CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Mariano Riera, of Madrid, Spain, and now
residing in Paris, 29, Boulevart St. Martin, France, for the
"
Invention of CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS."
Sealed the 5th November 1858, and dated the 6th May 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Mariano Riera
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 6th May 1858.
I, MARIANO RIERA, of Madrid (Spain), and now residing in Paris,
29, Boulevart S' Martin, France, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS," to be as
follows:-
Fig. 1, represents the arrangements of the pieces composing the
improved fire-arms, and differing from those now in use by the lower
extremity A, which instead of being grooved or furnished with a screw
thread merely presents a hollow space in its interior, which adjusts
closely with the stock B; the gun or barrel is sustained by two sup-
ports a, b, which connect it by two screws c, d, to the gutter-shaped

page_text: rests.
piece on which they rest. Another support e, provided with a screw f
serves also to secure the lower extremity of the barrel upon this piece.
The stock 2, is inwardly in form of a revolving cone K, D, L, at the
base of [the word which is here inserted in pencil] is secured the end
of the barrel. The extremity of this conc is provided with a hole of
the diameter of the capsule, which slightly extends beyond this hole,
so as to project into the hollow space D, in which the hammer
The stock P, Q, is also hollow, and gutter-shaped, so as to
receive the piece X, Z, on which the barrel is fixed. Behind, the stock
terminates by a tail E, which covering the breech of the gun length-
wise is flattened, and secured upon the butt end by means of two
screws, thus forming the upper part of the handle or grasp. The
breech 8, is fixed under the stock by two screws Z, S, forming at /, a
half circle, in the centre of which o, is the axis of rotation of the lever 5.
N, is the trigger serving to lower the cock. The tail of the breech
is fixed to the end of the stock, and makes the piece so solid and
compact that it is almost impossible to break it in that part.
As before described, the gutter-shaped piece upon which the gun
barrel is fixed plays in the hollow space of the stock, so as to advance
or recede. This movement is effected by means of a rectangular hole
m, n. The lever 5, which turns on the point o, has a small arm inwardly
curved, which rests in this opening or hole, so that when the lever is
opened, or when it is placed against the barrel, the latter is approached
to or removed from the stock B. In fact by opening the lever 5, the
small interior arm which it bears presses on n, and separates the barrel
from the stock, and on the contrary by closing the lever the arm acts
against m, and brings the barrel and stock together, so that they form
one compact body. The lever is fixed to the barrel by means of a
small spring, extending from k, to t; this spring acts on the button t
which enters the hole g, which bears the gutter-shaped piece upon
which the barrel rests, so that on pressing this button on one side
with the thumb the lever is locked, and by an opposite action it is
opened.
The hammer No: 6 (see also u, Fig.,) is maintained by a screw b,
against the stock, on which it turns and strikes (when the trigger is

page_text: pulled) the capsule in consequence of the blow it receives from the cock.
This blow fires the fulminating substance of the capsule, and explodes the
charge. When the piece is again changed [the letter r is marked in
pencil over the n in this word, with the apparent intention of changing it
into charged] it is not necessary to raise the hammer, because, being
slightly curved, it resumes its proper position in consequence of its
elasticity, which permits the introduction of a second capsule.
This mechanism can be applied to all kinds of fire-arms and
ordnance.
Fig. 5, is a pocket pistol, to which these improvements are applied
in a modified and simple manner.
Figs. 6, and 7, represent the cartouche or projectile employed for
these improved fire-arms, which I designate the "acorn," because it
resembles in shape the oak acorn. When this projectile carries a ball
it assumes the shape Fig. 6; the ball is at the upper end, and the
powder at the lower end, which is conical shaped, and the fulminating
cap is at the extremity and thus enclosed in the powder, and is secured
by the envelope which contains at once the powder and ball. The whole
is hermetically closed so that the cartouches are impervious to water.
Fig. 8, is a plan for applying these improvements to fire-arms
constructed on the usual principles, chiefly as to the use of my
projectiles.
Figs. 9, & 10, represent another improvement. The part a, of the
cock which is adjusted to the screw plate has round the square hole,
through which passes the square rod whichsets it in motion, a cylin-
drical part a, of one piece with the cock. This cylinder is of the
same height as the thickness of the screw plate. It is introduced
into a hole of the same diameter made in the latter, so that in obtain-
ing the same action of the hammer the shake it receives at each
explosion is prevented.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Mariano Riera in the Great Seal Patent Office,
on the 5th November 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
MARIANO RIERA, of Madrid (Spain), and now residing in Paris, 29,
Boulevart St Martin, France, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Sixth Day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the six-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Mariano Riera, Her special licence
that I, the said Mariano Riera, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Mariano Riera, my executors, administra-
tors, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein ex-
pressed, should and lawfully might make, usc, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and the Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Mariano Riera, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, 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 within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Mariano Riera, 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 (that is to say):
Notwithstanding the well known improvements which the employ-
ment of caps has afforded to fire-arms, they present at this time
many inconveniences which I will point out; I will mention, first,
the loss of the caps, which takes place when the soldier is obliged
to quicken the firing; the wounds which he receives in consequence

