Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Wheel-Lock Mechanism
Wheel-Lock Mechanism
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Wheel-Lock Mechanism

Artist (France (Dijon))
Date1600–1650
Mediumsteel
Dimensions13 × 28.6 cm (5 1/8 × 11 1/4 in.), 2 lb, 9 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsLockplate stamped with mark "GR" above group of 5 raised dots in a star pattern, all within a recessed pentagonal shield above stamp "DIION" [Dijon] in raised letters within a recessed frame. 3 nicks on the bottom rear edge of the lockplate..
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.378
DescriptionVery thick steel large lock-plate of irregularly rhomboidal shape deeply curved below wheel & drawn out at rear in long pointed "tail." Perimeter of plate is deeply bevelled. Large external wheel with wheel bridle having balustered treatment at end & crescentic satyr-like face on wheel. There is a spring-loaded, sliding pan-cover which is pivoted at the bottom of its long arm. Large cock of squared section with raised moldings. Stout long cock spring with balustered terminal & square balustered bridle linking this to the cock pivot. Lightly engraved leaved motifs on outer face of jaws. The sear- and trigger levers are of the usual form. The mainspring/spindle bridle is of roughly chevronic form, flattened.

Although French, it is not of the uniquely French form with detached mainspring & "floating" spindle with linkage. The thick mainspring is fastened to the lockplate, and its bottom end grips the toggle of the transmission chain attached to the wheel-spindle. The latter has a cam that pushes the arm of the pan-cover during firing.
Label TextThe wheellock was one of the early mechanisms invented for igniting the gunpowder in a firearm. The serrated wheel rotated against a piece of iron pyrite held in the jaws of the mechanism. The apparatus can be loosely compared to a cigarette lighter.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 trasnfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On view
Collections