Wheellock Mechanism

Matchlock · 23rd August 2011, 06:35 PM

Congratutlations, Rick!

We are eager to hear (and see) more.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 24th August 2011, 04:35 PM

Hi 'Nando and Rick,

I found another related musket for special purposes, though equipped with a matchlock mechanism, mounted with a thick and heavy brass barrel of unusually big bore (34 mm), and used for firing a number of musket balls at a time.

It is preserved in the Armémuseum Stockholm and came from Gutav Adolphs army.

Best,
Michael

fernando · 25th August 2011, 08:47 PM

Do i understand this example is rather longer (and lighter) than the one i have posted?
It is a pity that neither of the publications mentions the practical use of "my" example, but i wouldn't reject the idea that it could have also been developed for multiple shot.
... although a 25 mm caliber could also stand for a single bullet ... thick short barrel, rest fork and all ?
I hope i am not talking nonsense

.

Matchlock · 26th August 2011, 03:50 PM

You're not talking nonsense at all, 'Nando,

I can't solve the riddle either, though, apart from the fact that 25 mm is definitely not a standard musket caliber. Regular matchlock and wheellock muskets of the early 17th c. normally had smoothbores of ca. 19-20 mm.

We just know way too little about these special pieces.

Best,
Michl

P.S. The fuse is coming your way next week.

fernando · 26th August 2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

...The fuse is coming your way next week.

Oh Michl, i can't wait

rickystl · 26th August 2011, 06:19 PM

Hi Fernando and Michael!! UPS is holding the Lock for me. I'll pick it up late this afternoon after work. Can't wait to see it. I'll post more pics and information after I get a good look at it.
Those brass barrels make me think of possible Navel use? I copied the pics of both guns and sending to another contact for his opinion. Agree, this is a real mystery. Rick.

rickystl · 28th August 2011, 05:10 PM

Gentlemen: Received the Lock. Except for the two secondary sear pieces shown above, it appears to be complete. I have a guy that can make the two pieces. I don't know if the new pieces add any value to the Lock, but it won't detract since I'm not altering anything. If you look close, you can see where the missing parts were. Fortunately, nothing was broken, just missing. The plate does have threads which show it was originally installed on a gun. (Wish I had the rest of the gun

) Makes me think the Lock may have been in a gunsmith shop for repair/service, but for whatever reason the work was never completed. These wheellocks probably required a lot of maintenance. Anyway, I'm really happy with the purchase. It's a great addition to a lock collection. And, I appreciate your help identifying the Lock's Italian origin. Rick.

24th August 2011, 04:35 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi 'Nando and Rick, I found another related musket for special purposes, though equipped with a matchlock mechanism, mounted with a thick and heavy brass barrel of unusually big bore (34 mm), and used for firing a number of musket balls at a time. It is preserved in the Armémuseum Stockholm and came from Gutav Adolphs army. Best, Michael Attached Images

28th August 2011, 05:10 PM	#7
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Gentlemen: Received the Lock. Except for the two secondary sear pieces shown above, it appears to be complete. I have a guy that can make the two pieces. I don't know if the new pieces add any value to the Lock, but it won't detract since I'm not altering anything. If you look close, you can see where the missing parts were. Fortunately, nothing was broken, just missing. The plate does have threads which show it was originally installed on a gun. (Wish I had the rest of the gun ) Makes me think the Lock may have been in a gunsmith shop for repair/service, but for whatever reason the work was never completed. These wheellocks probably required a lot of maintenance. Anyway, I'm really happy with the purchase. It's a great addition to a lock collection. And, I appreciate your help identifying the Lock's Italian origin. Rick. Attached Images

23rd August 2011, 06:35 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Congratutlations, Rick! We are eager to hear (and see) more. Best, Michael

25th August 2011, 08:47 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Do i understand this example is rather longer (and lighter) than the one i have posted? It is a pity that neither of the publications mentions the practical use of "my" example, but i wouldn't reject the idea that it could have also been developed for multiple shot. ... although a 25 mm caliber could also stand for a single bullet ... thick short barrel, rest fork and all ? I hope i am not talking nonsense .

26th August 2011, 03:50 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	You're not talking nonsense at all, 'Nando, I can't solve the riddle either, though, apart from the fact that 25 mm is definitely not a standard musket caliber. Regular matchlock and wheellock muskets of the early 17th c. normally had smoothbores of ca. 19-20 mm. We just know way too little about these special pieces. Best, Michl P.S. The fuse is coming your way next week.

26th August 2011, 06:19 PM	#6
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Hi Fernando and Michael!! UPS is holding the Lock for me. I'll pick it up late this afternoon after work. Can't wait to see it. I'll post more pics and information after I get a good look at it. Those brass barrels make me think of possible Navel use? I copied the pics of both guns and sending to another contact for his opinion. Agree, this is a real mystery. Rick.