Year: 1872

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, John
FARQUHARSON, late of Blairgowrie, in the County of Perth, North
Britain, Gamekeeper, but now of Bristol, in the County of Somerset,
and GEORGE GIBBS, THOMAS PITT, and WILLIAM ELLIS METFORD, all of
Bristol, in the County of Somerset, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eiglit hundred and seventy-two, and num-
bered 1592, in the thirty-fifth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her
heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said John Far-
quharson, Her special licence that I, the said John Farquharson, my
cxecutors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
John Farquharson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at.
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully

page_text: might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon tho
condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Farquharson, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my,
or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office on or before the Fourth day of January One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-three:
And whereas in pursuance of and performance of the said proviso in
the said Letters Patent, I, the said John Farquharson, did, on or about
the Fourth day of January One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
three, file the said instrument in writing under my hand and seal:
And whereas we, the said John Farquharson, George Gibbs, Thomas
Pitt, and William Ellis Metford, are joint owners of the said Letters
by virtue of two deeds of assignment dated respectively the 5th of March 1873, and the 5th of June 1874:
Dotont

page_text: "
add the words "Figure 3 in the Drawings on Sheet 1, directly below
Figure 6, is by a lithographer's error marked Figure 8 instead of
Figure 3."
On page 14, line 16, strike out the word "new;" in next
line insert "Figure 11, Sheet 1," between "A" and "and;" likewise in
line 18 insert "Figure 6" between "B₁" and "so." Same page, lines 31
and 32, strike out the words "new or improved.' On page 18, line 37,
substitute "b, b," for "G" On page 20, line 1, substitute "I¹¹” for
the first "1¹." On page 21, line 23, transpose the words "breech block"
and "moving." On page 24, line 3, insert the following sentence
between "actions" and "but:"-" Neither do I lay claim generally to
the forming of the vertical sliding breech block A with an enlongated
narrow part, or feather, or tail a for the better position of striker."
We wish, further, to make the following alterations in the claims on
pages 24 and 25, viz., to strike out the words "construction and" in the
first claim, pago 24, line 11; to strike out the word " or "in line 12 of
the first claim, and to substitute the word "and," because the lock
according to the present most usual technical mode of expression is a
part distinct from the so called "action," and to correct a mere clerical
error, as it is evident from the Drawings, and especially from Figure 7,
Sheet 1, that both "action" and "lock" are attached to the "portable
sole trigger plate"; to omit in claim 2, page 24, line 17, the words
"action or lock; to omit in claim 6, page 25, lines 4 and 5, the words.
by an arm on the end of the main lever C," and to add after the word
Drawings" the following:-" Figures 44 and 48, Sheet 2, and Figures
50 and 56, Sheet 3; " in the eighth claim to strike out the letter "
the word "purposes" in line 15, and to insert the words "Figures 50,
51, and 52" in line 16 after the word "Drawings;" to strike out the
ninth claim and tenth claim, and to make the present eleventh and
twelfth claims respectively the new ninth and tenth, and in consequence
to alter the word “eleventh,” page 25, last line, to "ninth."
"
"
"
" in
And in order that it may be clearly understood what is the Invention
which we now consider to be secured by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent we shall proceed to repeat the Specification as proposed
to be amended by this present Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alterations, as follows:-
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
FARQUHARSON. of Blairgowrie in the County of Porth Nonth Duitain

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said John Farquharson, Her special license
that I, the said John Farquharson, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said John Farquharson, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS,' upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said John Farquharson, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office on or before
the Fourth day of January, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
three.
"
.
NOW KNOW YE that I, the said John Farquharson, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement in writing, reference being had to the accompanying
three Sheets of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say :—
My said Invention has reference to certain improvements in the
construction and arrangement of the parts of the "action" of that class
of breech-loading rifles or "small fire-arms," having the breech block A
worked up and down in a central transverse or vertical slot B in the
solid breech case or box B, B¹, by a main self-cocking hand lever C
fitting close and brought close up to or pushed down from the under
side of the trigger guard D, or it may be the right hand or off side of the
gun, and which improvements will give a greater and more uniform
application of power with greater ease and comfort to the shooter or
operator with greater certainty and efficiency of action than has hereto-
fore been the case with this class of breech-loading fire-arms as heretofore
constructed, and which improvements are susceptible of several modi-

page_text: .
fications and arrangements (substantially forming one Invention), the
nature and mode of performing which consists all as follows:—
three
^
·
And in order that the nature of my said Invention and the manner of
performing the same may be properly understood, I shall now proceed
to describe the several illsutrative Figures on the Sheets of Drawings
which I have hereunto appended for the purpose of shewing the best.
modes and means I am at present aware of for putting the Invention
into effect or practice, the same reference letters and numerals indicating.
the same or like parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1, on Sheet 1, is a right hand side elevation of the breech and
action part of a breech-loading rifle or gun of the self-cocking class
constructed in accordance with and illustrative of the first modification
of my said Invention, specially shewing the construction and action of
the new locking lever m and cock n in the uncocked and the locked
positions indicated in black and red lines respectively.
Figures 2 and 3 are respectively a left-hand sectional elevation and a
horizontal section of the same gun corresponding to Figure 1; Figure 3
in the Drawings on Sheet 1, directly below Figure 6 is by a lithographer's
error wrongly marked Figure 8, instead of Figure 3.
Figures 4 and 5 are transverse sections through the breech case and
"action" taken on the irregular lines 1 - 1 and 2.
2, Figure 2.
D.O―
• Figure 6 is a plan of the breech case detached, and Figure 7 is a side
elevation partly in section of the "action," as removed with its portable
carrying sole or trigger plate D', Figure 8 being a plan of this trigger
plate detached, corresponding to Figure 7, while Figures 9 and 10 are
transverse sections of the same. plate taken on the lines 1---1 and
2-2, in Figures 7 and 8, all respectively.
:
Figure 11 is an elevation and plan of the breech block detached, and
Figure 12 is a side and end elevation and a plan of the extractor
detached.
Figure 13 is a plan of the locking lever m formed in one with the
fulcrum pin c of the main lever [C, and Figure 14 is an end view and
plan of the locking cock, and its spindle formed in one, showing the
striking. hammer in red lines.

page_text: Figure 15 is a side and edge elevation of the new or improved slotted
link E for connecting the block A to the main lever C, by which it is
moved, and Figure 16 is an edge view and plan of the new reciprocating
and oscillating cocking rod, plate, or link i."
Figure 17 is a side elevation of a different construction and arrange-
ment of the locking lever m and cock n from that shewn in Figure 1,
shewn in the locked and uncocked positions in black and red lines
respectively to illustrate their action, and Figures 18 and 19 aro
plans respectively of the locking lever m and cock n detached from
Figure 17.
I
Figure 20 is a right-hand side elevation of the gun, corresponding to
Figure 1, shewing a third improved construction and arrangement of the
said locking lever m and cock n; and Figures 21 and 22 are plans
respectively of the said lever m and cock n detached.
->
Figure 23 is a side elevation, and Figure 24 corresponding opposite
end elevations of my new or improved guard or saddle piece P for the
double purpose of covering and protecting the "action" or slotted
breech case B, B', when the gun is not in use, and for covering that part
of the barrel of a breech-loading fire-arm where the operator. holds it,
and which becomes hot in rapid firing, to prevent his hand being burnt,
indicated in red lines in these two positions in Figure 20, the saddle
piece P. being shewn as fixed in the latter position by either of my new
or improved constructions of screw plugs Q for protecting the muzzle
of the gun, shewn in sectional elevations in Figures 25 and 26 respec-
tively.
Figure 27, Sheet 2, shews a sectional elevation of another or second
modification of the construction and arrangement of the parts of my
improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action" for making the
hammer strike the piston in or near the axial line of the barrel, some of
the parts of which being also applicable to the first modification described
in reference to Sheet 1; and Figures 28 to 31 (including 294) are detailed
views of several of the parts detached from Figure 27 to show their
construction more clearly.
Figures 32 and 33 are a longitudinal and a transverse section, and
Figure 34 a horizontal section, all respectively of a slightly different
modification or construction and arrangement of the parts of my
improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action" from that shewn in

page_text: Figure 27, suitable for striking the piston in nearly the horizontal axial
plane, but obliquely in the vertical plane by a hammer G, G', on the
main spindle F working to the one side to allow of the insertion and
discharge of the cartridge case either within the breech case or on the
outside, as shewn in the two constructions of the cock or hammer, shewn
in side elevation and plan in Figures 35 and 36 respectively.
Figures 37 and 38 are a sectional elevation and a horizontal section
respectively of a third construction and arrangement of the parts of my
improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action," analagous to that
shewn in Figure 27, but having the hammer cocked by a new or improved
link or lever above instead of below, as in all the other modifications
herein-before described; and Figures 39 and 40 are a side elevation and
an edge view of the hammer and lever respectively.
Figure 41 is a sectional elevation of a similar "action" with a modifi-
cation or construction and arrangement of the cocking link or lever for
cocking the hammer, corresponding to and slightly different from that
shewn in Figure 37; and Figures 42 and 43 are side views of the parts
of this lever and link.
Figures 44 and 45 are longitudinal and transverse sections respectively
of a slightly different modification or construction and arrangement of
this new or improved upper cocking link or lever from that shewn in
Figures 37 to 43, and shewn as applied to the modification or construc-
tion and arrangement of my improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle
"action," shewn on Sheet 1; and Figures 46 to 48 are detached views
of the new or improved parts as distinguished from those of the other
modifications.
Figures 49 are a sectional elevation and a horizontal section of the
breech block and cock, showing a slightly different and improved con-
struction and arrangement of the striking cock and piston from that
shewn in Figures 27 to 41 for striking in the horizontal axial plane of
the barrel.
Figures 50 and 51 on Sheet 3 are a longitudinal and a transverse
section, and Figure 52 a plan all of another or fourth modification of my
improvements in self-cocking breech-loading rifle "actions" different
from those shewn in Sheets 1 and 2, in which the cocking of the
hammer is effected in a more direct manner by the main lever O without

