Wheel lock spanner for comments

fernando · 16th June 2014, 04:06 PM

What do you guys think of this example ?
Said to be German, dated XVII century ...
Length 19 cms. with a 7 m/m square slot and a screw driver in the opposite end.
Comments most welcome

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Matchlock · 17th June 2014, 01:05 AM

Hi Nando,

Telling by its overall appearance, this is definitely a combined 1st-half 17th century Thirty Years War era wheellock spanner and screwdriver - provided it is not a secondary copy.
Usually, and unlike the specimen in discussion, this type of spanners was pierced circle-shaped, thus serving as an additional gage for the balls.

Spanners were carried suspended from the musketeer's bandelier or belt, and attached to the swiveling eye screw by a cord.
Musketeers skilled in employing wheellocks were part of elite troops.

Among other museums, the singular historic arsenal collection in Graz, Austria (Landeszeughaus) holds many similar specimens.

Attached please find illustrations of a finely etched and gilt Dresden spanner for musketeer of the Trabanten-Leibgarde of the Royal Electors of Saxony, ca. 1585-1600, as well as of a plain specimen for regular troops.

Best wishes as ever,
Michl

fernando · 17th June 2014, 12:24 PM

I knew you wouldn't let me down, Miguel

The provenance ... could it be German ?

16th June 2014, 04:06 PM	#1
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,666	Wheel lock spanner for comments What do you guys think of this example ? Said to be German, dated XVII century ... Length 19 cms. with a 7 m/m square slot and a screw driver in the opposite end. Comments most welcome . Attached Images

17th June 2014, 01:05 AM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Nando, Telling by its overall appearance, this is definitely a combined 1st-half 17th century Thirty Years War era wheellock spanner and screwdriver - provided it is not a secondary copy. Usually, and unlike the specimen in discussion, this type of spanners was pierced circle-shaped, thus serving as an additional gage for the balls. Spanners were carried suspended from the musketeer's bandelier or belt, and attached to the swiveling eye screw by a cord. Musketeers skilled in employing wheellocks were part of elite troops. Among other museums, the singular historic arsenal collection in Graz, Austria (Landeszeughaus) holds many similar specimens. Attached please find illustrations of a finely etched and gilt Dresden spanner for musketeer of the Trabanten-Leibgarde of the Royal Electors of Saxony, ca. 1585-1600, as well as of a plain specimen for regular troops. Best wishes as ever, Michl Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 17th June 2014 at 02:18 AM.

17th June 2014, 12:24 PM	#3
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,666	I knew you wouldn't let me down, Miguel The provenance ... could it be German ?