IMPROVEMENTS IN REPEATING FIRE- ARMS
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Bailey, of New Orleans, United States, and
of 17, Russell Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Gun
Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN REPEATING FIRE-
ARMS."
Sealed the 5th October 1858, and dated the 20th July 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION. left by the said Thomas Bailey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
20th July 1858.
I, THOMAS BAILEY, of New Orleans, United States, and of 17, Russell
Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Gun Manufacturer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
REPEATING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in the first place in constructing the arm so that all
the revolving movements are contained inside the body thereof. For this
purpose I use a tumbler, the axle of which passes through the side of the
body, and to which the cock is fixed in the ordinary manner and works on
the outside of the body. The ratchet for working the revolving chamber
is fixed on the pivot of the same, which pivot works through the body and is
keyed to the chamber, the ratchet being worked by a lever connected to the
tumbler. A washer of gutta percha, vulcanized india-rubber, or other similar
material is placed on the pivot of the ratchet, so as to form an air-tight bearing
where the pivot passes through the body to the back of the chamber.

page_text: My Invention consists in the second place in constructing the revolving
chamber solid or without a hole through it for a spindle, but instead thereof, so
as to revolve on two centres, one of which is fixed in the head of the body, so as
to receive the back recoil, and the other in the breech or back part of the barrel,
both of which are adjustable, in order to keep the revolving chamber in its
true position. The nipples are inserted into the chamber parallel with its
axis.
My Invention consists in the third place in connecting the barrel to the
body of the arm by means of a hook joint, one part of which is on the under
side of the body and the other on the breech or under side of the barrel, also
on the top or upper side thereof by means of a stud or projection on the top
strap passing into a suitably formed recess on the upper side or head of the
body; and the barrel is fastened in its place by means of a revolving key with
a spring connected therewith being made to hold the stud firmly in the said
recess.
My Invention consists in the fourth place in the following arrangement of
the parts of the lock by which the hammer may be cocked either by hand
or by the trigger. This is effected by means of a lever connected with the
trigger acting on the tumbler, which when the discharge has taken place is
made to slide down an incline on the tumbler by the action of a spring,
thereby returning the trigger into its former position.
My Invention consists in the fifth place in cocking and discharging in the
manner of an ordinary fowling-piece by means of the following arrangement
of the parts-The lever connected with the trigger above referred to is acted
upon by the tumbler in such a manner as to cause the trigger to follow the
tumbler up to "cock," thereby allowing the arm to be discharged as an
ordinary fowling-piece.
My Invention consists in the sixth place in stopping the revolving chamber
by means of a spring stop acting on the ratchet at right angles thereto, and
being moved into its required positions by a cam or projection on the
tumbler.
My Invention consists in the seventh place in cutting a notch or cavity in
the cap guard or cock nose, so that it may rest on the solid part of the
chamber and retain the latter in a safe position.
And my Invention consists in the last place in forming a rack on the loader,
and a toothed seginent on the end of the lever, for the purpose of loading-the-

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Bailey in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th January 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
BAILEY, of New Orleans, United States, and of Russell Street, Birmingham,
in the County of Warwick, Gun Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Thomas Bailey, Her special license that I, the said
Thomas Bailey, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said Thomas Bailey, 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 "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN REPEATING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said Thomas Bailey, 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 Thomas Bailey, 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, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the
letters.and figures marked thereon (that is to say):
My Invention of "Improvements in Repeating Fire-arms" consists in the
first place in constructing the arm so that all the working and actuating
movements are contained inside the body thereof. For this purpose I use a
tumbler, the axis of which passes through the side of the body, and to which
the cock is fixed in the ordinary manner and works on the outside of the
body. The ratchet for working the revolving chamber is fixed on the pivot
of the same, which pivot works through the body and is keyed to the chamber,
the ratchet being worked by a lever connected to the tumbler. A washer of
gutta percha, vulcanized india-rubber, or other similar material is placed on
the pivot of the ratchet, so as to form an air-tight bearing where the pivot
passes through the body to the back of the chamber.