page_text: the use of either the cocking rod, link, or lever, or a detached striking
piston; and Figure 53 is a side and edge view of the three main parts,
namely, the actuating lever, the cock and tumbler combined, and the
extractor, shewn in their relative positions, but detached from the
"action;" Figures 50 and 51, and Figures 54, 55,,and 56, are edge and
side views of the said three main parts C, G, L, respectively, all indi-
vidually detached to shew the construction more clearly than in the
viewe
Referring to Sheet 1 of the Drawings, according to one modification
or construction and arrangement of the parts, Figures 1 to 20, the main
lever c is fulcrummed much as usual at its extreme forward end c, some
considerable distance in front of the breech block A and trigger guard D,
so as to have the lower end of a new or improved link E(the upper end E¹
of which is jointed to the under side of the breech block A), directly
linked at e to the said lever C near the front of the trigger guard D and
tumbler F of the hammer G, which as well as the lever C has its
fulcrum fnear the plane of the trigger plate D'. The spindle f and pin c
forming these fulcra, pass through vertical sides or wings d, d', formed on
the trigger plate D¹ for the purpose, and through the sides B' of the solid
breech case or shoe B, B¹, which has a long upper and lower strop or tail
piece B and B³, sunk into and secured to the top and lower parts of the
wood stock H, to the rear of the breech and “action," but leaving two
strong side parts H' of the wood stock stretching forward and abutting
against the back of the breech case B, B². The tumbler f formed in one
piece with the hammer G, G¹, has its cocking notches in this applica-
tion formed on the under or rear segmental edge F¹, and is worked in a
central recess d" of the trigger plate D', lower breech strop B³, and wood
H' of the stock H in front of the mainspring I by its upper limb I' and
connecting bridle link I” in a usual manner, while the lower limb I' of the
a light
mainspring forms trigger spring forcing down the finger end of the
trigger K behind its fulcrum K', and presses up the sear nose K" into
the cocking notches (although an ordinary separate trigger spring may be
attached and used when preferred), the mainspring I being fixed at the
upper side of the trigger plate D¹ by a transverse dovetail picce and slot,
rear notch, or other ordinary means, the hammer head G¹ working and
striking the rear end of the firing piston J or needle passing through
the breech A much in a usual manner at an angle just below and clear

page_text: of the upper fixing tail or stop B", with its groove formed in the upper
side for the insertion and discharge of the cartridge or case.
A central tail or feather a is formed on the back end of the breech.
block A, Figure 11, Sheet 1; and works up and down in a slot 6 formed.
for it in the back of the breech case B, B', Figure 6, so that the nipple J'
and striking head of the piston or needle J may 'come forward to the
striking head G¹ of the hammer, which is self-cocked (through the same
downward and forward swivelling motion of the main hand lever O from
the trigger bow or guard D, which pulls down the breech block A by the
before-mentioned improved connecting link E, e,) by a new reciprocating
cocking bar plate or rod i, linked and jointed at its fore end c¹ to the
upper part of the eye or fulcrum boss C₁ of the main lever Ċ, and has its
free rear end ¹ guided (by a slot or link), so as to oscillate with and work
into a notch g in the hammer G or its tumbler F some distance above
the fulcrum or spindle f, all so that the said downward action of the
main lever C will cause this link i, i³, to press back the hammer G, and
cock it while the link i, i, is free to come forward again as the lever C
is pressed up and snecked in a usual manner on the trigger guard D, or
fixed by a spring sneck c³ fulcrummed in the face of the curved part C³,
where the thumb of the operator presses on the main lever C to actuate
it, which pressure disengages a small catch on the upper end of the
sneck c² from the catch or notch c³ in the trigger guard, against the
power of a small spiral or blade spring c¹¹, Figure 2, behind the lower
part of the catch c. The improved vertical link E for working the
breech block A, works through a slotted or recessed part of the said
cocking bar or link i, i, and the horizontal arm 7 of the extracting
lever L, which latter may be of the new or improved duplex or
differential fulcrummed construction, for which Royal Letters Patent
were granted to me on or about the Third day of December 1870,
No. 3178, and as shown in these Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12, on Sheet 1,
or of the ordinary single fulcrummed bell-crank construction, but having
the horizontal arm 7 short, so that the last part of the downward stroke
of the breech block A. would throw out the cartridge case quickly after
it had been started while tight, by a nearly upright arm c³ on the
forward end of the main lever C, first coming in contact with the upper
part of the long vertical arm & of the extractor L, and pushing it and
the spent case some little distance back with great force, before the
breech block A as stated comes in contact with the short quick acting

page_text: horizontal arm 7 (as shewn at Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and 41, on Sheet 2,)
of the extractor L.
Referring to the improved link E, Figures 2, 3, 7, and 15, on Sheet 1,
and 27, 29, 29ª, 32, 37, 41, 44, 45, and 47, on Sheet 2, a new slot e is
formed either at the lower or upper end joint C¹ or A³, E³, of the improved
link E for working the breech block A; so as to allow the first part of
the motion of the main lever C to press back the hammer G sufficiently
to allow the usual spring J" on the striking piston J or needle to come
back out of the rear end of the cartridge case before the breech block A
is moved, and when the said slote is formed in the upper joint.A¹, E', :
of the breech block A or link E it may be made with angled pieces j
projecting up and back through a slot on both sides of the piston J
formed with an enlarged head j', on which the bevelled parts would act
as pulled down to draw the piston j out clear of the cartridge case by a
positive motion instead of by the ordinary spring J", all as shewn in:
Figures 27, 29, 29, 37, 41, 44, 45, and 47, on Sheet 2.
•
The sliding and front faces of the breech block may be made deeper
below at a' than usual, only cutting small slots' in the deep parts where
it is not desired to come in contact with the extractor L, and when
preferred in some cases a solid or inserted piece 6" may be formed above:
the front or side joints, or both (of breech box.B), to stop the breech
than
A
block A from rising higher raised by the main lever O and slotted
link E, e, which projecting parts 6¹¹ would also prevent water or dust
getting into the joints of the chamber B, while the breech block A and
whole "action" being as so far explained by preference secured to the
trigger plate D¹ and guard D formed in one piece can be slipped into a
long slot 6¹ formed in the under side of the breech case B, B¹, and lower
fixing strop or tail piece B³, which is slotted out .down through for that
purpose, the back end D2 of the trigger plate D¹ entering a fixing
recess 63 in the slot 6¹ of the tail piece B³, while the joint pin c securing
the main lever C passes. through the holes in the front of the trigger
plate at d¹¹ and pendent ears B on the lower edges of the breech box
or case B, B¹, securing the whole thereto, on which pin c the ordinary
carrying strap swivel M, Figure 2, might also be secured. By this
means it will be seen that plain cylindrical pins (as those of the 3
extractor L and cock G) can be used for most of the upper joints of the
action inserted through sides d, d, d', d³, of the trigger plate &, and held

page_text: from falling out by fitting the sides B¹, 61, of the solid breech box or
shoe B, B'.
A further improvement consists in forming in one with or attaching
to the fulcrum pin c of the main lever O a short locking lever m,
Figures 1, 13, 17, 18, 20, and 21, projecting back along the outside of
the action and breach B, B', and stock H, over the outer and projecting
end of the spindle f of the hammer G, having formed, or secured on it
an indicating and hand locking cock n, Figures 1, 14, 20, and 22, instead
of or in addition to the use of a half-cocking notch on the tumbler F,
which may be used as usual, although not shewn on all the Drawings.
This hand locking lever n has a segmental slot n', which while being
fired or cocked works over a stud m₁ projecting laterally from the face of
the said fixing or side locking lever m, so that when the hammer and
tumbler are cocked this stud m¹ can, by raising (or depressing) the
lever m through a projecting finger piece m" on it over a fixing knob m³,
be moved out of the path of the slot n¹ across a fixing face and notch n¹¹
against a stop projection n³, so as to raise the hammer and pressure of the
spring off the sear nose of the trigger K, so that the gun is safer than
on a half-cock notch, and cannot be discharged without again pressing
down the said side lever m until the projecting stud m¹³ is brought
opposite the path of the segmental groove n¹ in the side cock n, when
the trigger K would then be free to let go the tumbler F and hammer G
as usual. These new side locking levers m might also be fulcrummed
on the rear side of the finger cock n, and have their front upper end to
lock it, either by pressing the long arm m behind the fulcrum o up or
down into a mere fixing notch n³, without the segmental slot n³, or with
it, as shewn at Figures 17 and 19, or 20 and 22, and when pressed down
it might be made to prevent the finger from getting properly at the
trigger, and therefore at once let the person know by touch that the
hammer G was still locked.
Any one of the locking side levers m may when preferred be made
of steel, and thin enough to have sufficient elacticity in itself to act
as a spring. to pass over and be held on either side of the fixing
knob m³, and these levers, when so formed of steel, could be made with
5 one end to act as a turnscrew or screwdriver, and the lateral acting
thumb part m" as a turnkey, and all so that when the lever m-and its
pin c are removed, by simply turning them round further than their
usual spring-working limits, over the projection n³ by a force which

page_text: would require both hands to effect this,-by pressing the cock n and
lever m at the same time the whole action could be taken out through
the lower slot 6¹, all as shewn detached at Figure 7.
Instead of making the hammer G strike the head of the piston at an
angle in the centre below the upper tail plate B and groove for inserting
and withdrawing the cartridges, as shewn on Sheet 1, the head G³ of the.
hammer G-may be forked and spread out in a semicircular form so as to
rise up and project forward with two acting faces G", G", one on each.
side of the recess for the cartridge, and thus strike the cross bar J' of a
T headed piston J (fitted within the breech block A instead of a cylin
drical one as usual) to enable it to act in nearly the true line of the axis
of the piston and barrel, all as shewn in the vertical and horizontal
detached sections, Figures 49, on Sheet 2.
By another or second modification of these improvements, Figure 27,
Sheet 2, the fulcra c, f, of the main lever c and of the spindle f of the
hammer G, G', are raised much higher into the breech box or case B, B¹,
and the new cocking link i, &, is jointed below these fulcra c and f'to a
segmental boss c² on the lever C, and to the tumbler F of the hammer G
by a segmental slot at g, Figures 27, 81, 32, 35, and 36, (either
formed in the link i or in the tumbler F) so as to reciprocate just clear
of the top of the trigger plate D¹ and cock the hammer G. By a drawing
action, in this case instead of by' pushing, as in the first modification
shewn on Sheet 1, the segmental. slot 11 in the cocking link i allowing
the main lever O to be closed up and the tumbler F and hammer G to be
let go,. and the latter to strike the back end of the firing piston J in the
straight axial line of the barrel, the striking head G₁ of the hammer or
cock G being made segmental so as to swivel up through a slot 6¹¹¹ cut
for it in the top strop B", or breech end formed with the groove for the
passing in and out of the cartridge cases. The breech block A which
in this case does not require the elongating feather a sliding in the slot b
cut through the abutting back end of the beech case B³, is preferred to
be attached by a short link E, e, ³, (with the new short slot e and
bevelled side wings j to draw back the striking piston J, J',) at O', to a
segmental arm C" below, formed on the main lever Ơ, and which works
through a close fitting slot cut in the trigger plate D³, when the lever O
is forced down or up. In this case the extractor L may be actuated
by any of the improved arrangements, described in reference to the first
modification (Figures 2, 7, and 12, Sheet 1,) as by the last part of the

