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South German, Nuremberg

Combination Spanner-Primer Flask-Screwdriver with the Coat of Arms of the Haller von Hallerstein and Nüzel von Sunderspuhl Families

c. 1600
Brass, gilded and engraved; iron; steel; and mother-of-pearl

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

A wheellock mechanism could not be used without a spanner, or winding key. Often this essential tool was combined with others to make loading a long gun or pistol more convenient. Here, the handle doubles as a powder flask, with a nozzle on top to prime the pan of the lock with fine powder; at the base is a screwdriver to take the gun apart for cleaning.

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