Main Discussion Area > English Warbow
Medieval Fletching
bow-toxo:
Thanks Anglobow for your excellent article that shows clearly how early mediaeval arrows were fletched. As you said, birch tar, unlike animal glue, is waterproof. It is found on arrows up to the Viking period and went out of use in England but continued on the continent and is still produced in Poland and Russia. I believe the same process with substitute ingredients, also waterproof, was used on the MR waxed arrows. Animal glue, not waterproof, might have been less desirable at sea.
As I have said, I welcome correction. In that spirit, I checked my notes and correct myself, The Alemannic arrows had straight fletching but the Viking arrows were definitely helical as shown in my drawing . For the Mary Rose arrows, I plan to visit the MR exhibit in September and can see for myself. I would appreciate suggestions on how to get hands on access.
Yewboy:
--- Quote from: bow-toxo on July 16, 2009, 01:55:47 pm --- Thanks Anglobow for your excellent article that shows clearly how early mediaeval arrows were fletched. As you said, birch tar, unlike animal glue, is waterproof. It is found on arrows up to the Viking period and went out of use in England but continued on the continent and is still produced in Poland and Russia. I believe the same process with substitute ingredients, also waterproof, was used on the MR waxed arrows. Animal glue, not waterproof, might have been less desirable at sea.
As I have said, I welcome correction. In that spirit, I checked my notes and correct myself, The Alemannic arrows had straight fletching but the Viking arrows were definitely helical as shown in my drawing . For the Mary Rose arrows, I plan to visit the MR exhibit in September and can see for myself. I would appreciate suggestions on how to get hands on access.
--- End quote ---
Well if your very very good I can possibly get you into the back room to handle some of the artifacts, PM me nearer the time and I'll see what I can do.
bow-toxo:
--- Quote from: Yewboy on July 17, 2009, 04:54:11 am ---
Well if your very very good I can possibly get you into the back room to handle some of the artifacts, PM me nearer the time and I'll see what I can do.
--- End quote ---
Thank you for your very generous offer. It's much appreciated.
Cheers,
Erik
Phil Rees:
Yewboy
It sounds as though your conducting some pretty interesting reseaerch. I'm sure the vast majority of the forums members would be interested to know the exact nature of your research hypothesis and your research methodology.
Yewboy:
--- Quote from: Horace Ford on July 20, 2009, 05:17:24 pm ---Yewboy
It sounds as though your conducting some pretty interesting reseaerch. I'm sure the vast majority of the forums members would be interested to know the exact nature of your research hypothesis and your research methodology.
--- End quote ---
Hi Horace
Well my research is really a personal venture to gain as much knowledge on the subject of the medieval military bow and the arrows that were used with them, I am very fortunate in the fact the the MR Trust have allowed me access to the artifacts and a study room to further my research, My methodology is purely hands on and experimental with actual close reproductions, I also have similar access to the Westminster Abbey with regards the arrow found.
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