page_text: downward action of the breech block A on the duplex fulcrummed bell
crank L in these Figures, or referring to Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and -41,,
Sheet 2, by its acting on the short horizontal arm of an ordinary bell-
crank extractor in combination with the powerful starting action obtained
from the vertical arms C³ on the end of the main lever O acting on the
upper part of the vertical arm of the extractor L, and in some cases a
strong spring " might be formed on the back of the vertical arm i
of the extractor L, Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and 41, or it might be on the
acting arm C³ of the main lever C, which on being pressed hard up in
starting the cartridge would assist in throwing it out as soon as it
Iwas free to do so.
It will be understood that as in the former case described the spindleƒ
of the tumbler fand hammer G in this arrangement may also be fitted
with an indicating and hand cock n outside with its fixing side lever m.
In this second modification of these improvements, Figures 32 to 35, on
Sheet 2, the tumbler F might be fixed or formed on the central part of the
spindle, and the actuating striking hammer G, G, work in a slot to the
one side or outside (instead of the fixing one n, for which it might in a
similar manner by a side lever be made to answer) and have the striking
head G¹ formed segmentally, as shewn in red lines at Figures 33, 34,
and 36, so as to strike a horizontal oblique piston or needle J to one side
of the breech block B, B¹, either formed with a back feather b, b, sliding
in a recess, or without this, and by preference having the hammer head G¹
working in a recess 6³, Figure 34, at the upper part of the breech block
B, B¹, leading to the nipple or head J', J', of the striking piston J, the
outside arrangement being shewn in Figures 33 and 34, corresponding
to Figures 36, which are an elevation and plan of the cock and tumbler
detached.
Referring to the positive motion for withdrawing the piston J by the
action of the lever C (while the bar or link¸i, ", i³, is cocking the
hammer before moving the block A, as shewn and referred to in
Figures 27, 29, and 294), the small slot e for causing the "dwell" in
moving the block A is formed in the upper joint E' of the link E, as
shewn particularly in Figure 29; but this slot e might be formed in the
block A itself, as shewn in Figures 44 and 45, or a joint pin might be
dispensed with, and an equivalent space e formed above the piston J
itself in the slotted or bridle link E, formed with the inclined planes j on
its upper end, which would withdraw the piston, and then pull the block

page_text: down by the piston itself, or any such equivalent which would give the
said pause for the withdrawal of the piston before moving the block A,
as shewn in Figure 29
Another or third modification, Figures 37 to 43, shewn as applied to
an arrangement of the cock G, G', similar to that shewn in Figure 27,
consists in the adoption of a cocking lever 1, 3, 3, (instead of the
pushing and pulling horizontal links i, i, ¹¹, shewn in the former modi-
fications) placed near the top of the cocking hammer G, and fulcrummed
away behind at on a standard k, by preference fixed or formed on the
trigger or breech tail plato D¹ to the one side of the main spring I, the
front end of the lever 1, 2, 3, being forked, embracing and having
'the hammer head G, G', or dog head working between the arms ¹¹¹, the
two extreme actuating ends of which being jointed to the pin C³ of
the lever C, or it may be E¹ of the block joint A¹ in the under side of
the breech block, so as to be reciprocated with and by the pin (of either
of these joints), as the main_ lever OC is worked either with a slot at the
fulcrum end or at the front free end ¹¹, as seen in Figures 37 and 40,
or 41 and 42 respectively, two depressers at projecting down from the
levers on each side (in the form of inclined planes, Figures 37 and 40,
or in the form of links, 1, Figures 41 and 43, all analogous in con-
struction and action to the pushing and pulling rods or links i, i',
described in reference to Figures 1 to 36, Sheets 1 and 2,) act on two
outward or lateral projections, studs, or rollers at G' on the hammer
lever G above the part where the bridle link I" and main arm I' of the
mainspring I work, so as to cock the hammer G, G³, by the downward
action of the lever C, which is free to rise and be locked again after the
insertion of the new cartridge.
It will be evident that this arrangement of cocking lever 1, 3, 2ª³,
Figures 37 to 43, might also work on the upper part of the tumbler F,
as well as the cock G (when this was removed to the one side), and that
it might be connected to either the lever G or the tumbler F by a pin
at g, and oblong or segmental slot 1, either in the acting link or in
the parts G or F, as described in reference to Figures 37 to 36, or 37 to
43, so as to self-cock the hammer, which might be made to strike the
piston J and needle placed either obliquely downwards below the axis
of the barrel, as in Figures 1 to 26, on Sheet 1, or 44 to 47, on Sheet 2,
or obliquely to one side and nearly in the horizontal axis, as described
.

page_text: in reference to the other arrangements or modifications, Figures 27
to 36.
And referring to this modification, Figures 44 to 48, with the link
,, applied to the arrangement of hammer and striking piston shewn
on Sheet 1, its upper end is jointed to the same pin E¹ of the improved
link E, which pulls down the breech block in this case by the slotted
hole e forming the joint A¹-with the block A, while the other segmental
slotted end of the link *,, is directly connected to the pin g in the
hammer G without the intermediate horizontal lever 13, 111, Figures 41
and 42, so as to partially cock it as before explained by the downward
action of the lever C before the block A is moved by reason of the
improved slot e in this case formed through the block as seen, parti-
cularly in Figure 45, and when desired the ends of the pin E¹ may work
in small vertical grooves e¹ in the inside of the breech box B, B¹, in this
modification, dispensing with the segmental arm 0" and connecting the
lower end of the improved link E direct to the lever C at O', the inclined
cheeks j being formed on the upper end of the long link E for directly
pulling back the piston j by a positive motion, as herein-before explained
in reference to the short link E, shewn and described in reference to
Figures 27, 29, and 30.
In Figure 44, and detached in Figure 48, is shewn a modification of
an improved differential single armed extractor L' actuated by a small
hanging lever or heel block in place of the spring 7", on the back of
which the vertical arm C³ on the front end of the main lever C acts so
as first to press out the extractor L³ with great power by the heel of
the pendent block 11 before the point comes in contact near the fulcrum
of the extractor, which then acts with great rapidity to throw the
cartridge case out after it has been loosened by the said powerful action
of the arm Os and heel block 71, as indicated in both positions. In
Figure 44 and in Figure 48 a face and side view of a nearly equivalent
arrangement of this single armed differential acting extractor is shewn
in reference to Figures 44 and 48, but in lieu of the hanging back lever
11, 13, the single armed lever 12 is fulcrummed on two slotted joints at
t, t', and t², t¹¹, so that the arm C³, acting above the upper fulcrum t³,
first
presses the top end of the extractor out with great force, at first until the
upper slot t¹¹ comes against its pin t, when it turns swiftly on it to the
extent of the length of the lower slot so as to throw out the cartridge
case after having been started on the lower joint pin t as a fulcrum.

page_text: Referring to figures Ŏ0 to 56, on Sheet 3, another fourth and good
modification of my said Invention or construction and arrangement of
the "actions" or acting parts of breech-loading, self-cocking rifles, and
fire-arms, consists in mounting the tumbler F, and actual striking and
piercing cock or hammer G, G', on the same strong pin or fulcrum c, as
the breech-block moving and cocking lever O, just below the rear or breech
end 2¹ of the barrel z, some distance in front of the segmental arm C¹¹, and
short slotted link E, E', for reciprocating the breech-block A. (or it might
be a long link E, of the improved construction shewn on Sheet 1, or in
Figures 44, 45, and 47, on Sheet 2, either with the new slot e, in the
link E, or the block A, at A¹, or E¹, respectively), and so much in
advance of the trigger K, that it is preferred to use a separate horizontal
sear lever K", K³, against the back arm K³, of which the trigger lever K
acts to raise it against the light spring or arm I³ of the mainspring (or
it might be a separate trigger spring for the purpose if preferred), the
upper limb I' of which actuates the tumbler F, and striker G, G¹, by a
bridle link I", in the usual manner, only the striking head G¹ works in a
slot or recess A³, in the lower side of the breech block A, and its bent
point or head G³, sharpened for the purpose strikes through a hole in the
front face of the breech-block A, and pierces or sets off the percussion
cap in the head of the cartridge. The main lever O has a square
shoulder or heel i on the eye C¹, which acts on a similar checked face ³, in
front of the eye F of the tumbler or hammer G, G³, so as to cock it when
the lever O is depressed to draw down the breech-block A, which also
actuates the extractor L of the improved duplex fulcrum form (shewn
on Sheet 1), or discharges the cartridge case swiftly after it has been
started by the vertical arm 0³, in front of the joint eye C¹ of the main
lever C, as described in reference to the former modifications shewn at
Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, 41, and in modified forms thereof in Figures 48
and 48. The breech block A in this case would by preference have a
central feather a behind, sliding in a slotted recess 6 in the abutting end
of the breech case B³, so as to give greater width for the slot or recess
A³, in which the head of the striker G' works, and the slot B in which
the breech block A. slides, would by preference be formed with the stop
pieces 611, above the joints to prevent the block rising beyond the proper
height for the striker G¹ to enter and act properly.

page_text: the under side of the trigger plate and guard D, D¹, in these several
modifications, this being considered the best arrangement, yet still it is
to be understood that it may be bent laterally in front of the trigger
guard D, and brought to and up one side, preferably the off or right hand
side of the breech case, so as to be actuated by a lateral thumb pressing
pieco fitted with a spring catch (as c³, c,) taking into a notch in a side
plate acting substantially as described in reference to the catch c², c¹¹¹,
Figure 2, for securing the lever C to the trigger guard D, or this side
lever C may be secured as other such side levers have been as heretofore
constructed.
33
. It will be obvious also that these improved arrangements (of the main
acting parts, and especially of the new cocking rod or link i, i, i", or
lever link ¹¹,,,, and the improved link E, with their new slots ¿¹
and e, or equivalent back or "overdraw") all admit of dispensing with
the usual "overdraw upon the hammer G,. G', and mainspring I,
and give these the benefit of the full pull and motion of the main
lever C by the introduction of a separate simple blade or spiral spring p,
Figures 32, 34, and 37, 38, on Sheet 2, below the breech block A to
bring it up again after extracting the cartridge and allow the cartridge
and extractor L to be pushed home and held there without the said
"overdraw" and action of the mainspring, which is not the case with
most of the "actions" at present in use.
"
Another improvement consists in having a semicircular or saddle
piece P, Figures 23 and 24, formed of thin sheet steel or iron, lined
inside with felt or other equivalent non-heat conducting material,
indicated in blue lines at P", Figures 24, on Sheet 1, for covering the
open parts of the " action or breech case B, B¹, when the gun is not
in use, and for being placed over the back part at P¹ of the barrel z
where the operator holds the gun by the left hand while firing, to
prevent the barrel z when hot from burning the hand, as shewn in both
these positions in Figure 20. This saddle piece P is fixed in front at P*
by inserting a part of the upper edge P³ into a slot or notch at the breech
end of the barrel ≈ and bringing down the back end close over the breech
case until the round holes P" in two ears at the lower back part are
sprung over a knob P™ at each side, so as to hold it firmly, but which
can be removed by a little force, and have the point Ps similarly inserted
into a slot at the lower part of the back sight R, having the front or
back part pressed down until a screw pin Q can be passed through the
2
B

