Wheellock Pistol

sketchfab

A firearm's ignition mechanism, known as the wheellock, relies on a rotating steel wheel to generate sparks for firing. Developed in Europe around 1500, this device marked a significant advancement in firearms technology following the matchlock and is considered the first self-igniting firearm. Its name stems from its ingenious design that utilizes friction between a rotating wheel and a piece of iron or quartz to produce an intense spark. Initially used alongside the matchlock, the wheellock eventually gave way to more sophisticated mechanisms such as the snaplock (1540s), the snaphance (1560s), and the flintlock (c. 1600). The pistol showcased here is a reimagined model that draws inspiration from Saxon elector Guard pistols. This particular iteration was created by remaking every aspect of the original design, aiming to improve upon its predecessor's shortcomings. The creator is pleased with how this new version turned out.