The first case on the right contains crossbows of various types.
This weapon, at no time our national arm, was used for the defence of
fortresses, and later on for sport. The heavy kind were bent by means of
arrangements of pulleys, the windlass, or a kind of lifting jack called
the Cranequin or Cric. The lighter forms were bent by an attached lever
called the Goat's Foot. Specimens of these are in the case, as also two
bowstaves from the wreck of the _Mary Rose_, 1545, and some leaden
sling bullets from the battle field of Marathon. In the next case are
firearms of early types. Among these observe two guns which belonged to
Henry VIII, both of them breechloaders on a system resembling the modern
Snider rifle. Note also the German Reiter wheel-lock pistols, with ball
pommel; the William III match-lock, with plug bayonet stuck in the
muzzle; the bandoliers, each containing twelve charges of powder and a
bullet bag; the Vauban lock, combining the flint and match; also a still
earlier form of this lock of English make. Montecucuh says he had
similar locks made, having seen them used still earlier by the Turks.

The next case contains rapiers and swords and bucklers. Observe the
raised bars on the latter, to entangle and break the sword-point. The
mounted figure in brown armour shows the equipment of the cavalry in the
early part of the seventeenth century, the armour being browned or
blacked to prevent rust and to avoid detection at a distance.

The figure (XXIV) in the first enclosure is that of James II. It will be
seen that it only consists of a headpiece, breast and back plates, and a
long gauntlet to protect the bridle arm. All the pieces bear the King's
initials, and the face guard is pierced with the design of the Royal
Arms. The next equestrian figure is a gilt suit of Charles I (XIX),
said to have been given to him by the City of London. It is the latest