Leonardo da Vinci Mini Crossbow Kit – British Museum
£16.99
Product description from their website:
A mini wooden puzzle kit based on Leonardo da Vinci’s crossbow design.
The fun build-your-own scale model re-creates da Vinci’s 15th century epic weapon, the giant crossbow. This educational toy, based on the artist’s drawn invention, launches mini balls up to three meters and with a bit of practice you will aim with an accurate precision! The kit contains everything that is needed to build the mini crossbow, including pre-cut MDF wood pieces, glue and detailed instructions.
This working puzzle kit is suitable for children aged 8 and over.
The unique talent of Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) sets him apart from other artists. He had a huge range of interests: architecture, science and mathematics as well as painting and sculpture. He grew up in a world of warring city-states and knew his employers were in need of weapons to defend cities and attack other neighbouring areas. His military engineering skills are evident from his many drawings of a wide range of catapults, trebuchets, cannons, and a tank. Although historically designs of crossbows already existed, his invention was impressive, 24 meters wide by 23 meters long so that a person could stand on top of it and launch large rock balls, capable of crashing through walls.