Wheellock Spanner with Priming Flask and Screwdriver 1585 - 1655

Daniel Sadeler created this wheellock spanner with priming flask and screwdriver out of iron and other materials sometime in the early 17th century. While seemingly a functional tool, it also operates as a signifier of status and wealth. This piece comes from a time when gun ownership was increasingly associated with power and prestige, especially within the aristocracy and military elite. The meticulous craftsmanship and decorative elements, such as the intricate floral designs, transform the tool into a work of art. These visual codes tell us the owner likely belonged to a social class that valued and could afford such luxury. Considering this object's social and institutional context, we might investigate the patronage systems that supported artisans like Sadeler, or the military and political climates that made firearm ownership so desirable. By studying historical records, account books, and similar artifacts, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and society.