Hunting Rifle with Wheel Lock

Exhibit of the Month 9 / 2017

Hunting Rifle with Wheel Lock

Single-shot front-loading hunting rifle with a bore from the late 17th or early 18th century. It is a plain, functional weapon designed for hunting.

The wheel lock was developed as early as the beginning of the 16th century and remained in use until the early 18th century. According to legend, it was invented by Leonardo da Vinci, but it was much more likely German clockmaker Johann Kiefuss. This system is indeed derived from the clock mechanism. The wheel lock was reliable and withstood adverse weather conditions better than the older matchlock and the younger flintlock systems. Its biggest disadvantage was its complexity and expensive production.