Wheellock Mechanism

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Hi there,

I sure didn't mean to cause any iconvenience on either side , just intended to make sure that we use the correct terminology.

Best,
Michael

Agreed!! Rick.

[Matchlock]

Hi Rick,

I just found this sample very smilar to the one we've been discussing, in complete condition but the surface ruined by heavy cleaning.

Best,
Michael

[fernando]

This is an example mounted on a military arquebus, kept in the collection of the Portuguese Royal Palace of Vila Viçosa.
It is of German origin, date XVII century. Te walnut stock with brass and mother of pearl insets. The lock plate is marked with a heart crossed by an arrow, unver the initial H S; a German gunsmith that worked between 1640-1660.
The pictures have a different aspect because i took them from two different publications.

.

[Matchlock]

Hi 'Nando,

Thank you so much for posting this fine sample hitherto unknown to me!

The big bore brass barrel seems to indicate that this actually is a grenade thrower, in any case it is not a usual musket but intended for special use. This theory is backed up by the fact that there is no provision for a ramrod.

Please note that the trigger guard is mounted the wrong way round.

I have to differ from what the publication says: this gun is characteristically Italian in every respect, including the form of the buttstock, its iron wire decoration and the two broad straps. Also, the lock maker's mark cannot be German, ca. 1640-60, because this kind of lock in the present shape was usually not made after ca. 1610. The lock on this gun is typical of the 1580s-90s, and this is the correct date for the whole piece.

Best,
Michl

[fernando]

Dear Michl,
You surely know that i don't hesitate to credit your observations rather than the museum labels, which we know are so often far from correct.
One thing only; it certainly is an arquebus or, if you prefer, is not a grenade thrower sort of thing, as the bronze straight barrel is rather thick but has a narrow caliber, thjat of 25 mm.
The rest details are:
barrel length 630 mm.
full length 1060 mm.
weight 6400 grs.
rest length 925 mm.
rest weigth 650 grs.

[Matchlock]

Dear 'Nando,

Thanks a lot for the additional information.

If this gun was not some kind of grenade thrower I still believe it was designed for very special use, as both the brass barrel of rather short dimensions and the caliber of 25 mm are far from being consistent with a regular musket.

Anyway, I will do some research and let you know soon! It should most probably be called some kind of blunderbuss for firing unusually coarse shot or, even more probable, firework items ...

Best,
Michl

[rickystl]

Hi Michel! Thanks for the photo. Oh, what a shame. Yes, lock looks to be way over cleaned. Looks like someone used a wire wheel and Naval Jelly. Too bad. Notice the pawl springs do not match. Maybe an older replacement? But with that much over cleaning, it's hard to tell. Wonder if it's for sale?

Hi Fernando! Thanks for the photo. What an unusual piece. Never seen even a photo of a wheellock with that type of brass barrel. Not only is there no ramrod, there was no provision even made for one. I tend to agree with Michael that there was a special purpose for this piece. Notice the pawls look similar to the ones in Michaels photos.

Well guys, I purchased the Lock!! I'll receive it this week and let you know my thoughts. I was able to negotiate an even lower price than expected due to the missing sear assembly (which I'll have made). Here's a pic of the missing parts. And, I want to thank you BOTH for your assistance helping me decide. (I guess any excuse will work to buy this stuff Rick.