page_text: holes P in the ears and a hole in the stock below the barrel 2, so as to
fix it, so that by another improvement connected with the former the
said fixing screw pin Q may be formed in the centre of the metallic
part of the muzzle stopper Q', Q, whether that is formed to enter the
barrel, as shewn at Q', Figure 25, or with an outer lip or rim as a cap
cover Q³ to fit tight on the outer extremity of the barrel z, as shewn at
Figure 26. The use of this muzzle stopper and screw pin Q, Q', or
Q, Q³, combined for fixing the improved protecting saddle P before
firing will prevent the stopper from being shot away or lost while firing,
ȧs is frequently the case at present.
Having thus described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is, or may be used,
or carried into effect, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine or
restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had
occasion to describe and delineate, as many variations may be made
therefrom without departing from the main or essential features thereof,
neither on the other hand do I claim having invented a vertical or
transverse sliding breech block with or without a piston passing through
it for a central fire in breech-loading fire-arms, this having been hereto-
fore in use in many "actions," neither do I lay claim generally to the
forming of the vertical sliding breech block A with an elongated narrow
part or feather or tail a for the better position of the striker; but what I
believe to be the main part or root of my Invention is the making of the
main hand lever which moves all the parts in breech-loading self-cocking
fire-arms to cock the striker by a pushing, or pulling bar, link, or lever
directly connected to it, together with the other necessary modifications
´and improvements of the other parts for this purposo, all substantially
in the novel and original manner and for the purposes herein described
and set forth in the following claims :—
First. The arrangement of the parts of the "actions" and locks of
breech-loading rifles or fire-arms of the self-cocking class, all sub-
stantially in the new or improved manner and for the purposes herein
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The constructing and attaching of all the moving parts of
breech-loading fire-arms of the self-cocking class upon a portable sole
trigger plate so that the whole can be inserted or removed therewith
204
and fixed or released by a single joint spindle or screw pin
from a slot in the lower side of the breech case or shoe substantially in
A.

page_text: the new or improved manner herein described and shewn in the accom-
panying Drawings.
Third. The connecting of the breech block (A) of breech-loading
rifles or fire-arms of the self-cocking class to the "main acting lever"
(C) by a new or improved link (E) or lever arm (0¹¹) and link (E)
having a new or improved slotted joint or connection or its equivalent
for the "play" of one or more of its joint pins either formed in the link,
the lever, or the block, so that the lever may partially cock the hammer
(G) by a rod, link, or lever, independent of and before giving the motion
to the block (A), all substantially as and for the purposes herein
described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The cocking of the hammer (G) (whether placed centrally or
to one side) of breech-loading fire-arms of the self-cooking class by the
motion of the main lever (0) (which moves the breech block A) through
or by a new pushing or drawing rod, bar, link, or lever independent of
the movement of the block (A), all substantially as and for the purposes
herein described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Fifth. The construction and use of a locking cock (n) and lever (m)
outside the lock or "action" of fire-arms, all substantially as and for
the purposes herein described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The actuating of the improved tilting extractors of breech-
loading fire-arms, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein
described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings, Figures 44 and 48,
Sheet 2, and Figures 50 and 56, Sheet 3.
Seventh. The making of the positive motion of the link (E) (attached
to the main lever (C) which pulls down the vertical sliding block of
breech-loading fire-arms) to draw back the striking piston instead of a
spring, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein described
and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Eighth. The making of the vertical sliding breech blocks (A) of self-
cocking breech-loading fire-arms with a back feather or tail (a), all sub-
stantially in the new or improved manner and for the purpose herein
described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings, Figures 50, 51,
and 52.
Ninth. The construction and use of a guard saddle piece in breech-
loading fire-arms for the double purpose of protecting alternately the

page_text: breech box and the "action," and preventing the shooter's hand from
being burned, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein
described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Tenth. The construction and use of a new or improved screw pin or
pins for the double purpose of alternately fixing the said guard or saddle
piece, claim ninth, and forming a muzzle stopper for breech-loading
fire-arms, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein
described and shewn in the accompanying Drawings."
In witness whereof, 'we, the said John Farquharson, George Gibbs,
Thomas Pitt, and William Ellis Metford, have hereunto set our
hands and seals, this Fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Farquharson, of Blairgowrie, in the County
.
of Perth, North Britain, Gamekeeper, for the Invention of "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Farquharson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 25th May 1872.
•
I, JOHN FARQUHARSON, of Blairgowrie, in the County of Perth, North
Britain, Gamekeeper, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows, that is
to say :-
This said Invention has reference to certain improvements in the
construction and arrangement of the parts of the "action" of that class
of breech-loading rifles or "small fire-arms" having the breech block
worked up and down in a central transverse vertical slot in the solid
breech case or box by a main self-cocking hand lever, fitting close and
brought close up to or pushed down from the under side of the trigger
A

page_text: guard, or the right hand or. off side of the gun; and which improvements
will give a greater and more uniform application of power with greater
ease and comfort to the shooter or operator, and with greater certainty
and efficiency of action than has heretofore been the case with this class
of breech-loading fire-arms; and which improvements are susceptible of
several modifications and arrangements (substantially forming one In-
vention), the nature of which consists all as follows:-
Thus, according to one modification or construction and arrangement
of the parts, the main lever is fulcrummed at its extreme forward end,
some considerable distance in front of the breech block and trigger
guard; so as to have the lower end of a new or improved link, the upper
end of which is jointed to the under side of the breech block, directly
linked to the said lever near the front of the trigger guard and tumbler
of the hammer, which, as well as the lever, has its fulcrum near the
plane of the trigger plate. The spindle and pin forming these pass
through vertical sides or wings formed on the trigger plate for the
purpose, and the sides of the solid breech case or shoe, which has a long
upper and lower strop or tail piece sunk into and secured to the top-and
lower part of the wood stock to the rear of the breech and, action, but
leaving two strong side parts of the wood stock stretching forward and
abutting against the back of the breech case.
The tumbler, in one piece with its hammer, has its cocking notches
formed on the under or rear segmental. edge, and is worked in a central
recess of the trigger plate, lower breech strop, and wood of the butt in
front of the mainspring by its upper limb and connecting bridle link
(in a usual manner), while the lower limb of the mainspring forms a
light trigger spring, forcing down the finger end of the trigger behind
the fulcrum and presses up the scar nose into the cocking notches
(although an ordinary separate trigger spring may be attached and used
when preferred), the mainspring being fixed at the upper side of the
trigger plate by a transverse dovetail piece and slot, the hammer head
working and striking the rear end of the firing piston or needle passing
through the breech block at an angle just below and clear of the upper
fixing tail or strop, with its groove for the insertion and discharge of the
cartridge case.

page_text: and striking head of the needle may come close to the striking head
of the hammer, which is self-cocked (through the same downward
and forward swivelling motion of the main hand lever from the trigger
bow or guard, which pulls down the breech block by the before-
mentioned connecting link) by a new reciprocating cocking plate or rod
linked and jointed at its fore end to the upper part of the eye or fulcrum
boss of the main lever, and has its free rear end guided by a slot or link
so as to oscillate with and work into a notch in the hammer or its
tumbler some distance above the fulcrum or spindle, all so that the said
action of the main lever will cause this link to press back the hammer
and cock it, while the link is free to come forward again as the lever is
pressed up and snecked in the usual manner on the trigger guard, or
fixed by a new or improved spring sneck fulcrummed in the face of the
curved part where the thumb of the operator presses on the main lever
to actuate it, which pressure disengages a small catch on the upper end
of the sncck from the catch or notch in the trigger guard against the
power of a small spiral or blade spring behind the lower part of this
catch; the vertical link for working the breech block works through a
slotted or recessed part of the said cocking link, and the horizontal arm
of the extracting lever, which latter may be of the new or improved
duplex or differential fulcrummed construction, for which Royal Letters
Patent were granted to the petitioner on or about the Third day of
December 1870, No. 3178, or of the ordinary single fulcrummed bell-
crank construction, but having the horizontal arm short, so that the
last part of the downward stroke of the breech block would throw out
the cartridge case quickly after it had been started while tight by a
nearly upright arm on the forward end of the main. lever first coming.
in contact with the upper part of the long vertical arm of the extractor,
and pushing it and the spent case some little distance back with great
force before the breech block, as stated, comes in contact with the short
quick acting horizontal arm of the extractor.
A slot is formed either at the lower or upper end joint of the link for
working the breech block, so as to allow the first part of the motion
of the main lever to press back the hammer sufficiently to allow the
usual spring on the striking piston or needle to come back out of the
rear end of the cartridge case before the breech block is moved, and
when the said slot is formed in the upper joint of the link it may be
made with angled pieces projecting up and back through a slot on both
1 2

page_text: sides of the piston formed with an enlarged head on which the bevelled
parts would act as pulled down to draw the piston out clear of the
cartridge case by a positive motion instead of by a spring, and the sliding
and front faces of the breech block may be made deeper below, only
'cutting small slots in the latter where it comes in contact with the
extractor; and when preferred, in some cases, a solid or inserted piece
may be formed above the front or side joints, or both, to stop the breech
block from rising higher than raised by the main lever and slotted link,
which projecting parts would prevent water or dust getting into the
joints; while the breech block and whole "action" being, as so far
explained, by preference secured to the trigger plate and guard formed
in one piece, can be slipped into a long slot from the under side of the
breech case and lower fixing strop or tail piece which is slotted out
down through for that purpose, the back end of the trigger plate
entering and fixing recesses in the slot of tail piece, while the joint
pin securing the main lever passes through the holes in the front of the
trigger plate and pendent ears on the lower edges of the breech box or
case, securing the whole thereto, on which pin the strap swivel might
also be secured. By this means it will be seon that plain cylindrical
pins can be used for most of the upper joints of the action inserted
through the sides of the trigger plate and held from falling out by fitting
the sides of the slotted breech box or shoe.
A further improvement consists in forming in one with or attaching
to the fulcrum pin of the main lever, a short locking lever, projecting
back along the outside of the action and stock over the outer and pro-
jecting end of the spindle of the hammer, having formed or secured on
it an indicating and hand-locking cock, instead of, or in addition to, the
use of a half-cocking notch in the tumbler; this hand-cocking lever has
a segmental slot, which while being fired or cocked works over a stud
projecting laterally from the face of the said fixing side lever, so that
when cocked this stud can, by raising the lever through a projecting
finger picce over a fixing knob, be moved out of the path of the slot
across a fixing face and notch against a stop projection, so as to raise the
hammer and pressure of the spring off the sear nose, so that the gun is
safer than on a half-cock notch, and cannot be discharged without again
pressing down the said side lever until the projecting stud is again
opposite the path of the segmental groove in the side cock, when the
trigger would then be free to let go the tumbler and hammer as usual.

