Wheellock Rifle

<p>Despite the invention of the simpler flintlock, the wheellock remained in use for hunting well into the 18th century, as the ignition was a split second faster. This could make a difference when hunting deer, sensitive enough to react to the sound of the ignition before the bullet left the gun.</p> <p>On later wheellocks, such as this example, the wheel is concealed under the lock plate. The decorative inlay of engraved mother-of-pearl, silver, and staghorn, with its florid designs of S- and C scrolls, reflects the newly developing Rococo style.</p>