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The Atomic Bomb of the Middle Ages
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Mini Desktop Trebuchet


This product is manufactured in Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • WORKING MODEL TREBUCHET
  • IDEAL FOR INDOOR USE
  • STURDY WOODEN CONSTRUCTION
  • PARTS PRE-CUT AND DRILLED
  • EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE


FINISHED SIZE:

Eight inches long, Four inches wide and Six inches high at axle. The arm is Eight inches long. This machine can hurl the included missiles about 20 feet.

OVERVIEW:

The trebuchet was the ultimate artillery weapon of its time and the most highly evolved catapult type weapon. It could be built on location, and was able to hurl carved stone balls weighing up to 300lb (136 kg) at enemy fortifications. The trebuchet could be fired from a safe distance, outside the range of its victim's arrows.

"Ideal for classroom demonstration"

The design for our tabletop trebuchet kit has been refined and optimized over four years using computer aided design technology. It will stand up to rigorous use, safely and reliably firing the included projectiles. The sturdy wooden construction of this miniature trebuchet model is ideal for classroom demonstration, but it is equally at home on the desk of any medieval enthusiast. As part of a project on medieval history, as the centerpiece of a science project, or sitting on the mantel, it is sure to draw attention and generate interest.

"Accurately machined"

Each piece has been accurately machined from carefully chosen lumber, and precisely drilled to allow easy assembly. Detailed, clearly illustrated assembly instructions guide the builder through each step of construction. A how-to section demonstrates loading and firing the completed model, including tips on tuning the finished kit.

"Safer than a pointy stick"

This tabletop kit has been designed to safely demonstrate the operation of a trebuchet. With a simple, reliable trigger, a low counterweight mass and lightweight projectiles this kit is ideal for indoor use, even in a crowded classroom setting. Three easy-to-follow rules for public demonstration are provided to ensure everyone's safety.


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    Price: $39.00
    Our Price: $29.00
    Minimum age: 9
    Availability: out of stock

    Item code: 11001

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Interesting Notes

Some Trebuchet History:

From the 13th century writing: "Itinerarium Peregrinorum et Gesta Regis Ricardi"

In June and July of 1191, Richard the Lionheart (the Duke of Normandy) laid siege to the city of Acre as part of the medieval Crusades.

The Duke concentrated on constructing siege machines and placing trebuchets [petrariae - literally, stone hurler] in suitable places. He arranged for these to shoot continually day and night. He had one excellent one which he called "Bad Neighbor" [Malvoisine]. Its continual bombardment partly destroyed the main city wall and shattered the Cursed Tower. On one side the Templars' trebuchet wreaked impressive devastation, while the Hospitallers trebuchet also never ceased hurling, to the terror of the Turks.

Besides these, there was a trebuchet that had been constructed at general expense, which they called "God's Stone-Thrower". A priest, a man of great probity, always stood next to it preaching and collecting money for its continual repair and for hiring people to gather the stones for its ammunition. This machine at last demolished the wall next to the Cursed Tower for around two perches' Length [11 yards or 10 meters].

The count of Flanders had had a choice trebuchet, which King Richard had after his death, as well as another trebuchet which was not so good. These two constantly bombarded the tower next to a gate which the Turks frequently used, until the tower was half-demolished. Besides these, King Richard had two new ones made with remarkable workmanship and material which would hit the intended target no matter how far off it was. . . . He also had two mangonels [traction trebuchets] prepared. One of these was so swift and violent that its shots reached the inner streets of the city meat market.

King Richard's trebuchets hurled constantly by day and night. It can be firmly stated that one of them killed twelve men with a single stone. That stone was sent for Saladin to see, with messengers who said that the diabolical king of England had brought from Messina, a city he had captured, sea flint and the smoothest stones to punish the Saracens. Nothing could withstand their blows; everything was crushed or reduced to dust.