page_text: of the explosion of the caps, the pieces of which are sometimes pro-
jected with violence; I will mention, also, the inconvenience which
these caps present by permitting a foreign body to lodge in their interior,
and to be interposed between the detonating powder and the gun-
powder; the breech also often becomes coated with rust when the gun
remains loaded for a long time. Moreover, the cartridges themselves
cause a portion of the useful force of the powder to be lost, in con-
sequence of the interposition of paper between it and the ball, which
diminishes the length of range and accuracy of aim. The heating of the
barrel of the gun also hinders the prolonged firing; and the sediment
which the combustion of the powder leaves in the breech obstructs
sometimes the passage of the nipple; lastly, the greatest of all incon-
veniences is the employment of the rod for loading the gun. The
arrangement which I propose has none of these inconveniences; it is
of a more easy adaptation, the whole presenting more security.
Sheet 1, Fig. 1, represents the whole of the pieces composing the
fire-arm of my Invention; the barrel indicated by the letter S, differs
from those known hitherto in its lower extremity A, which, instead of
being grooved with a spherical groove, presents simply a space in its
interior which is adjusted hermetically with the breech B; the barrel
is held by two supports A, B, which are joined by incans of two
screws C, D, to the piece in form of a gutter X, upon which it rests.
Another support E, furnished with a screw F, serves also to sustain the
lower end of the gun upon this piece. The breech indicated by No. 2,
has its interior of a conical form K, D, L, at the base of which the
extremity of the barrel rests; the top of this cone is furnished with u
small hole of the diameter of the capsule, which is about a line outside
this small hole, in order to project in the empty space D, in which the
hammer rests. The breech at P, Q, is also hollowed in form of a
gutter so as to receive the piece X, Z, upon which the barrel is fixed;
the breech is terminated behind by an end piece E, which, covering the
barrel of the gun all its length, is for this purpose flattened and fas-
tened upon the stock by means of two screws; this piece thus forms
the upper part of the stock. The piece indicated by No. 3, is fixed
under the breech by two screws Z, S; this piece forms a half circle,
in the centre of which at O, the axis is formed, upon which the rotary