page_text: These locking side levers might also be fulcrummed on the rear side of
the finger cock, and have their front upper end to lock it, either by
pressing the long arm behind the fulcrum up or down into a mere fixing
notch without the segmental slot, or with it, and when pressed down it
might be made to prevent the finger from getting properly at the
trigger, and therefore at once let the person know that the hammer was
still locked.
Any one of the locking side levers may when preferred be made of
steel, and thin enough to have sufficient elasticity in itself to act as a
spring to pass over and be held on either side of the fixing knob; and
these levers when so formed of steel could be made with one end to act
as a screwdriver and the lateral acting thumb part as a key, so that
when removed by simply turning them round further than their usual
spring working limits by a force which would require both hands to
effect this, and pressing the cock and lever at the same time.
Instead of making the head of the hammer strike the head of the
piston at an angle in the centre below the upper tail plate and groove
for inserting and withdrawing the cartridges, the head of the hammer
may be forked and spread out in a semicircular form so as to rise up
and project forward with two acting faces on each side of the recess for
the cartridge, and thus strike the cross bar of a T-headed piston (fitted
within the breech block instead of a cylindrical one as usual) to
enable it to act in nearly the true line of the axis of the piston and
barrel,
By another or second modification of these improvements, the fulcrum
of the main lever and spindle of the hammer are raised much higher
into the breech box or case, and the new cocking link is jointed below
the fulcra to a segmental hoss on the lever, and to the tumbler of the
hammer, by a segmental slot (either in the link or in the tumbler), so
as to reciprocate clear of the top of the trigger plate, and cock the
hammer by a drawing action, instead of by pushing as in the first
modification, the segmental slot in the cocking link allowing the main
lever to be closed up and the tumbler and hammer to be let go, and the
latter to strike the back end of the firing piston in the straight axial line
of the barrel, the striking head of the hammer or cock being made
segmental, so as to swivel up through a slot cut for it in the top strop
or breech end formed with the groove for the passing in and out of the

page_text: cartridge cases. The breech block, which in this case does not require
a feather sliding in the slot cut through the abutting back end of the
breech case,
is preferred to be attached by a short link (with short slot
and bevelled side wings to draw back the striking piston) to a segmental
feather or arm below, formed on the main lever, and which works
through a close fitting slot cut in the trigger plate, when the lever is
forced down or up.
In this case the extractor may be actuated by either of the t
two
improved arrangements described in reference to the first modification,
as by the last part of the downward action on the duplex fulcrummed
bell crank, or by its acting on a short horizontal arm of an ordinary
bell crank extractor, in combination with the powerful starting action
obtained from the vertical arm on the end of the main lever, acting on
the upper part of the vertical arm of the extractor, and in some cases a
strong spring might be formed on the back of the vertical arm of the
extractor, or on the acting arm of the main lever, which on being pressed
hård up in starting the cartridge would assist in throwing it out as soon
as it was free to do so.
It will be understood that, as in the former case, the spindle of the
tumbler and hammer in this arrangement may also be fitted with an
indicating and hand-cock outside with its fixing side lever.
In this second modification of these improvements the tumbler might
be fixed on the central part of the spindle, and the actuating striking
hammer be outside (instead of the fixing one, for which it might, in a
similar manner by a side lever, be made to answer), and have the striking
head formed segmentally, so as to strike a horizontal oblique piston or
needle to one side of the breech block, either.formed with a back feather
sliding in a recess, or without this, and by preference, having the hammer
head working in a recess at the upper part of the breech head leading
to the nipple or head of the striking piston.
•
Another or third modification consists in the adoption of a cocking
lever (instead of the pushing and pulling horizontal links) placed near
the top of the cocking hammer and fulcrummed away behind it on a
standard fixed or formed on the trigger or breech tail plate to the
one side of the mainspring; the front end of the lever being forked,
embracing and having the hammer head or lever working between the
arms, the two extreme actuating ends being jointed to the pin in the

page_text: under side of the breech block, so as to be reciprocated with it. As
the main lever is worked, two depressers projecting down from the
levers on each side act on two lateral projections on the hammer lever
above the part where the bridle link and main arm of the mainspring
work, so as to cock the hammer, and have the lever free to rise when
the main breech lever is locked again after the insertion of the cartridge.
It will be evident that this arrangement of cocking lever might also
work on the upper part of the tumbler as well as the cock, and that it
might be connected to either by a pin and oblong or segmental slots, so`
as to self-cock the hammer, which might be made to strike the piston
and needle, placed either obliquely downwards below the axis of the
barrel, or obliquely to one side and nearly in the horizontal axis, as
described in reference to the other arrangements or modifications.
Another, fourth, and good modification of this Invention or construc-
tion and arrangement of the actions or acting parts of breech-loading
self-cocking rifles and fire-arms consists in mounting the tumbler and
actual striking and piercing cock or hammer on the same strong pin or
fulcrum of the main breech block and cocking lever, just below the rear
end of the barrel, some distance in front of the segmental rib and short
slotted link for reciprocating the breech block, and so much in advance
of the trigger that it is preferred to use a separate horizontal sear lever,
against the back arm of which the trigger lever acts to raise it against
the light spring formed by the lower limb of the mainspring (or it might
be a separate trigger spring for the purpose, if preferred), the upper limb
of which actuates the tumbler and striker by a bridle link in a usual
manner, only the striking head works in a slot in the lower side of the
breech block, and its bent point strikes through a hole in the front face
of the breech block, and pierces or sets off the percussion cap in the
head of the cartridge. The main lever has a square shoulder or heel on
the eye which acts on a similar checked face in front of the eye of the
tumbler or hammer, so as to cock it when the lever is depressed to draw
down the breech block, which also actuates the extractor of the improved
duplex fulcrum class, or discharges the cartridge case after it has been
started by a vertical arm in front of the joint eye of the main lever, as
described in reference to the former modifications. The breech block in
this case would, by preference, have the central feather behind sliding
in a-slotted recess in the abutting end of the breech case, so as to give
greater width for the slot in which the head of the striker works; and the

page_text: slot in which the breech block slides would, by preference, be formed
with the stop pieces above the joints, to prevent the block rising beyond
the proper height.
Although the main lever for actuating the breech block in cocking
the hammer has been described as clasped close up to the under side of
the trigger plate and guard in these several modifications, this being
considered the best arrangement, yet still it is to be understood that it
may be bent laterally in front of the trigger guard, and brought to and
up one side, so as to be actuated by a lateral thumb-pressing piece fitted
with a spring catch taking into a notch in a side plate, acting substan-
tially as described in reference to the catch securing the lever to the
trigger guard, or this side lever may be secured as other such side levers
have been as heretofore constructed.
It will be obvious, also, that these improved arrangements all admit
of dispensing with the usual overdraw upon the hammer and mainspring,
and give these the benefit of the full pull and motion of the main lever,
by the introduction of a separate simple blade or spiral spring below the
breech block to bring it up again after extracting the cartridge, and
allow the cartridge and extractor to be pushed home and held there
without the mainspring, which is not the case with most of the "actions"
at present
in
"
use.
Another improvement consists in having a semicircular or saddle piece
formed of thin sheet steel or iron, lined inside with felt or other
equivalent non-heat conducting material for covering the open parts of
the " action or breech case when the gun is not in use, and for being
placed over the back part of the barrel where the man holds the gun by
the left hand while firing, to prevent the barrel when hot from burning
the hand, and this saddle piece is fixed in front by inserting a part of
the upper edge into a slot or notch at the breech end of the barrel, and
bringing down the back end close over the breech case, until a round hole
in two ears at the lower back part is sprung over a knob so as to hold it
firmly, but which can be removed by a little force, and similarly inserted
into a slot at the lower part of the back sight; and have the back part
pressed down until a screw pin can pass through the holes in the cars
and a hole in the stock below the barrel so as to fix it.
And by another improvement, connected with the former, the said
fixing screw pin may be formed in the centre of the metallic part of the

page_text: muzzle stopper, whether that is formed to enter the bore or width, an
outer lip or rim as a cap cover to fit tight on the outer extremity of the
barrel, the use of which muzzle stopper and screw pin combined for
fixing the improved protecting saddle before firing, will prevent the
stopper from being shot away or lost while firing, as is frequently the
case at present.
SPECIFICATION filed in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters
Patent, and of an order of the Lord Chancellor, by the said John
Farquharson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th January 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
FARQUHARSON, of Blairgowrie, in the County of Perth, North Britain,
Gamekeeper, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of May; in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-fifth
year of Her reign, did, fòr Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said John Farquharson, Her special licence that I,
the said John Farquharson, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said John Farquharson, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term thereiu
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, tho said
John Farquharson, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under-my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office on or before the Fourth day of
January One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Farquliarson, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and

page_text: by the following statement in writing, reference being had to the
accompanying three Sheets of Drawings, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention has reference to certain improvements in the
construction and arrangement.of the parts of the "action" of that class
of breech-loading rifles or "small fire-arms" having the breech block A
worked up and down in a central transverse or vertical slot B in the
solid breech case or box B, B'; by a main self-cocking hand lever C
fitting close and brought close up to or pushed down from the under side
of the trigger guard D; or it may be the right hand or off side of the
gun; and which improvements will give a greater and more uniform
application of power with greater ease and comfort to the shooter or
operator, with greater certainty and efficiency of action than has here-
tofore been the case with this class of breech-loading fire-arms as
heretofore constructed; and which improvements are susceptible of 1
several modifications and arrangements (substantially forming one In-
vention), the nature and mode of performing which consists all as
follows:-
"
And in order that the nature of my said Invention, and the manner
of performing the same may be properly understood, I shall now proceed 2
to describe the several illustrative Figures on the three Sheets of Drawings
which I have hereunto appended for the purpose of showing the best
modes and means I am at present aware of for putting the Invention
into effect or practice, the same reference letters and numerals indicating
the same or like parts in all the Figures.
2
Figure 1, on Sheet 1, is a right-hand side elevation of the breech and
action part of a breech loading rifle or gun of the self-cocking class
constructed in accordance with and illustrative of the first modification
of my said Invention, specially showing the construction and action of
the new locking lever m and cock n in the uncocked and the locked 3
positions indicated in black and red lines respectively.
Figures 2 and 3 are respectively a left hand sectional elevation and
a horizontal section of the same gun, corresponding to Figure 1.
Figures 4 and 5 are transverse sections through the breech case and

