Siege Weapon - Metal Cutter
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Siege Weapon - Metal Cutter
An example of a typical 16th century siege weapon used to cut the bars restricting an armies ability of sieging an enemys fort. Date: 1588
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Media ID 14122986
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Ins. of Civil Engineers
1588 Armies Bars Cutter Cutting Devise Fort Implement Siege Weapon Restricting Sieging
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image showcases a 16th century siege weapon known as a Metal Cutter, a devise designed to breach the defensive barriers of an enemy fort during sieges. Dated back to 1588, this military implement was a common sight on the battlefields of the late Renaissance period. The Metal Cutter, also referred to as a "squintrestaff," was an essential tool for armies seeking to expand their territories or weaken their adversaries. The Metal Cutter's primary function was to cut through the vertical iron bars that reinforced the gates and walls of fortified structures. The weapon consisted of a long, heavy arm with a large, sharp blade attached to the end, which could be lowered and raised with the help of a complex system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights. Once the weapon was positioned directly over the bars, the ropes were pulled, causing the blade to slam down with great force, cutting through the metal bars. The Metal Cutter was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of military engineers during the 16th century. The use of such weapons required a high degree of skill and coordination, as the attackers had to time their assaults carefully to maximize their chances of success. The Metal Cutter was also a dangerous weapon, as it required a significant amount of manpower and could potentially harm friendly troops if not used correctly. This photograph, from Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing us with a vivid reminder of the complex and often brutal military tactics employed during the late 16th century. The Metal Cutter stands as a symbol of the relentless pursuit of power and the determination of armies to overcome their adversaries, no matter the cost.
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