wheel lock

noun

an old type of gunlock in which sparks are produced by the friction of a small steel wheel against a piece of iron pyrites.
a gun having such a gunlock.

wheel lock

a gunlock formerly in use in which the firing mechanism was activated by sparks produced by friction between a small steel wheel and a flint
a gun having such a lock

First recorded in 1660–70

Among them, however, are flint-locks and here and there an old wheel-lock.

Or with smaller game—I fancy I could hit a pheasant with a wheel-lock if I went alone, and flushed the bird myself.

Wheel-lock of blued steel, with gold and silver inlay, and wheel-guard of tracery in thin gold.

A result of the introduction of the wheel-lock was the invention of pistols, which never carry match-locks.

The wheel-lock was rarely used for infantry arms, but was of necessity employed by cavalry, where the match was inconvenient.

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