page_text: "
Figure 6 is a plan of the breech case detached; and Figure 7 is a side
elevation partly in section of the "action as removed with its portable
carrying sole or trigger plate D¹, Figure 8 being a plan of this trigger
plate detached corresponding to Figure 7, while Figures 9 and 10 are
transverse sections of the same plate taken on the lines 1---1 and 2---2,
in Figures 7 and 8, all respectively.
Figure 11 is an elevation and plan of the breech block detached, and
Figure 12 is a side and end elevation and a plan of the extractor
detached.
Figuro 13 is a plan of the locking lever m formed in one with the
fulcrum pin c of the main lever C, and Figure 14 is an end view and
plan of the locking cock and its spindle formed in one, showing the
striking hammer in red lines.
Figure 15 is a side and edge clevation of the new or improved slotted
link E for connecting the block A to the main lever C, by which it is
moved, and Figure 16 is an edge view and plan of the new reciprocating
and oscillating cocking rod, plate, or link i.
Figure 17 is a side elevation of a different construction and arrange-
ment of the locking lever m and cock n from that shown in Figure 1,
shown in the locked and uncocked positions in black and red lines
respectively to illustrate their action, and Figures 18 and 19 are plans
respectively of the locking lever m and cock n detached from Figure 17.
Figure 20 is a right hand side elevation of the gun corresponding to
Figure 1, showing a third improved construction and arrangement of
the said locking lever m and cock n, and Figures 21 and 22 are plans
respectively of the said lever m and cock n detached.
Figure 23 is a side elevation, and Figure 24, corresponding opposite
end elevations of my new or improved guard or saddle piece P for the
double purpose of covering and protecting the "action" or slotted breechi
case B, B¹, when the gun is not in use, and for covering that part of the
barrel of a breech-loading fire-arm where the operator holds it, and
which becomes hot in rapid firing, to prevent his hand being burnt,
indicated in red lines in these two positions in Figure 20, the saddle
piece P being shown as fixed in the latter position by either of my new
or improved constructions of screw plugs Q for protecting the muzzle of
the gun, shown in sectional elevations in Figures 25 and 26, respectively.

page_text: Figure 27, Sheet 2, shows a sectional elevation of another or second
modification of the construction and arrangement of the parts of my
improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action" for making the
hammer strike the piston in or near the axial line of the barrel, some of
the parts of which being also applicable to the first modification described
in-reference to Sheet 1; and Figures 28 to 31 (including 294) are detailed
views of several of the parts detached from Figure 27 to show their
construction more clearly.
Eigures 32 and 33 are a longitudinal and a transverse section, and
Figure 34 a horizontal section, all respectively of a slightly different
modification or construction and arrangement of the parts of my im-
proved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action" from that shown in
Figure 27, suitable for striking the piston in nearly the horizontal axial
plane, but obliquely in the vertical plane, by a hammer Ġ, G³, on the
main spindle F working to the one side to allow of the insertion and
discharge of the cartridge case, either within the breech case or on the
outside, as shown in the two constructions of the cock or hammer
shown in side elevation and plan in Figures 35 and 36, respectively.
Figures 37 and 38 are a sectional elevation and a horizontal section,
respectively, of a third construction and arrangement of the parts of my
improved self-cocking breech-loading rifle "action" analogous to that
shown in Figure 27, but having the hammer cocked by a new or
improved link or lever above instead of below as in all the other
modifications herein-before described; and Figures 39 and 40 are a side
olevation and an edge view of the hammer and lever respectively.
Figure 41 is a sectional elevation of a similar "action" with a
modification or construction and arrangement of the cocking link .or
lever for cocking the hammer, corresponding to and slightly different
from that shown in Figure 37; and Figures 42 and 43 are side views of
the parts of this lever and link.
Figures 44 and 45 are longitudinal and transverse sections, respectively,
of a slightly different modification or construction and arrangement of
this new or improved upper cocking link or lever from that shown in
Figures 37 to 43, and shown as applied to the modification or con-
struction and arrangement of my improved self-cocking beech-loading
rifle "action" shown on Sheet 1; and Figures 46 to 48 are detached

page_text: views of the new or improved parts as distinguished from those of the
other modifications.
Figures 49 are a sectional elevation and a horizontal section of the
breech block and cock, showing a slightly different and improved con-
struction and arrangement of the striking cock and piston from that
shown in Figures 27 to 41 for striking in the horizontal axial plane of
the barrel.
.Figures 50 and 51, on Sheet 3, are a longitudinal and a transverse
section, and Figure 52 a plan all of another or fourth modification
of my improvements in self-cocking breech-loading rifle "actions,"
different from those shown in Sheets 1 and 2, in which the cocking of the
hammer is effected in a more direct manner by the main lever C without
the use of either the cocking rod, link, or lever, or a detached striking
piston; and Figure 53 is, a side and edge view of the three main parts,
namely, the actuating lever, the cock and tumbler combined, and the
extractor, shown in their relative positions, but detached from the
"action," Figures 50 and 51; and Figures 54, 55, and 56 are edge and
side views of the said three main parts C, G, L, respectively, all
individually detached to show the construction more clearly than in the
combined views.
Referring to Sheet 1 of the Drawings:-According to one modifi-
cation or construction and arrangement of the parts, Figures 1 to 20,
the main lever C is fulcrummed much as usual at its extreme forward
end c, some considerable distance in front of the breech block A and
trigger guard D, so as to have the lower end of a new or improved
link E (the upper end E' of which is jointed to the under side of the
breech block A) directly linked at e to the said lever O near the front of
the trigger guard D and tumbler F of the hammer G, which, as well as
the lever C, has its fulcrum f near the plane of the. trigger plate D'; the
spindle f, and pin c forming these fulcra pass through vertical sides or
wings d, d, formed on the trigger plate D' for the purpose, and through
the sides B¹ of the solid breech case or shoe B, B¹, which has a long
upper and lower strop or tail piece B and B sunk into and secured to
the top and lower parts of the wood stock H to the rear of the breech
and "action," but leaving two strong side parts H¹ of the wood stock
stretching forward and abutting against the back of the breech
case B, B¹. The tumbler F formed in one piece with the hammer G, G¹,

page_text: has its cocking notches in this application formed on the under or rear
segmental edge F¹, and is worked in a central recess d¼ of the trigger
plate D¹, lower breech strop B³, and wood H¹ of the stock H in front of
the mainspring I by its upper limb I¹ and connecting bridle link I" in a
usual manner, while the lower limb I of the mainspring forms a light.
trigger spring forcing down the finger end of the trigger K behind its
fulcrum K', and presses up the sear nose K" into the cocking notches
(although an ordinary separate trigger spring may be attached and used
when preferred), the mainspring I being fixed at the upper side of the
trigger plate D¹ by a transverse dovetail piece and slot, rear notch, or
other ordinary means, the hammer head G¹ working and striking the
rear end of the firing piston J, or needle passing through the breech A,
much in a usual manner at an angle just below and clear of the upper
fixing tail or strop B" with its groove formed in the upper side for the
insertion and discharge of the cartridge or case..
A new central tail or feather a is formed on the back end of the
breech block A, and works up and down in a slot & formed for it in the
back of the breech case B, B', so that the nipple J¹ and striking head of
the piston or needle J may come forward.to the striking head G¹ of the
hammer, which is self-cocked (through the same downward and forward
swivelling motion of the main hand lever C from the trigger bow or
guard D, which pulls down the breech block A by the before-mentioned
improved connecting link E, e,) by a new reciprocating cocking bar,
plate, or rod i linked and jointed at its fore end c' to the upper part of the
eye or fulcrum boss C₁ of the main lever C, and has its free rear end ♬¹ª
guided (by a slot or link), so as to oscillate with and work into a notch g
in the hammer G, or its tumbler F, some distance above the fulcrum or
spindle f, all so that the said downward action of the main lever C will
cause this link i, i, to press back the hammer G, and cock it, while the
link i, i¹, is free to come forward again as the lever C is pressed up, and
snecked in a usual manner on the trigger guard D, or fixed by a new or
improved spring sneck c³ fulcrummed in the face of the curved part C³,
where the thumb of the operator presses on the main lever C to actuate it,
which pressure disengages a small catch on the upper end of the sneck c³
from the catch or notch in the trigger guard against the power of a
small spiral or blade spring c¹¹, Figure 2, behind the lower part of the
catch c². The improved vertical link E for working the breech block A
works through a slotted or recessed part of the said cocking bar or

page_text: link i, ¹, and the horizontal arm of the extracting lever L, which latter
may be of the new or improved duplex or differential fulcrummed con-
struction, for which Royal Letters Patent were granted to me on or
about the Third day of December 1870, No. 3178, and as shown in these
Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12, on Sheet 1, or of the ordinary single ful-
crummed bell-crank construction, but having the horizontal arm short
so that the last part of the downward stroke of the breech block A
would throw out the cartridge case quickly after it had been started
while tight by a nearly upright arm C³ on the forward end of the main
lever C first coming in contact with the upper part of the long vertical
arm of the extractor L, and pushing it and the spent case some little
distance back with great force before the breech block A, as stated,
comes in contact with the short quick acting horizontal arm / (as shown
at Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and 41, on Sheet. 2) of the extractor L.
Referring to the improved link E, Figures 2, 3, 7, and 15, on Sheet 1,
and 27, 29, 29ª, 32, 37, 41, 44, 45, and 47, on Sheet 2, a new slot e is
formed either at the lower or upper end joint C¹, or A¹, E¹, of the
improved link E for working the breech block A, so as to allow the
first part of the motion of the main lever C to press back the hammer G
sufficiently to allow the usual spring J", on the striking piston Jor
needle, to come back out of the rear end of the cartridge case before
the breech block A is moved; and when the said slot e is formed in
the upper joint A', E', of the breech block A or link E, it may be made
with angled pieces ; projecting up and back through a slot on both.
sides of the piston J formed with an enlarged head ¹ on which the
bevelled parts ; would act as pulled down to draw the piston J out
clear of the cartridge case by a positive motion instead of by the
ordinary spring J", all as shown in Figures 27, 29, 29ª, 37, 41, 44, 45,
and 47, on Sheet 2. The sliding and front faces of the breech block
may be made deeper below at a¹ than usual, only cutting small slots
in the deep parts where it is not desired to come in contact with the
extractor L, and when preferred, in some cases, a solid or inserted
piece 6¹¹ may be formed above the front or side joints or both (of
breech box B) to stop the breech block A from rising higher than
raised by the main lever C and slotted link E, e, which projecting
parts 6 would also prevent water or dust getting into the joints
of the chamber B, while the breech block A and whole "action
being, as so far explained, by preference secured to the trigger plate D¹
"

