| The entrance hall of the Rübenach house is also known as the Armoury. Here one can find an extensive collection of armour, halberds and even oriental weapons. They offer a view through the hundreds of years of changing history at Eltz castle. Next to what are probably the oldest preserved cannon-bolts in the world from the early 14th century, the firearms collection is the most remarkable, the arquebuses or wall-rifles come from the 15th century. Whether it is a piece of booty captured in the Turkish wars or a sovenir from a glorious jousting tournament - the collection in this room offers an interesting view into the warlike past of the noble German families. | |
| Halberds were the typical hew and thrust weapon of the simple foot soldier; they also served to unhorse enemy knights during the fight. Once this had been done, the foot soldiers had an easy task. On account of their armour which weighed up to 40 kg, the knights who had fallen among the foot soldiers were practically immobile and at the mercy of their enemies. |  |
| These rifles belong to the earliest form of firearms. The oldest in the collection are from the 15th century. Their operation was simplicity itself, to absorb the powerful recoil, the clasp was hooked onto the wall or rampart. It was possible to shoot up to 200 metres with them but accuracy was a hit-or-miss affair. |  |
The articles shown here are just a few of the objects of interest waiting for you in the Armoury. We look forward to you visit.