Insights of German Wheellock Mechanisms

[Matchlock]

Here it is, folks.

It took me a lot of time to scan the analog photos of 1990 when I took this breathtaking beauty out of its case in the Vienna Hofburg and shot it in broad daylight on a balcony high above the roofs of Vienna! I have to admit my hands trembled a bit - not only because of the mechanism but remember: it was laid on the 30 cm broad railing of the balcony, some 60 m above street level! It might have fallen down on the streets of Vienna....!

Please note the difference in quality when comparing the first image that I took thru the glass and the others when I had the object in my hands. Of course this a priviledge not many people are granted.

But back to this mechanism. Though there are no marks I guess it was made by a Nuremberg locksmith; it is dated 1551 and still retains the old-fashioned sickle-shaped dog spring running around the wheel while the dog represents the modern style of the mid-61th c. I don't really think it was ever mounted on a gun; it most probably was a master piece and kept on display in the locksmith's showroom.

Take your time to explore this beauty, and how it was made. Maybe with your help we can discover some of its secrets, e.g. why there are so many holes drilled in the frame encircling the inner mechanism - something I have never seen before or after and which doesn't make any sense at all.

Anyway, I think this is the most refined early wheellock mechanism I have ever seen.

A highly notable feature is the long brass arm reaching up to the pan cover left of the wheel. What one would expect to be an additional snap match holder, here it is only a stylized ornament though srewed to the lock plate like a working match holder!

Richard, I'm sure you're just itching to rebuild this on the long winter evenings - one for you, one for me!

Best,
Michael