page_text: movement of the lever works, shown by No. 5; at N, is the trigger,
by the aid of which the lowering of the hammer is effected; the ex-
tremity of the piece No. 8, is fixed to the end of the breech, and gives
a solidity to the gun, so that it is almost impossible for it to break at
this place.
As I have already said, the piece in form of a gutter, upon which,
by means of screws C, D, F, the barrel is fixed, may have play in the
interior of the breech, so as to advance or recede. This movement is
effected by means of a rectangular hole made in the piece m, n. The
lever No. 5, which turns around the point O, has a small arm enrved
inside, which rests in this opening, so that when the lever No. 5, is
opened or applied to the barrel, that of the breech B, will become more
distant or nearer. In effect, by opening the lever No. 5, the little
interior arm, which it bears, is placed at n, to separate the barrel from
the breech, whilst, on the contrary, when the lever is shut its small arm
acts in m, to bring them together, so that they only form one body.
The lever is fixed to the barrel by means of a small interior spring
which extends from K, to T; this spring acts upon the button T, which
is introduced in the hole G, in the gutter upon which the barrel rests,
so that by pushing this little button on one side with the thumb the
lever is closed, whilst by the same action on the opposite side it is
opened.
The hammer, represented by No. 6, (see also Fig. 2, part A, Sheet 1,)
is held by a screw B, against the breech C. The hammer turns upon
this screw it strikes, when the trigger is pressed, (in consequence of
the blow which it receives from the hanımer,) the cap on the side; this
blow ignites the fulminating substance of the cap, and produces the
explosion of the charge. When the gun is loaded again there is no
need to raise the hammer, because, being a little curved, it recovers by
the force of its elasticity its natural state, which permits the passage
and the introduction of a second cap.
The mechanism which I have just described is the sanie for guns for
warfare and for sporting, as well as for carbines and pistols. Pocket
pistols, to which I apply my system, are yet much more simple; the
barrel is separated from the breech by means of a screw thread, only
the breech is conical, as that of fire-arms which I have above described;

page_text: and the projectile or cartridge with which it is loaded is altogether
similar to that which I use for fire-arms above described.
.
The cartridge or projectile which I use for the guns of my Invention
is shown, Fig. 3, and 4. I call it by the name of acorn, because it is
altogether similar in form to an acorn. When this projectile carries
a ball it has the form indicated, Fig. 3, Plate 1; the ball is at the
upper extremity, and the powder at the lower, which, as may be seen,
is of a conical form, and the cap which contains the fulminating powder
is at the end. The cap is thus enclosed in the centre of the powder,
and is kept there by the lower extremity of the cover, which contains
both powder and ball: the whole is closed so hermetically that these
cartridges are impervious to water. Fig. 4, Sheet 1, represents a car-
tridge of lead for sporting purposes. The ball or small shot is at the
upper part; the rest of the cartridge is arranged in the same manner
as in the acorns bearing the balls. Fig. 2, Sheet 1, shows an arrange-
ment by the aid of which, with the expenditure of four or five shillings,
the present guns may be modified so as to allow of the employment of
the acorns by using at all times the rod; there is no change in the
present guns, except in the conical breech D, the hammer A, and the
screws B. I have, besides, shown, Figs. 5, and 6, another improve-
ment which I have made in guns; the part A, of the hammer, which
is fixed to the plate, Fig. 6, has around the square hole, by which the
square rod passes which puts it in motion, a cylindrical part A, which
unites with the cock; this cylinder is of the height of the thickness of
the plate; it is introduced into a hole of the same diameter made in
the latter, so that, whilst obtaining the same movement of the cock,
the shock which it receives is prevented at each discharge of the
from deteriorating the square rod which makes it move, by which the
cylindrical part which enters into the plate reproduces on the latter
the blow.
gun
Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, of Sheet 1, shew the application
of my arrangement of fire-arms to a carbine. Fig. 7, is a lateral
view of a carbine loaded; the extremities of the barrel and the
stock are supposed raised, so as to show only the part of the gun
which I have modified. Fig. 8, is a longitudinal vertical section

