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This VV-IV barrel is a puzzle to open. The ratchet gear is held by a pin, not a set screw. I do not want to pound it out. The lid on the other side does not want to come off.

That's a tapered pin, therefore it should come out easily in one direction, but not the other. It is commonly lost or sheared off, so all usual spare part suppliers offer it for $1 or less.
Good Luck
Andreas

When I need to remove a pin, I use a dial caliper to measure the pin's diameter on both ends. Then I tap on the small end with a brass punch and small hammer.

Do you think the pin has to come out? I was hoping to pop the lid for regreasing. Seems like a lot of trouble for maintenance.

Once the pin is out,it will be easy.those pins sometimes are very stubborn.usually from someone trying to punch it out the wrong side,just find a sharp punch so you dont flatten the pin ends.good luck.

Hold the barrel with the cover facing down. Get a rubber hammer or rawhide mallet. Sharply strike the bottom edge of the barrel which should cause the spring within to hit the cover and hopefully, if it's not too tight, pop it off. Just don't hit it so hard you bend or otherwise damage the large gear on the barrel's edge and be careful to hit only the barrel edge and not the cover itself. It may take several sharp blows.

That was it! Tapping the edge caused the spring to knock off the lid from the inside. Now regreased and no thumps. A million thanks!