These came to the UK in the early 15thC and went through a variety of design changes very quickly and became very popular in the 16thC but were widely used until the mid-17thC.

They reached their height at this time characterised by the Kugelschnapper type style with the inbuilt cocking lever and settable trigger.

So what are these intended for, anyways? No, not (primarily) for getting rid of kids on your lawn, but hunting birds.

Via Tod’s Stuff.