page_text: of Fig. 7; it shews the mechanism which serves to open the gun.
Fig. 9, is a side view of the same gun, taken from the opposite
side, and supposing it open to receive the cartridge. Fig. 10, is a
transverse and vertical section of the gun in the line B, of Fig. 9,
supposing the hammer raised. Fig. 11, is a transverse vertical
section in the line A, of Fig. 8. Fig. 12, shows the lever which
serves to open the gun; in order to see its arrangement better I have
supposed the handle represented in Figs. 7, and 8, raised. This handle
is also supposed raised in Fig. 9, because in this Figure, the gun being
open, this handle would be seen in perspective, which would confuse
the Figure. Fig. 18, is a section of one of my new projectiles; it has
with it the cap, but it is not yet loaded. Fig. 14, is a view of a
projectile, finished, and ready for usc. Fig. 15, is a vertical section
of the projectile represented, Fig. 14.
Sheet 2, shows the application of my arrangement to a pocket
pistol, and the mode in which the projectiles are arranged. Fig. 1,
shows a pistol with my system applied; it is opened by means of
a spring hinge; the hammer a, is raised by another spring, and when
the cock falls the hamnier falls also, and causes the cap to explode;
the rest of this pistol is entirely like the ordinary pistols. Fig. 2, shows
the different calibres which I adopt for fire-arms, from pocket pistols
to guns for warfare of the largest calibre. These calibres are ten in
number, and their diameter varies from about rd of an inch to one
inch, about. Fig. 3, is a vertical section; Fig. 4, a front view; and
Fig. 5, the cover of a projectile for sporting purposes. a, are the shots:
they are enclosed in a small cylindrical cartridge of paper of the same
calibre as the gun. 6, is a disc of wood placed below the shots, which
it separates from the powder; c, is the cap; it descends even to the
disc of wood, and it has at its extremnity a spherical cap of tin, which
rests in a cavity of the same form made in the disc b. d, is the powder.
it is enclosed in a cone formed by an envelope of cloth, treated with an
albuminous matter, with resists the action of fire and renders the
cartridges impermeable. This envelope being extended to the form
represented, Fig. 5, is glued or pasted upon the disc of wood, and,
finally, to add to its solidity still more, it is bound with twine, as shown

page_text: atz, Fig. 4. Fig. 6, is a transverse section of the cylinder of paper or
other material containing the shots. Fig. 7, is a vertical section; and
Fig. 8, a transverse section of a cartridge made in the same manner
as the former, only the shots are replaced by small bars or hexagonal
shots. These projectiles are destined for shooting large animals.
Fig. 9, is a transverse and vertical section of a projectile for small shot,
as employed for war; the envelope of the powder is formed by the
lead itself; the cylinder in which the lead is, although represented
as separated from the leaden envelope which contains the powder,
ought evidently to be united to it. Fig. 10, is a section of the leaden
envelope referred to above, before it has been filled with powder.
Fig. 11, is a vertical section of a projectile arranged in the same
manner as that shown in Fig. 7, only the little bars or hexagonal shots
with which it is charged are of different lengths, which make them
carry different distances. Figs. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, of
Sheet 2, show the application of my system to artillery. Fig. 12, shows
a portion of a cannon of large calibre, divided longitudinally. I suppose
it loaded with a hollow projectile, and upon the point of being dis-
charged. A, A, are the sides of the cannon and its breech. 33, is a piece
of steel, which rests in an opening made in the breech; it is in this
piece that the touch-hole is made. C. C, is the hammer which, as is
seen in Fig. 2, serves as a cock. Fig. 18, is a vertical and transverse
section of the cannon, made in the line A', of Fig. 12. The same
letters indicates the same objects as in Fig. 12. When it is desired to
load the cannon the hammer is raised by making it turn round the
axis H, until the catch, which the spring F, bears, enters into the
groove, made in the hammer; the piece is then loaded, and the ham:-
mer held raised by the spring F; in this position the spring E, pushes
constantly against the lower extremity of the hammer, and tends to
bring it violently into its first position. To discharge the gun the
little chain G, has only to be drawn until the cntch which the spring F,
bears goes out of the hole; the hammer falls then upon the detona-
ting powder in consequence of the pressure of the spring E, already
inentionned. Fig. 14, shews the manner in which the spring F, is
arranged; it is a view of this spring in the line B', B', of Fig. 13.

