probably to prop up in a specific location.

What I don,t get it why they wouldn't make the bow proportionally larger.

Just living proof that men always want something bigger and better.

almost looks like you're meant to shoot if off your elbow like a bazooka :P

First prototype of an exploding bolt

people back them made a lot of ornamental looking weapons. I think the idea had something to do with the "I don't want to meet the guy who shoots that" mentality. Back when I was making a Jäger rifle for a renactor he had me carve lots of little thing into the stock and even extend the barrel by 12 inches. Apparently the guy he was trying to act as was a very odd German who had a very odd looking rifle. In the end it cam out looking recklessly over decorated and sized, but it was what he wanted.

Haha, that works. Sounds pretty neat too.