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"Bow Gun: A Historical Journey through the Evolution of Archery" Step back in time to the 15th century, where Saint Sebastian stood tall as a symbol of strength and resilience. The Master of Playing Cards crafted a masterpiece - the bow gun, an innovative weapon that would change warfare forever. Fast forward to ca. 1610, when Andries Stock depicted "The Archer and the Milkmaid" using a bow gun. This artwork showcased how this powerful tool became intertwined with daily life, not just on the battlefield but also for hunting and protection. Travel even further back in history to Eastern Zhou dynasty's Warring States period (480-221 B. C. ), where a remarkable discovery was made - a bow support for a crossbow. This ancient relic revealed how early civilizations sought ways to enhance accuracy and stability while wielding this formidable weapon. In Europe during the early 17th century, an unknown creator designed the "Goats Foot Spanner, " revolutionizing reloading techniques for pellet crossbows. Its ingenious mechanism allowed archers to effortlessly cock their weapons, increasing efficiency during intense battles or thrilling hunts. Witness Uri's sporting crossbow from 1575/1600; its origins may be shrouded in mystery, but its impact is undeniable. With every shot fired by this enigmatic creation, it struck fear into enemies' hearts and brought triumph to skilled marksmen. Enter Switzerland in the 16th century, where an anonymous genius invented the cranequin (winder) for sporting crossbows. This device alleviated physical strain by providing mechanical assistance when drawing back heavy strings - empowering archers with greater precision and power. Europe embraced innovation once again around c. 1600 with another unknown inventor crafting a pellet crossbow that pushed boundaries beyond imagination. Its sleek design merged elegance with deadly force - becoming both artistry and weaponry combined into one lethal package. During Europe's early 16th century came yet another marvel - the goats foot lever for a crossbow.