page_text: T, T, is a projecting part of the cannon upon which the spring is fixed;
I, is the screw which serves to support it; and G, the chain which
serves to draw it back. C, represents, by dotted lines, the cannon;
and, is the hole in which the catch of the spring F, enters when the
piece is loaded. Fig. 15, is a view of the upper part of the cannon;
in this Figure the same letters indicate the same parts as in the
preceding Figures. This cannon constitutes a mixed arrangement,
that is to say, that it belongs both to the old plan and to that of
my Invention in effect, the projectiles are, however, introduced by
the mouth of the cannon, only they have a conical form, and the
interior chamber of the piece in which they lodge has also the same
shape. In Fig. 12, the section of a hollow or explosive projectile
is shown, with which the cannon is supposed loaded: this projectile is
composed, 1, of a hollow bullet of iron, of a spherical form; it is shown
by the letters i, i, i; 2nd, of an envelope of lead for the purpose of
enclosing the powder,-this envelope is fixed to the bullet by means
of a groove in the latter at e, e, in which the lead rests; 3rt, of a
capsule, at the extremity of which the fulminating powder is placed;
the other extremity a, is forked, and rendered solid with the envelope
of lead, when the latter is moulded; the hollow bullet has at z, an
opening in which is placed a match, the duration in the combustion
of which is determined beforehand, as with the present bombs; at y, is
another hole, which serves to charge the ball; when it is full this hole
is plugged in a very solid manner by means of a screw. The gun-
powder is at C, and the fulminating powder is at the end of the
capsule at the point 1; it ignites by the blow of the hammer, and
the capsule lighting communicates the fire to the powder. Fig. 16,
shows a front view of the hollow projectile, of which the section
is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 17, is a section of a solid projectile on
the same plan; the part , is of iron, and of a conical form, so as to
pass through the air more easily, and do more damage to the object
which it strikes against; e, e, is the envelope of lead in which the
powder is enclosed; a, is the fork of iron, at the extremity of which
is fixed the capsule or fulminating powder. Fig. 18, is a front view of
the projectile shown, Fig. 17. Fig. 19, is a vertical and longitudinal

page_text: section of a field piece of my Invention, to which I apply my arrange-
ment of fire-arms, and which I call by the name of "batidor;" it is
intended to replace field pieces. It is composed of a cannon a, a,
joined to a base of iron 6, at the extremity of which is a rectangular
piece of iron d, in the centre of which a thread is made for receiving
a screw e; this screw is turned by means of a handle F, fixed to its
extremity. g, is also a piece of iron, perforated at its centre, and form-
ing the breech of the gun; when it is desired to load the latter the
breech is separated from the cannon, and brought to the position
indicated, Fig. 19; immediately the projectile is introduced into the
breech the handle F, is turned, so as to re-unite the breech and the
barrel, and the piece is ready for discharging; at », is placed a hammer,
which I have not represented upon the Drawing, and which is entirely
similar to that shown in Fig. 13, of the same sheet. The stand of
this gun consists of a piece of wood, m, m, joined to the base of iron b, b.
by means of screws u, v, and of the iron piece a, which is nothing more
than the prolongation of the base b, b; the gun is held back by the
stand, and in front by two crossed halberds, which, while the gun is
being used, serve to support it, and may afterwards be used as armis
for the gunners. Upon the wood of these halberds is placed an iron
screw nut, which may rise and fall at will by means of a screw; to
this screw is fixed a chain or a line of any kind, which serves, as the
Drawing indicates, not only to permit the other halberd to cross
with it to form a fork, between the branches of which the gun is placed,
but which allows, also, of placing a third halberd longitudinally,
which prevents the two first from falling either in front or behind.
Fig. 20, is a transverse section of the breech made by the piece o, of
Fig. 19, is the breech; b, the base upon which the barrel rests; 0,
a piece of iron which enters into the breech, and is held there by
means of a screw thread; it serves by sliding in a groove made in the
base b, b, to guide the breech, so that it may adjust itself to the ex-
tremity of the barrel when the screw e, is moved by means of the
handle F (see Fig. 19). Fig. 21, is a transverse section of the barrel
made near its mouth. The stand of the batidor may be of iron instead
Cof wood: in this case, by preserving the form indicated for the wooden