page_text: and guard D formed in one piece, can be slipped into a long slot b¹
formed in the under side of the breech case B, B', and lower fixing
strop or tail piece B³ which is slotted out down through for that
purpose, the back end D³ of the trigger plate D¹ entering a fixing
rocess in the slot 6 of the tail piece B³, while the joint pin c
securing the main lever C passes through the holes in the front of
the trigger plate at du and pendent ears B¹¹¹ on the lower edges of the
breech box or case B, B¹, securing the whole thereto, on which pin c
the ordinary carrying strap swivel M, Figure 2, might also be secured.
By this means it will be seen that plain cylindrical pins (as those
of the extractor L and cock G) can be used for most of the upper
joints of the action inserted through sides d, d, d, d', of the trigger
plate D³, and held from falling out by fitting the sides B', 6', of the
solid breech box or shoe B, B¹.
A further improvement consists in forming in one with or attaching
to the fulcrum pin c of the main lever C, a short locking lever m,
·Figures 1, 13, 17, 18, 20, and 21, projecting back along the outside
of the action and breech B, B', and stock. H, over the outer and
projecting end of the spindle f of the hammer G, having formed or
secured on it an indicating and hand-locking cock n, Figures 1, 14, 20,
and 22, instead of or in addition to the use of a half-cocking notch
on the tumbler F, which may be used as usual, although not shown
on all the Drawings. This hand-locking lever n has a segmental slot n¹
which, while being fired or cocked, works over a stud m³ projecting
laterally from the face of the said fixing or side-locking lever m, so ;
that when the hammer and tumbler are cocked this stud m¹ can, by
raising (or depressing) the lever m through a projecting finger
piece m¹¹ on it over a fixing knob. m², be moved out of the path
of the slot n¹ across a fixing face and notch n" against a stop pro-
jection n³, so as to raise the hammer and pressure of the spring off
the sear nose of the trigger K, so that the gun is safer than on a
half-cock notch, and cannot be discharged without again pressing
down the said side lever m until the projecting stud m² is brought
opposite the path of the segmental groove n¹ in the side cock n,
when the trigger K would then be free to let go the tumbler F and 3
hammer G, as usual. These new locking side levers m might also
be fulcrummed on the rear side of the finger cock n, and have their
front upper end to lock it, either by pressing the long arm m behind

page_text: the fulcrum o up or down into a mere fixing notch n³ without the
segmental slot n¹ or with it, as shown at Figures 17 and 19, or 20
and 22, and when pressed down it might be made to prevent the finger
from getting properly at the trigger, and therefore at once let the person
know by touch that the hammer G was still locked.
Any one of the locking side levers m may, when preferred, be made of
steel, and thin enough to have sufficient elasticity in itself to act as a
spring to pass over and be held on either side of the fixing knob m³, and
these levers, when so formed of steel, could be made with one end to act
as a turnscrew or screwdriver, and the lateral acting thumb part m" as
a turn key; and all so that when the lever m and its pin c are removed
by simply turning them round further than their usual spring working
limits over the projection n³, by a force which would require both hands
to effect this, by pressing the cock n and lever m at the same time, the
whole action could be taken out through the lower slot 6', all as shown
detached at Figure 7.
Instead of making the hammer G strike the head of the piston at an
angle in the centre below the upper tail plate B", and groove for
inserting and withdrawing the cartridges, as shown on Sheet 1, the
head G³ of the hammer G may be forked and spread out in a semicircular
form, so as to rise up and project forward with two acting faces G¹¹, G",
one on each side of the recess for the cartridge, and thus strike the cross
bar Js of a T headed piston J (fitted within the breech block A, instead
of a cylindrical one as usual) to enable it to act in nearly the true line of
the axis of the piston and barrel, all as shown in the vertical and hori-
zontal detached sections, Figures 49, on Sheet 2.
By another or second modification of these improvements, Figure 27,
Sheet 2, the fulcra c, f, of the main lever and spindle ƒ of the
hammer G, G¹, are raised much higher into the breech box or case B, B¹,
and the new cocking link i, 1, is jointed below these fulcra c and ƒ to a
segmental boss c¹ on the lever C, and to the tumbler F of the hammer G
by a segmental slot at g, Figures 27, 31, 32, 35, and 36 (either formed in
the link i or in the tumbler F), so as to reciprocate just clear of the top
of the trigger plate D³, and cock the hammer G by a drawing action in
this case, instead of by pushing as in the first modification, shown on
Sheet 1, the segmental slot 1" in the cocking link i allowing the main
lever O to be closed up, and the tumbler F and hammer G to be let go,

page_text: and the latter to strike the back end of the firing piston J in the straight
axial line of the barrel, the striking head G' of the hammer or cock G
being made segmental so as to swivel up through a slot 6 cut for it in
the top strop B¹, or breech end formed with the groove for the passing
in and out of the cartridge cases. The breech block A, which in this
case does not require the elongating feather a, sliding in the slot b cut
through the abutting back end of the breech case B¹, is preferred to be
attached by a short link E, e, ♬ (with the new short slot e and bevelled
side wings; to draw back the striking piston J, J³), at C¹ to a segmental
arm C" below, formed on the main lever C, and which works through a
close fitting slot cut in the trigger plate D', when the lever O is forced
down or up.
In this case the extractor L may be actuated by any of the
improved arrangements described in reference to the first modification
(Figures 2, 7, and 12, Sheet 1), as by the last part of the downward
action of the breech block A on the duplex fulcrummed bell crank Li in
these Figures; or, referring to Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and 41, Sheet 2,
by its acting on the short horizontal. arm of an ordinary bell crank
extractor in combination with the powerful starting action obtained from
the vertical arm C³ on the end of the main lever O acting on the upper
•part of the vertical arm of the extractor L; and in some cases a strong
spring might be formed on the back of the vertical arm of the
extractor L, Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, and 41; or it might be on the acting
arm C³ of the main lever C, which on being pressed hard up in starting
the cartridge, would assist in throwing it out as soon as it was free to
do so.
'
It will be understood that, as in the former case described, the spindle f
of the tumbler F and hammer G, in this arrangement, may also be fitted
with an indicating and hand cock n outside, with its fixing side lever m.
In this second modification of these improvements, Figures 32 to 35, on
Sheet 2, the tumbler F might be fixed or formed on the central part of
the spindle, and the actuating striking hammer G, G¹, wórk in a slot to
the one side or outside (instead of the fixing one n, for which it might
in a similar manner, by a side lever, be made to answer), and have
the striking head G₁ formed segmentally, as shown in red lines at
Figures 33, 34 and 36, so as to strike a horizontal oblique piston or
needle J to one side of the breech block B, B', either formed with a back
feather G" sliding in a recess, or without this, and by preference having
the hammer head G₁ working in a recess 6³, Figure 34, at the upper- part

page_text: of the breech block B, B', leading to the nipple or head J¹, J³, of the
striking piston J, the outside arrangement being shown in Figures 33
and 34, corresponding to Figures 36, which are an elevation and plan of
the cock and tumbler detached.
Referring to the positive motion for withdrawing the piston J by the
action of the lever C (while the bar or link i, ¹¹, , is cocking the
hammer before moving the block A, as shown and referred to in
Figures 27, 29, and 29ª), the small slot e for causing the "dwell” in
moving the block A is formed in the upper joint E¹ of the link E, as
shown particularly in Figure 29, but this slot e might be formed in the
block A itself, as shown in Figures 44 and 45, ór. a joint pin might be
dispensed with, and an equivalent space e formed above the piston J itself
in the slotted or bridle link E, formed with the inclined planes j on its
upper end, which would withdraw the piston and then pull the block
down by the piston itself, or any such equivalent, which would give the
said pause for the withdrawal of the piston before moving the block A,
as shown in Figure 29ª.
Another, or third modification, Figures 37 to 43, shown as applied
to an arrangement of the cock G, G', similar to that shown in Figure 27,
consists in the adoption of a cocking lever 1, ², (instead of the
pushing and pulling horizontal links i, i¹, ¿¹¹, shown in the former modi-
fications) placed near the top of the cocking hammer G, and fulcrummed
away behind at on a standard k, by preference fixed or formed on the
trigger or breech tail plate D' to the one side of the main spring I; the
front end of the lever ¹¹1, 3, ³, being forked, embracing and having
the hammer head G, G³, or dog head working between the arms ¿¹¹¹, the
two extreme actuating ends of which being jointed to the pin O' of
the lever C, or it may be E¹ of the block joint A¹ in the under side of the
breech block, so as to be reciprocated with and by the pin (of either of
these joints), as the main lever O is worked either with a slot at the
fulcrum end, or at the front free end ™, as seen in Figures 37 and 40,
or 41 and 42, respectively; two depressers at ** projecting down from the
levers on each side (in the form of inclined planes, Figures 37 and 40,
or in the form of links, ", Figures 41 and 43, all analogous in con-
struction and action to the pushing and pulling rods or links i, i¹;
described in reference to Figures 1 to 36, Sheets 1 and 2) act on two
outward or lateral projections, studs, or rollers at G on the hammer
B 2

page_text: lever G above the part where the bridle link I¹ and main arm I' of the
main spring I work, so as to cock the hammer G, G³, by the downward
action of the lever C, which is free to rise and be locked again after the
insertion of the new cartridge.
. It will be evident that this arrangement of cocking lever ¹¹¹, 1ª³, 1ª³,
Figures 37 to 43, might also work on the upper part of the tumbler F,
as well as the cock G (when this was removed to the one side), and that
it might be connected to either the lever G or the tumbler F, by a pin
at g, and oblong or segmental slot ", either in the acting link, or in
the parts G or F, as described in reference to Figures 27 to 36, or 37 to
43, so as to self-cock the hammer, which might be made to strike the
piston J and needle, placed either obliquely downwards below the axis
of the barrel, as in Figures 1 to 26, on Sheet 1, or 44 to 47 on Sheet 2,
or obliquely to one side and nearly in the horizontal axis, as described
in. reference to the other arrangements or modifications, Figures 27
to 36.
And referring to this modification, Figures 44 to 48, with the link *,,
applied to the arrangement of hammer and striking piston, shown on
Sheet 1, its upper end is jointed to the same pin E¹ of the improved
link E, which pulls down the breech block in this case by the slotted
hole e, forming the joint A³, with the block A, while the other segmental
slotted end of the link, ", is directly connected to the pin g in the
hammer G, without the intermediate horizontal lever, ¹, Figures 41
and 42, so as to partially cock it as before explained, by the downward
action of the lever C, before the block A is moved by reason of the
improved slot e, in this case formed through the block, as seen par-
ticularly in Figure 45, and when desired the ends of the pin E¹ may
work in small vertical grooves e¹ in the inside of the breech box B, B',
in this modification dispensing with the segmental arm 0", and con-
necting the lower end of the improved link E direct to the lever C
at C³, the inclined cheeks ; being formed on the upper end of the long
link E for directly pulling back the piston J by a positive motion, as
herein-before explained in reference to the short link E, shown and
described in reference to Figures 27, 29, and 30.
In Fionng it and detached in Tionn
is shown
modification

