Insights of German Wheellock Mechanisms

Matchlock · 17th November 2011, 08:06 PM

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

Matchlock · 17th November 2011, 08:10 PM

The rest.

m

rickystl · 22nd November 2011, 04:19 PM

Michael: I'm speechless.

Thank you sooooo much for posting these photos. Hope you won't mind me taking copies of these for my own keeping?
I agree with you that this Lock was probably never made to be mounted on a gun. This may explain the extra large size of the lock, and possibly the holes around the outer edge. Yes, I believe this was made for display in the Lock Maker's shop so potential customers could view the high-end of the gunsmith's capabilities. What also makes me come to that conclusion is that I have two LARGE decorated miquelet locks that I previously posted on this Forum. The locks are done in the sporting style, but are larger than musket size and look as though they were never mounted to a gun. Additionally, one of the locks has two holes drilled (a long time ago) in the middle of the pan.
This Lock you just posted is Fabulous!!!! Even though there is no maker's mark (which surprises me) it is wonderful that we can authenticate a date of manufacture. Again, with much THANKS for posting. Rick.

I just received the first two pictures of the Wheellock Rifle previously discussed. The owner has promised me additional close up photos and description of what he "believes" it to be. Rick.

Matchlock · 23rd November 2011, 09:07 PM

Thank you so much, Rick,

I was wondering whether anyone would care to respond to this actually unique - and never published! - masterpiece ...

Best,
Michael

fernando · 24th November 2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Thank you so much, Rick,

I was wondering whether anyone would care to respond to this actually unique - and never published! - masterpiece ...

Best,
Michael

Is it been too busy lately, justifies ?
Also, as someone said the other day: one just keeps admiring, often failing to coment

.

Matchlock · 26th November 2011, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

one just keeps admiring, often failing to coment

.

Exactly, 'Nando,

That's me too though I have seen, handled (and photographed) literally thousands of related objects!

Thanks, and best,
Michl

17th November 2011, 08:06 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	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 Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 17th November 2011 at 08:47 PM.

17th November 2011, 08:10 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The rest. m Attached Images

22nd November 2011, 04:19 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Michael: I'm speechless. Thank you sooooo much for posting these photos. Hope you won't mind me taking copies of these for my own keeping? I agree with you that this Lock was probably never made to be mounted on a gun. This may explain the extra large size of the lock, and possibly the holes around the outer edge. Yes, I believe this was made for display in the Lock Maker's shop so potential customers could view the high-end of the gunsmith's capabilities. What also makes me come to that conclusion is that I have two LARGE decorated miquelet locks that I previously posted on this Forum. The locks are done in the sporting style, but are larger than musket size and look as though they were never mounted to a gun. Additionally, one of the locks has two holes drilled (a long time ago) in the middle of the pan. This Lock you just posted is Fabulous!!!! Even though there is no maker's mark (which surprises me) it is wonderful that we can authenticate a date of manufacture. Again, with much THANKS for posting. Rick. I just received the first two pictures of the Wheellock Rifle previously discussed. The owner has promised me additional close up photos and description of what he "believes" it to be. Rick.

23rd November 2011, 09:07 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Thank you so much, Rick, I was wondering whether anyone would care to respond to this actually unique - and never published! - masterpiece ... Best, Michael