Crossbow Gaffle 92-1107a from Santa Clara (1564)

sketchfab

The goafle, or "gafa" as it's known in Spanish, is a clever device used to load crossbows with ease. Its distinctive curved arms have earned it the nickname goat's foot lever. To operate the goafle, users hook two claws onto the bowstring and pull the long lever back into position, securing the cord in place against iron pegs mounted on the stock behind the lock. This ingenious mechanism is remarkably simple to use and works flawlessly even in harsh conditions. Since the 15th century, foot soldiers and horsemen have employed the goafle to charge their crossbows for battle, while archaeological evidence suggests it was also a preferred choice for sailors at sea. A well-preserved example of this device can be seen in the form of a resin cast made from the concretion that formed around an original iron goafle found on the Spanish galleon Santa Clara, which dates back to 1564. The replica measures 27.5 cm in length overall. To see the goafle in action, watch this short video: http://bit.ly/24pUM0I