This crossbow is constructed from bamboo for both the prod and the stock. The stock is composed of two distinct sections: a flat, rectangular rear portion and a thinner, pointed front portion. The slightly broad bamboo prod is attached through a hole in the middle of the prod. The bowstring, made of twisted fiber, is tied to the ends of the prod, with its center threaded through a hole near the butt end of the stock. The overall form of the crossbow resembles a simple cross. Materials/Media bamboo Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 3 centimetres Weight: Weight: 56 grammes Width: Width: 40 centimetres Depth: Depth: 43.60 centimetres

This crossbow features a wooden prod and stock. The prod is almost straight in shape and is secured to the stock through a circular hole near the front. A thin fibre string is attached to the ends of the prod. A long groove runs lengthwise along the top of the stock to position the arrow. Three metal rings are embedded into the stock in the area just before the prod. A small wooden trigger is visible beneath the stock, and a small axle mechanism is present on top. Materials/Media Wood, fibre Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 4 centimetres Weight: Weight: 309 grammes Width: Width: 57.80 centimetres Depth: Depth: 56 centimetres Other notes Donated by: Lt-Col Sir Richard Carnac Temple

Crossbow model constructed with a short wooden stock and a relatively thin bamboo prod. The prod is inserted through a circular hole near the front of the stock and is notched at the top to hold a thin bowstring made of twisted fiber, which is bound at either end. A wooden latch mechanism is located toward the rear underside of the stock, functioning as a simple trigger. A single axle mechanism is visible on top of the stock. Materials/Media Bamboo, fibre Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 22.50 centimetres Weight: Weight: 27 grammes Width: Width: 38 centimetres Depth: Depth: 2.20 centimetres

This crossbow is made entirely of a light-colored wood. The stock is shaped similarly to a rifle, with a wide, flared butt and a tapering form toward the front. A long, narrow cane barrel is attached along the top of the stock. The prod, also made of cane or a similar material, is inserted through the stock near the front. The bow string is thin and appears to be a rattan or similar fiber, currently looped loosely across the body of the crossbow. A simple wooden trigger is visible beneath the stock, and the overall construction appears lightweight. Materials/Media Wood Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 9.50 centimetres Weight: Weight: 190 grammes Width: Width: 64.30 centimetres Depth: Depth: 4 centimetres Other notes Donated by: Government of Straits Settlements

This Chu-ko-nu crossbow is constructed from multiple pieces of wood stacked on top of each other. It features a wooden stock, prod, and trigger lever. The bottom piece of wood has a rectangular hole through which the prod is inserted, and another rectangular hole allows the bowstring, made of twisted fiber or cord, to pass through. A combined spanning and trigger mechanism lever is mounted on top at the rear end of the crossbow. Materials/Media Wood Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 32.50 centimetres Weight: Weight: 520 grammes Width: Width: 57 centimetres Depth: Depth: 102 centimetres Other notes According to the register, taken in the 'last war' [i.e. Second Opium War] from one of the forts on the northern coast of China. Donated by A J Thomson

This crossbow is constructed primarily of wood and fiber. The stock is straight and a broad, flat, rectangular wooden plate is attached perpendicularly across the upper part of the stock. Two long, slender wooden rods are positioned close to the stock at its butt end and are angled outward as they extend to the front of the stock. The prod is slightly broad and curved, and attached securely across the middle of the stock with several fiber bindings. The bowstring, made of twisted fiber, is tied around each end of the prod. Numerous fiber bindings reinforce the junctions between the stock, the prod, and the slender rods. Materials/Media Wood Dimensions/Measurements Length: Length: 72 centimetres Weight: Weight: 408 grammes Width: Width: 78.50 centimetres Depth: Depth: 6.40 centimetres Other notes Donated by: Admiral Swinton Colthurst Holland

This short crossbow, known as a chu-ko-nu, is constructed from heavy red wood and features a medieval design. It has a thick, block-like stock that supports a double-chambered case on top, designed to hold approximately two dozen arrows. The arrows were often tipped with poison, enhancing their effectiveness in combat. The prod is a curved bamboo bow, wedged in place to the front of the stock, and reinforced with an additional wooden brace that is then bound with rattan or bamboo binding to secure all parts together. While the bowstring does not seem to be original, it currently appears to be made from twisted fiber or cord. Its ends are looped around the edges of the prod, with the middle section positioned where the rear ends of the arrows would rest before firing. Though the lock mechanism is not fully visible, a combination spanning and trigger mechanism lever can be seen on top at the rear end of the crossbow. This mechanism allows the weapon to release two arrows simultaneously with each shot. Two parallel wooden nobs at the front of the stock act as guides for the sliding mechanism, ensuring everything remains aligned during operation. The butt of the stock is capped with a bracing piece, designed to stabilize the crossbow against the hip or torso during use. A hole in the middle of the stock allows the user to insert their hand, helping to lighten the grip and improve handling during firing. Two parallel grooves carved into the front of the stock further ensure proper alignment and secure positioning of the arrows before each shot. Materials/Media Heavy red wood Dimensions/Measurements Not sepcified Other notes Purchase, Crosthwaites’s Museum, Keswick, 2nd day, lot 281

From URL: A toy cross-bow "pane" made of palm leaf, with a pith body, cross-piece of mid-rib and string of plaited vegetable fibre. Materials/Media Palm leaf, vegetal Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 3.30 centimetres Width: Width: 73.40 centimetres Depth: Depth: 56.80 centimetres Other notes Purchased from: David Zeitlyn

“This crossbow is constructed from wood, cane, and cotton thread, with decorative engravings on its surface” (from URL). The thick wooden stock, which is longer than the prod, tapers toward the butt end and supports a robust wooden prod, which is inserted through a hole in the stock. Materials/Media Wood, cane, cotton Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 4.60 centimetres Width: Width: 63.30 centimetres Depth: Depth: 54.70 centimetres Other notes Purchased from: Mrs Celia Barclay

A carved wooden crossbow consisting of a wooden stock and prod. The stock is broad near the top and tapers towards the butt. A base piece beneath the grip area is secured with string. The prod is fitted to the front of the stock, and a twisted vegetable fibre bowstring is tightly strung across the ends of the prod. What seems to be an axle mechanism is present near the top of the stock. Materials/Media Wood, vegetal Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 7.20 centimetres Width: Width: 62 centimetres Depth: Depth: 57.70 centimetres

This crossbow is made of wood and reed, with palm leaf rib used for the string and bindings. It features a wooden prod and stock. The prod is attached through a rectangular hole near the middle of the stock. A stick-like wooden piece is affixed on top of the stock before the prod and extends lengthwise. A single axle lock mechanism is visible on top of the stock and a wooden trigger is mounted beneath the stock. Materials/Media Wood, reed, palm leaf Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 5.40 centimetres Width: Width: 45 centimetres Depth: Depth: 92.30 centimetres Other notes Purchased from: James H Barr

This thin wooden crossbow is bound with iron wire near the bridle. A small groove is carved into the top of the stock, with a hole positioned within the groove. Materials/Media Wood, iron Dimensions/Measurements Height: Height: 138.70 centimetres Width: Width: 53.20 centimetres Depth: Depth: 4.90 centimetres Other notes Purchased from: James H Barr