Wheel-Lock Mechanism for a Carbine
Culture
German
, from Suhl
Datemid 1600s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions10 × 22 cm (3 15/16 × 8 11/16 in.), 1 lb, 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.380
DescriptionFlat steel lock-plate deeply curved below wheel & drawn out to rear in downcurving acute point. Exposed wheel without wheel cover. Austere cock of square section with plain cock spring & bridle unmarked. Probably from either large caliber wheel-lock pistol or "Suhl" carbine.Label TextBy the 1600s, the usual weapons of cavalry were swords and firearms. The sword in this case is one form used by mounted soldiers. The most common firearms were a pair of pistols or a short musket called a carbine. Cavalry firearms used either a flintlock ignition, or a wheel-lock as shown here. The spring-loaded wheel was given a turn, or “spanned,” with a special wrench called a spanner. Pulling the trigger released the wheel, which struck sparks from a piece of pyrite in a manner loosely similar to a cigarette lighter. The charging-spanner displayed here incorporates a flask for fine-grained gunpowder to prime the ignition, and a ramrod to pack down the bullet and main gunpowder charge. ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 30, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 349. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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