Wheellock Spanners query

[blackley]

Hi,
This is possibly a period not too common on here, but worth a go.....
A very generous customer has loaned us these beautiful Wheellock spanners / wrenches,  to copy and reproduce before he places them for sale.
The claim is that they are original, or though many items of this nature can of course be Victorian copies, superbly done all the same, and of of course are antiques in their own right.
The larger 'T' shape one has a swivel ring in the middle which rotates on the main key shaft,and they are all superbly manufactured.
Our specific area of expertise is somewhat later for the day-to-day ie, flint and percussion etc.
Anyone out there throw any further light on this?
We produce wheellock parts, but never before have had such items in the shop, and then 3 turn up all together!!

 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Kevin, I think the large one on the right is worthy of replicating....the other two, not so much.  Bear in mind that when one makes a wheellock, he always makes the wrench last - to fit the axle of the lock.  Having the spanner first would require making the axle to fit the wrench, instead of the other way around.
It's always a pleasure to see old gun parts, so thanks for posting these.

[blackley]

Kevin, I think the large one on the right is worthy of replicating....the other two, not so much.  Bear in mind that when one makes a wheellock, he always makes the wrench last - to fit the axle of the lock.  Having the spanner first would require making the axle to fit the wrench, instead of the other way around.
It's always a pleasure to see old gun parts, so thanks for posting these.

Hi David, I appreciate the reply.
I have to say was not expecting many, as it clearly is a period beyond the 'norm' on here, but as you say - an interest all the same.
Would probably look at supplying with the kits, thus ensuring the fit to the axle. Also would probably make a few different inserts in the moulding, so as to add a few variants on size.
Other than the obvious size, but the one on the right has a certain quality to it beyond that of the other two.

Regards
kevin

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

It would be a natural addition to a wheellock kit.  When I made mine, I created a tapered axle so that the spanner would go only so far and stop tight.  Filing a tapered hole in the tube of the spanner, is an exercise in patience.  The one on the right is very classy.

[Craig Wilcox]

Kevin, I'm not any kind of expert on the wheel-locks, but think that the "L" shaped one on the left could be something to hold the burning "rope" in a more ridged form, especially if the knurled portion on the short arm of the "L" is a nut - kind of holds the "wick".  And the center one, to me, is clearly a turn screw of some sort.

You do get some interesting bits through your shop!