Unusual arrows for I.D.

Jim McDougall · 25th February 2009, 04:15 AM

Well this interesting topic has got my curiosity going, and realizing how little I knew of crossbows and the bolts (arrows) , so decided to do at least some research on them.
I agree with Michael, my guess of crossbow bolts would be misplaced in the standard European forms, and the other suggestions seem plausible, especially if possibly African weapons might have used something like these, as David has suggested.

Concerning the leather fletches, I found the following:
"...bolts differed from arrows in that they were fletched with leather, or in rare cases copper strips instead of feathers. Since these materials lacked the natural curvature of feathers, they were usually attached in a slight spiral around the bolt shaft to provide the spin necessary for accuracy and improved flight".
"Daily Life in the Middle Ages"
Paul B. Newman, 2001 p.232-33

It notes further more rigid heads, thicker shorter shafts and highly durable fletching to withstand tremendous force of launch and impact.

These seem, as noted, more modern, light, and the leather fletches unusual. From what I have understood, the fletches were typically three.

All best regards,
Jim

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25th February 2009, 04:15 AM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,354	Well this interesting topic has got my curiosity going, and realizing how little I knew of crossbows and the bolts (arrows) , so decided to do at least some research on them. I agree with Michael, my guess of crossbow bolts would be misplaced in the standard European forms, and the other suggestions seem plausible, especially if possibly African weapons might have used something like these, as David has suggested. Concerning the leather fletches, I found the following: "...bolts differed from arrows in that they were fletched with leather, or in rare cases copper strips instead of feathers. Since these materials lacked the natural curvature of feathers, they were usually attached in a slight spiral around the bolt shaft to provide the spin necessary for accuracy and improved flight". "Daily Life in the Middle Ages" Paul B. Newman, 2001 p.232-33 It notes further more rigid heads, thicker shorter shafts and highly durable fletching to withstand tremendous force of launch and impact. These seem, as noted, more modern, light, and the leather fletches unusual. From what I have understood, the fletches were typically three. All best regards, Jim