page_text: stand, I make it hollow in the interior so as to render it lighter. To
give more solidity to the gun the lower part of the stand may be
divided into two parts, forming two feet, which would increase the sta-
bility of the piece. The batidor or small field piece may, by raising
the screws V, V, Fig. 19, Sheet 2, be divided into two parts, the barrel
and the stand, and each of these parts is of a sufficiently light weight
to be carried by a soldier. I may remark, that in order to render the
joining of the breech and the barrel more exact I use copper to form
the projecting part of the breech which enters into the barrel; this
metal enlarging more than iron, and being more malleable, will suit
itself exactly against the sides of the barrel; I might employ any other
metal or compound of metal than copper, provided that it has a dif-
ferent degree of extension than iron. This projection or ring is fixed to
the breech by means of a screw, or in any other manner.
The pro-
jectiles which I use for sporting may be manufactured of four different
materials. 1st, of cloth prepared as I have said above, and arranged
as is indicated, Sheet 2, Figs. 3, 4, and 5. 2nd, of thin pasteboard,
which is covered with a solution of gum, glue, or any other imper-
meable body. 3, of leather, which is preferable to cloth and card
board, only the expense is greater. 4th of lead arranged as I have indi-
cated above, and as is represented, Figs. 9, and 10, Sheet 2. I could
also employ, to form the cover of projectiles, vulcanised gutta percha,
so that the heat produced by the ignition of the powder may not
melt it; these covers are prepared by melting gutta percha in boiling
water, and moulding it into moulds used for leaden envelopes. The
leaden cover is also formed of four isosceles triangles, which I join
together (when the powder is introduced) to form a cone; the mal-
leability of the lead renders this operation very easy; when the projec-
tile is forced in front by the force of the powder these four triangles or
wings open, and applying themselves to the side of the barrel force out
the ball. These wings prevent the ball, when it has left the mouth of
the barrel, from revolving; the facility with which these wings open
prevents the envelope from breaking under the action of the powder;
thus there is no danger of fragments of lead remaining in the barrel
after the discharge.

page_text: The fire-arms of my Invention thus present the following ad-
vantages:-1st, four discharges at least may be effected with one
gun in the time which one occupies in the present system. 2nd, it
is impossible for the soldier to put a double charge in his gun.
3rd, the cap will never fail to explode under the blow. 4th, in my
system I do not use the nipple; the cap being fixed on the extremity
of the acorn, all the objections against the use of caps are removed.
5, not employing the nipple, there is no longer any fear of the touch-
hole being stopped up. 6th, as the explosion is made in the projectile,
the latter carries with it the greatest portion of the caloric produced,
besides a current of air passes through the barrel after each explosion ;
thus it does not becomic over-heated. 7th, all the balls being forced
by my system of fire-arms, the effect of the firing is more accurate,
and the ball is carried to a greater distance. 8th, about one half
the powder is saved in each charging; nevertheless the balls are sent
with more force than in ordinary guns. 9th, the cartridges or acorns
of my Invention are impermeable, and cannot explode by any chance
spark, because they are closed hermetically. 10th, the acorns are
much less bulky than the ordinary cartridges, consequently the soldier
can carry a greater number of them. 11th, the gun, instead of recoil-
ing, seems, on the contrary, to be thrown slightly forward in the direc-
tion of the projectile. 12, in the interior of the barrel no dirt
remains and as the powder does not touch the barrel the iron cannot
become oxydised, even if the gun be kept loaded a long time. Besides
which, the use of the ram-rod is dispensed with. These advantages
result from the conical form of the cartridge: the concave surface
upon which the powder acts to force the projectile; the ignition of the
powder at the top of the cone without loss of gas by the touch-hole;
finally, the conical form of the breech,-favorable circumstances which
contribute to the most efficacious use of the balistic force of the powder
by concentrating this force upon the back of the projectile, and pre-
venting it from exercising its pressure upon the side walls, and the
bottom of the breech. I might also obtain a greater balistic force by
mixing with the powder 2 or 4 per cent. of chlorate of potash; the
charge being enclosed in the envelope would be perfectly safe.

page_text: I claim, 1, the arrangement of fire-arms, as above described, with
the conical breech, and the motion separating the barrel from the
breech, and the use of the hammer. 2nd, the application to ordinary
fire-arms of a conical breech and a hammer, also the improved arrange-
ment of the cock. 3rd, the arrangement for projectiles for war and
for sporting, as described. 4th, the application of my improvements to
cannons and field pieces. 5th, the arrangement of small field pieces,
as described above, and given the name of "batidor."
In witness whereof, I, the said Mariano Riera, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of October, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-
three.
MARIANO RIERA. (L.S.)
MARIANO RIERA. (L.S.)