Wheellocks were common in continental Europe in the mid 15th century. The wheellock was the first self-igniting mechanism invented for firearms, making it more reliable in damp weather. They were contemporary to matchlock muskets, but much more complex. This complex lock mechanism would be succeeded by the later Snaphaunce lock. The .58 caliber smoothbore barrel is bright and ready to shoot. This replica pistol is stocked in walnut. All the furniture is fashioned from brightly polished steel. The spanner wrench to operate the wheellock is included. The wrench is also used to tighten the top jaw.
Fitted with a 16-1/2" tapered octagon-to-round smoothbore barrel, the .58 caliber bore is bright and has been well maintained. We recommend loading 30 to 40 grains of GOEX FFG black powder and our .550" ball in a .010" patch. No sights are fitted as these pistols were typically designed to be used at close range. The exterior is polished armory bright with a few scattered light speckles of patina.
The pistol has a flared pommel that tapers into the lock panels and forearm. The walnut stock has a few minor handling marks and light scratches from use. The short tang of the breech plug is secured with an inverted tang bolt, a common construction technique on muskets or pistols without a triggerplate. The polished steel triggerguard is surface mounted, with a screw securing the front of the triggerguard. One ramrod pipe, no entry pipe, supports the tapered ramrod. The ramrod has no provisions for threaded accessories in antique fashion. We recommend our #PL-7-58 to service this pistol. Three lock bolts engage the lock plate and are surface mounted on the side panel.
The operation of the wheellock mechanism is fascinating since we are so used to the later flintlock mechanism. It is somewhat similar to a modern cigarette lighter in principle. The jaws of the "dog" hold a nugget of iron pyrite, which this pistol is fitted with. The dog may be pushed forward to allow room to prime the pan, and the cover may be slid forward to prime and backward to protect the priming powder. The dog can be rested on the pan cover until it is opened. When the lock is cocked, the pan cover automatically slides forward exposing the priming powder.
To cock the lock, turn the wheel approximately half a turn clockwise using the spanner wrench until you hear a click. Make sure the dog with pyrite is down, cocking the lock automatically slides the pan cover forward. Pulling the trigger releases the wheel, which rotates rapidly against the pyrite and creates sparks to set off the priming powder and the main charge through a touch hole. The direct drilled touch hole is centered on the heat of the priming flash, for instant ignition, without the whoosh-bang delay, seen in many flint guns. The small wheellock trigger is pinned high, and the pivot pin can be seen just above the side panel.
This wheellock pistol would be ideal for your early Colonial impression and the perfect pairing to your matchlock or wheellock musket. It will be a joy to shoot at the range, it will surely catch people's attention. This wheellock comes with a spanner wrench. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
