1515) RARE NUREMBERG ALL STEEL MASSIVE ETCHED WHEELOCK PISTOL CIRCA 1580: With a Maker’s Guild Mark of Christ on the Cross with an R and P on opposite sides of the cross and a triple barrel makers mark on the top of the octagonal breach. 12.5 mm caliber
Discussion: The Wheelock is a fascinating mechanism that changed European warfare in the 16th and early 17th centuries. The vast majority of Wheelock guns made during this era were constructed of wood. When a Wheelock gun was sold to the wealthy, they were invariably decorated with bone inlay (see item https://antiquearmor.com/
Description: Constructed entirely of steel, smoothbore two-stage barrel, the first stage of octagonal shape with a triple barrel makers mark at the base with etching at the front in the form of a sword tip with hash marks. The second barrel stage is smooth, a Maker’s Guild Mark of Christ on the Cross with an R and P on opposite sides of the cross (un-identified) on the lower right corner of the power wheel on the lock plate, dog spring, and pan sliding cover decorated with etching, safety catch spring with leaf shape finial and hash mark decoration, with sphere-shaped pommel and original steel ramrod slight areas with pitting. Length: A very large 19 inches.
Conclusion: This is a rare opportunity to add an item that appeals to both armor and gun collectors to your collection. This Wheelock is in very good condition and can probably be fired even though not recommended. Priced to sell to the discriminating collector that wants only the best!!!*