Wheellock Spanner

PClemente · 10th August 2013, 12:44 AM

Hi All,
I acquired this wheellock spanner online and was wondering about the approximate dating of the piece. I have a wheellock pistol dating to the Thirty Years War with which the spanner pairs up nicely. The spanner itself is not particularly ornate, but it was a very reasonable price and certainly did not break the bank. I like the fact that both the pistol and spanner have a plain, martial appearance. The spanner is about 6" long and square opening of the spanning head approximately .25" wide.
Thanks for any input!

Matchlock · 5th October 2013, 05:29 PM

Hi there,

Not only is this a wheellock spanner but a combination tool, in that its flattened lower end acted as a screwdriver! The ring was for a attaching a suspension cord.
Moreover, the round hole was meant to measure and identify the caliber of the lead balls used (caliber gauge, German: Kugellehre); its small diameter denotes that the spanner once accompanied a pistol or carbine.

Tools of this kind can be dated to the Thirty Years War era (1618-48).

Best,
Michael

PClemente · 7th October 2013, 12:45 AM

Thank you Michael!
It is great to hear from you and I am happy that your health has improved!
I am a relatively new member of our forum and I have to say that it is because of the informed and knowledgeable postings of enthusiasts such as yourself that I became uninterested in this forum. It is a truly great resource fueled by collectors such as yourself. A very heartfelt best wishes to you and your family!

PClemente · 7th October 2013, 12:59 AM

Here is another wheellock spanner I came across. Of different form than the other piece, it features a hinged spike I believe was used as a touch-hole pick, screwdriver and wheellock key. While the first example is in excavated condition this piece has only a few areas of rust. It measures 9" in length.

Matchlock · 7th October 2013, 09:35 AM

Hi PClemente,

Now this ia finely elaborated spanner meant for two different sizes of pinion square section, which in all probability were wheel axe and the top jaw screw of the wheellock dog, for fastening the pyrites.

This I would date to the 1580's, possibly of North Italian origin. I cannot clearly see it in the photos but the tip might be carved with an acorn and should also have a flattened section acting as a turnscrew.

I am not sure about the function of the large ring which seems to be equipped with some kind of needle - possibly a sundial? Please check this and post more images!

Attached find a similar spanner, the ring section filled with fine tracery in the manner the 'Venetian' keys were made; this feature, too, accounts for my assigned date of ca. 1550-80.

Best wishes in return,
Michael

PClemente · 7th October 2013, 12:47 PM

Hi Michael,
I included some additional pictures of the spanner.
As always thank you for your input!
Regards,
Paul

10th August 2013, 12:44 AM	#1
PClemente Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 42	Wheellock Spanner Hi All, I acquired this wheellock spanner online and was wondering about the approximate dating of the piece. I have a wheellock pistol dating to the Thirty Years War with which the spanner pairs up nicely. The spanner itself is not particularly ornate, but it was a very reasonable price and certainly did not break the bank. I like the fact that both the pistol and spanner have a plain, martial appearance. The spanner is about 6" long and square opening of the spanning head approximately .25" wide. Thanks for any input! Attached Images

5th October 2013, 05:29 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi there, Not only is this a wheellock spanner but a combination tool, in that its flattened lower end acted as a screwdriver! The ring was for a attaching a suspension cord. Moreover, the round hole was meant to measure and identify the caliber of the lead balls used (caliber gauge, German: Kugellehre); its small diameter denotes that the spanner once accompanied a pistol or carbine. Tools of this kind can be dated to the Thirty Years War era (1618-48). Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 6th October 2013 at 11:27 AM.

7th October 2013, 12:59 AM	#4
PClemente Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 42	Here is another wheellock spanner I came across. Of different form than the other piece, it features a hinged spike I believe was used as a touch-hole pick, screwdriver and wheellock key. While the first example is in excavated condition this piece has only a few areas of rust. It measures 9" in length. Attached Images

7th October 2013, 09:35 AM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi PClemente, Now this ia finely elaborated spanner meant for two different sizes of pinion square section, which in all probability were wheel axe and the top jaw screw of the wheellock dog, for fastening the pyrites. This I would date to the 1580's, possibly of North Italian origin. I cannot clearly see it in the photos but the tip might be carved with an acorn and should also have a flattened section acting as a turnscrew. I am not sure about the function of the large ring which seems to be equipped with some kind of needle - possibly a sundial? Please check this and post more images! Attached find a similar spanner, the ring section filled with fine tracery in the manner the 'Venetian' keys were made; this feature, too, accounts for my assigned date of ca. 1550-80. Best wishes in return, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 7th October 2013 at 12:36 PM.

7th October 2013, 12:47 PM	#6
PClemente Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 42	Hi Michael, I included some additional pictures of the spanner. As always thank you for your input! Regards, Paul Attached Images

7th October 2013, 12:45 AM	#3
PClemente Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 42	Thank you Michael! It is great to hear from you and I am happy that your health has improved! I am a relatively new member of our forum and I have to say that it is because of the informed and knowledgeable postings of enthusiasts such as yourself that I became uninterested in this forum. It is a truly great resource fueled by collectors such as yourself. A very heartfelt best wishes to you and your family!