.V.B.Norman did in using artwork in establishing time periods for hilts, and I have seen the concept used widely in many references. Sometimes it is good to proceed with caution though, as Rembrandt for example, often used then modern weapons in Biblical and earlier historical contexts.
It is interesting also to see the work of Hans Holbein, which brings to mind the relief work on the daggers depicting his "Dance of Death" works, if I am correct (offhand cannot recall which of the two Holbeins did this work).
All the best,
Jim