An example was discovered in 1941 in Sweden dating from the 16th century, but seems to be similar to earlier models.
Modern reproductions indicate an effective range of about 50 yards (46 m) and a draw weight of 55 pounds (25 kg).
It worked by drawing the bowstring back into a groove, from which it was dislodged by a wooden peg attached to the top of one end of a wooden lever.
The upper part of the peg was pushed sharply upward, through a hole drilled underneath the groove holding the bowstring.
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