page_text: hanging lever or heel block in place of the spring 7", on the back of
which the vertical arm C³ on the front end of the main lever C acts, so
as first to press out the extractor L³ with great power by the heel / of
the pendent block ¹¹¹ before the point comes in contact near the fulcrum
of the extractor, which then acts with great rapidity to throw the
cartridge case out after it has been loosened by the said powerful action
of the arm C³ and heel block 7, as indicated in both positions in
Figure 44; and in Figure 48 a face and side view of a nearly equivalent
arrangement of this single armed differential acting extractor is shown
in reference to Figures 44 and 48, but in lieu of the hanging. back
lever,, the single armed lever is fulcrummed on two slotted joints
at t, t¹, and t, t¹¹, so that the arm C³ acting above the upper fulcrum t³,
presses the top end of the extractor out with great force at first until
the upper slot t" comes against its pin f, when it turns swiftly on it
to the extent of the length of the lower slot t, so as to throw out the
cartridge case after having been started on the lower joint pin t as a
fulcrum.
Referring to Figures 50 to 56, on Sheet 3, another, fourth, and good
modification of my said Invention or construction and arrangement of
the "actions" or acting parts of breech-loading, self-cocking rifles and.
fire-arms, consists in mounting the tumbler F and actual striking and
piercing cock or hammer G, G¹, on the same strong pin or fulcrum c as
the moving breech block and cocking lever C, just below the rear or
breech end 2¹ of the barrel z, some distance in front of the segmental
arm O" and short slotted link Ẹ, E', for reciprocating the breech block A
(or it might be a long link E, of the improved construction shown on
Sheet 1, or in Figures 44, 45, and 47, on Sheet 2, either with the new
slot e in the link E, or the block A at A¹or E³ respectively) and so much
in advance of the trigger K that it is preferred to use a separate hori-
zontal sear lever K", K³, against the back arm K³, of which the trigger
lever K acts to raise it against the light spring or arm I' of the main-
spring (or it might be a separate trigger spring for the purpose, if
preferred), the upper limb I¹ of which actuates the tumbler F and
striker G, G¹, by a bridle link I" in a usual manner, only the striking
head G¹ works in a slot or recess A' in the lower side of the breech
block A, and its bent point or head G¹, sharpened for the purpose, strikes
through a hole in the front face of the breech block A and pierces or

page_text: sets off the percussion cap in the head of the cartridge. The main
lever C has a square shoulder or heel i on the eye C¹ which acts on a
similar checked face in front of the eye F of the tumbler or hammer
G, G¹, so as to cock it when the lever C is depressed to draw down the
breech block A, which also actuates the extractor L of the improved
duplex fulcrum form (shown on Sheet 1), or discharges the cartridge
case swiftly after it has been started by the vertical arm C³ in front of
the joint eye O¹ of the main lever C, as described in reference to the
former modifications shown at Figures 27, 28, 32, 37, 41, and in modified
forms thereof in Figures 48 and 48ª. The breech block A. in this case,
would by preference have a central feather a behind, sliding in a slotted.
recess 6 in the abutting end of the breech case B¹, so as to give greater
width for the slot or recess A'in which the head of the striker G¹ works;
and the slot B in which the breech block A slides would by preference
be formed with the stop pieces 6" above the joints, to prevent the
block rising beyond the proper height for the striker G¹ to enter and act
properly.
-
Although the main lever C for actuating the breech block A in
cocking the hammer G, G³, has been described and shown as clasped,
close up to the under side of the trigger plate and guard D, D', in these
several modifications, this being considered the best arrangement, yet
still it is to be understood that it may be bent laterally in front of the
trigger guard D and brought to and up one side, preferably the off or
right hand side, of the breech case, so as to be actuated by a lateral
thumb pressing piece fitted with a spring catch (as c³, c) taking into a
notch in a side plate, acting substantially as described in reference to
the catch c³, c, Figure 2, for securing the lever O to the trigger guard D,
or this side lever C may be secured as other such side levers have been,'
as heretofore constructed.
or
It will be obvious also that these improved arrangements (of the main
acting parts, and especially of the new cocking rod or link i, 1¹, ¿¹¹,
lever link,,,", and the improved link E, with their new slots i",
and e, or equivalent back or "overdraw") all admit of dispensing with
the usual "overdraw" upon the hammer G, G', and mainspring I, and
give these the benefit of the full pull and motion of the main lever C,
by the introduction of a separate simple blade or spiral spring p,
Figures 32, 34, and 37, 38, on Sheet 2, below the breech block A, to

page_text: bring it up again after extracting the cartridge and allow the cartidge
and extractor L to be pushed home and held there without the said
"overdraw" and action of the mainspring, which is not the case with
most of the "actions" at present in use.
Another improvement consists in having a semicircular or saddle
piece P, Figures 23 and 24, formed of thin sheet steel or iron lined
inside with felt or other equivalent non-heat conducting material,
indicated in blue lines at P", Figures 24, on Sheet 1, for covering the
open parts of the "action". or breech case B, B¹, when the gun is not
in use, and for being placed over the back part at P¹ of the barrel z,
where the operator holds the gun by the left hand while firing, to
prevent the barrel when hot from burning the hand, as shown in both.
these positions in Figure 20. This saddle piece P is fixed in front at P²
by inserting a part of the upper edge P³ into a slot or, notch at the
breech end of the barrel z, and bringing down the back end close over
the breech case until the round holes P" in two cars at the lower back
part are sprung over a knob P™ at each side, so as to hold it firmly,
but which can be removed by a little force and have the point P³
similarly inserted into a slot at the lower part of the back sight R,
having the front or back part pressed down until a screw pin Q can be
passed through the holes P in the ears, and a hole in the stock below
the barrel z so as to fix it, so that by another improvement connected
with the former the said fixing screw pin Q may be formed in the
centre of the metallic part of the muzzle stopper Q, Q, whether that
is formed to enter the barrel, as shown at Q1, Figure 25, or with an
outer lip or rim, as a cap cover Q³, to fit tight on the outer extremity.
of the barrel z, as shown at Figure 26. The use of this muzzle stopper.
and screw. pin Q, Q', or Q, Q', combined for fixing the improved
protecting saddle P before firing, will prevent the stopper from being
shot away or lost while firing, as is frequently the case at present.
Having thus described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine or
restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had
occasion to describe and delineate, as many variations may be made there-
from without. departing from the main or essential features thereof;
neither on the other hand do I claim having invented a vertical or trans-

page_text: verse sliding breech block, with or without a piston passing through it'
for a central fire in breech-loading fire-arms, this having been heretofore
in use in many "actions;" but what I believe to be the main part or root
of my Invention is, the making of the main hand lever which moves all
the parts in breech-loading self-cocking fire-arms to cock the striker by 5
a pushing or pulling bar, link, or lever directly connected to it, together
with the other necessary modifications and improvements of the other.
parts for this purpose, all substantially in the novel and original manner.
and for the purposes herein described and set forth in the following
claims :-
First. The construction and arrangement of the parts of the "actions"
or locks of breech-loading rifles or fire-arms of the self-cocking class, all
substantially in the new or improved manner, and for the purposes
herein described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
1
Second. The constructing and attaching of all the moving parts of 1
breech-loading fire-arms of the self-cocking class upon a portable sole
trigger plate, so that the whole "action" or lock can be inserted or
removed therewith from a slot in the lower side of the breech case or
shoe, and fixed or released by a single joint spindle or screw pin, sub-.
stantially in the new or improved manner herein described and shown in 2
the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The connecting of the breech block (A) of breech-loading rifles
or fire-arms of the self-cocking class to the "main acting lever" (C) by
a new or improved link (E) or lever arm (O) and link (E) having a
new or improved slotted joint or connection, or its equivalent, for the 2
"play" of one or more of its joint pins, either formed in the link, the
lever, or the block, so that the lever may partially cock the hammer (G)
by a rod, link, or lever, independent-of and before giving the motion
to the block (A), all substantially as and for the purposes herein,
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The cocking of the hammer (G, whether placed centrally or
to one side) of breech-loading fire-arms of the self-cocking class, by the
motion of the main lever (C, which moves the breech block A) through
or by a new pushing or drawing rod, bar, link, or lever, independent of
the movement of the block (A), all substantially as and for the purposes 3
herein described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.

page_text: Fifth. The construction and use of a locking cock (n) and lever (m)
outside the lock or "action" of fire-arms, all substantially as and for
the purposes herein described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The actuating of the improved tilting extractors by an arm on
the end of the main lever (C) of breech-loading fire-arms, all substan-
tially in the new or improved manner herein described and shown in the
accompanying Drawings.
Seventh. The making of the positive motion of the link (E) attached
to the main lever (C) which pulls down the vertical sliding block of breech-
loading fire-arms to draw back the striking piston instead of a spring,
all substantially in the new or improved manner herein described and
shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Eighth. The making of the vertical sliding breech blocks (A) of self-
cocking breech-loading fire-arms with a back feather or tail (a), all
substantially in the new or improved manner, and for the purposes herein
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Ninth. The connecting of the main lever (C) of breech-loading fire-
arms of the self-cocking class to the block and hammer, or the inter-
mediate actuating links or levers by slotted joints, or other equivalents,
and the raising of the block by the action of a light spring below it, for
the convenient insertion of the cartridge without the "overdraw" of the
main spring and hammer for that purpose, substantially in the new or
improved manner herein described and shown in the accompanying
Drawings.
Tenth. The construction of a spring sneck on the main lever for
hooking it to the trigger guard of breech-loading fire-arms, substantially
as described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Eleventh. The construction and use of a guard saddle piece in breech-
loading fire-arms for the double purpose of protecting alternately the
breech box and the "action," and preventing the shooter's hand from
being burned, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Twelfth. The construction and use of a new or improved screw pin or
pins for the double purpose of alternately fixing the said guard or saddle
piece, claim eleventh, and forming a muzzle stopper for breech-loading

page_text: fire-arms, all substantially in the new or improved manner herein
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Farquharson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Third day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.
Witness,
W. R. M. THOMSON,
Patent Agent,
Glasgow.
JOHN FARQUHARSON. (L.S.)