Large wheellock lock, believed to be Dutch

[Flint62Smoothie]

Just won this on a recent auction, where the ad had stated:

"An early mechanism for a large wheellock long arm measuring approximately 9-1/2" x 5". The lock plate itself has an oval stamp that reads "S (dolphin) I". The feather spring has hand chased decoration. All internal parts appear complete and operable."

Well it is complete and 100% functional! It is believed to be Dutch, per input from Brian Anderson. Some items of interest:

• Maker's mark, see above ...
• The length to the bottom edge of the lockplate makes it 8" overall for the plate
• Massive main spring, measuring 3/4" wide
• 2" diameter wheel, but note only 1 'cross-groove' across the wheel, where it is these grooves that cut the pyrite to create the spark
• Appears well made and well stored, as not only does it function, but all parts move ... cannot detect any wear (it has been suggested it may be a 'shop sample' of their work or that of a W-L)
• Every bolt can be removed, where those I did remove still had great thread form and were hand cut by a die (I presume)

 

[TobJohn]

Fascinating there is only one grove. I wonder if the symmetrical groves on wheellock wheels is a more modern interpretation.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

I wonder if the symmetrical groves on wheellock wheels is a more modern interpretation.

I'll ask Bolek ...

 

[PathfinderNC]

Such a large lock, and with little adornment inside or out- makes me wonder if it’s possibly also designed for a musket. Amazing piece.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Such a large lock, and with little adornment inside or out- makes me wonder if it’s possibly also designed for a musket. Amazing piece.

I should have added that! I was thinking it may be for a wheellock wall gun, but Brian Anderson suggests for early Dutch muskets, yes.

Got it at an even better amazing price to boot!

 

[Colonial Boy]

Maybe for a Brobdingnagian’s young son’s fowling piece?

Very nice piece of history and a 3/4 inch wide mainspring is mind boggling.

 

[TobJohn]

Have you tested if it sparks? If you end keeping it, it would look appropriate on an .80 fishtail musket, and by appropriate, I mean wicked sick

 

[rickystl]

Hi Flint

Congratulations !!! That is a very large and cool wheellock. Yes, could have been made for an early wall size Dutch gun. But the one-only cross groove (would be interesting to hear what Bolek thinks about that) and it's extra-ordinary size and light usage leads me to think this lock may have been made for demonstration purposes or shop training. In any case, it's certainly a great piece for a lock collection. Especially since it's all complete and functional.

Rick

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Brian Anderson says it was common on larger locks not to have many cross-grooves due to the power of the dog spring.

 

[rich pierce]

A real treasure for sure! What a beast! I admire the workmanship on early pieces.

 

[rickystl]

Brian Anderson says it was common on larger locks not to have many cross-grooves due to the power of the dog spring.

OK. That does make sense. I very much trust Brian's opinion.

Rick

 

[rickystl]

OK. That does make sense. I very much trust Brian's opinion.

Rick

That might also save extra wear on the pyrite (?)