Bolek's fine 1580 pistol

[axelp]

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2014/03/1580-wheel-lock-pistol-by-bolek.html

Nice and glad to see on the blog... I notice however, that somehow this rifled barrel got turned inside-out. 

K

[Jerry V Lape]

Wow!  That self winding mechanism sure complicates the lock.  Thought I had wheel lock functions all figured out until this self winding thing came up. 

[Jim Kibler]

There is an immense amount of work and craftsmanship in this project.  An extraordinary accomplishment for sure. 

[axelp]

How does the self winding mechanism work? does it wind when you cock it? or?

[4ster]

I hope Bolek comments here, from the pictures it looks like when you pull the dog back to prime the pan it sets the lock ready to fire.  Lower the dog with the pyrite over the pan cover and the gun is ready to fire.  Edit: It figures I got it wrong.  In the video below this post it is set by pulling the dog towards the pan.  It's art in motion. Thanks Acer!

I miss Bolek posting on his builds here.  He was a very good instructor on the subject of wheel locks and their construction.

[Acer Saccharum]

Here is a movie of the self-spanning lock and function: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=611990298858898&set=vb.100001438015344&type=3&theater

The pyrite arm is used to cock the wheel by engaging a cocking key at the pivot of the arm. The cocking key on the shaft is pulled out before the lock can be fired.

[Chris Treichel]

He posts a lot on Facebook.  His last build was a Tschinke which is another fascinating type of wheelock.

[Chris Treichel]

The person who comissioned the self spanning wheelock has put it up for sale in the Matchlock and Wheelock group on facebook.