Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=BC04C55B772A617113B954BAC4CEEBF1B650AD3E5A977D167FE7F059287C6275&s=24247294&se=883307762&v=2&f=2008.171_o2.jpg
Sep 25, 2008
Spanner for a Wheel Lock Gun
Spanner for a Wheel Lock Gun
1600s
Steel
Overall: 16.5 x 2.5 cm (6 1/2 x 1 in.)
Gift of Dr. Marvin Shie 2008.171
Location
Download and Share
Did you know?
This spanner operated a wheel-lock mechanism that enabled a gun to fire.
Description
Early firearms required many different tools to operate. These tools did not have to remain purely practical but could be decorated and embellished. A spanner was integral to a wheel lock gun. The wheel lock works by spinning a spring-loaded steel wheel against a piece of pyrite to generate intense sparks, which ignite gunpowder in a pan, which flashes through a small touchhole to ignite the main charge in the firearm's barrel. The spanner was needed to turn the wheel and spring, readying the gun to be fired.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance information, is based on historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on objects is an ongoing process, but the information about this object may not reflect the most current information available to CMA. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
Request a digital file from Image Services that is not available through CC0, a detail image, or any image with a color bar. If you have questions about requesting an image, please email imageservices@clevelandart.org.