page_text: My Invention consists in the second place in constructing the revolving
chamber solid, or without a hole through it for a spindle, but instead thereof,
so as to revolve on two centres, one of which is fixed in the head of the body,
so as to receive the back recoil, and the other in the breech or back part of
the barrel, both of which are adjustable in order to keep the revolving chamber
in its true position. The nipples are inserted into the chamber, parallel with
its axis or line of suspension.
My Invention consists in the third place in connecting the barrel to the
body of the arm by means of a circular hook joint, one part of which is
on the under side of the body, and the other on the breech or under side of
the barrel; also on the top of the arm or upper side thereof by means of a.
circular stud or projection on the top strap of the barrel, passing into a
suitably formed recess on the upper side or head of the body. And the barrel.
is fastened in its place by means of a partially revolving key with a spring
connected therewith being made to hold the stud firmly in the said recess.
My Invention consists in the fourth place in the following arrangement of
the parts of the lock, by which the hammer may be cocked either by hand or
by the trigger. This is effected by means of a lever connected with the
trigger acting on the tumbler, which when the discharge has taken place is
made to slide down an incline formed on the tumbler by the action of a spring,
thereby returning the trigger into its former position.
, My Invention consists in the fifth place in cocking and discharging in the
manner of an ordinary fowling-piece by means of the following arrangement
of the parts: The lever connected with the trigger above referred to is acted
upon by the tumbler in such a manner as to cause the trigger to follow the
tumbler up to "cock," thereby allowing the arm to be discharged as an
ordinary fowling-piece.
My Invention consists in the sixth place in stopping the revolving chamber
by means of a spring stop acting on the ratchet at right angles thereto, and
being moved into its required positions by a cam or projection on the
tumbler.
My Invention consists in the seventh place in cutting a notch or cavity in
the cap guard or "cock nose" so that it may rest on the solid part of the
chamber and retain the latter in a safe position.
And my Invention consists in the last place in forming a toothed rack on
the loader, and a toothed segment on, or small-toothed-wheel.connected to the
end of the lever for the purpose of loading the chambers.
Having thus stated the nature of the said Invention, I will now proceed to
describe more particularly in what manner the same is to be performed by

page_text: ⚫reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which are represented the several
parts of my repeating fire-arms above referred to.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 is an elevation of a pistol constructed according to my Invention ;
and it is to be observed that in this and all the other Figures the same letters
of reference indicate corresponding parts. is the body of the pistol in which
all the revolving movements are contained, so that the cock or hammer b and
the tail or handle of the trigger c, and a small portion of the ratchet pivot at
its junction with the revolving chamber, are the only parts of the lock which
are visible on the outside thereof. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the revolving
chamber d, detached; Fig. 3 is a front, and Fig. 4 a back clevation of the
same. This chamber is made solid, and is suspended on two centres, on
which it revolves at e and f, one in front and the other at the back, which
centres have their respective bearings in the body and the breech or back of
the barrel, as herein-after described. It will be seen that the nipples are
placed parallel with the axis or line of suspension of the chamber. It will
also be seen on reference to Fig. 1 that the cock or hammer rests on the
solid part of the back of the chamber, between two of the nippers when the
cock is not in operation, a notch or cavity being formed on it for the purpose
of enabling it thereby to retain the chamber in the required position of safety.
Fig. 5 represents the barrel and top strap, and Fig. 6 the body with the
stock.
From these Figures will be understood the mode of connecting the barrel
with the body of the fire-arm at the four points g, h, i, j. This mode of con-
nection will also be understood better on reference to Figs. 7 and 8, likewise
Fig. 7 being a view of the body with the stock, similar to Fig. 5, except that
the parts contained within the body are also shewn in Fig. 7, and Fig. 8 is a
section of a body with a different action of the lock. Of the four points or
means of connection between the barrel and the body g is a pin on the under
side of the body, over which the hook h on the under side of the breech or
back part of the barrel is fitted, then i is a stud or projection on the top
strap 1, which is inserted in the curved recess or cavity j, formed on the upper
side or head of the body, the radius or centre from which the curve is struck
being at g; and is a spring key which is turned so as to allow the curved
stud or projection to pass into the curved recess or cavity j, and when
therein the key is again turned, so as to cause a portion thereof to enter the
notch in the front of the stud or projection i, and thereby lock the parts
together, the spring key retaining the said parts in firm connection. The key

page_text: is shewn in section in Fig. 8 with the locking portion extending into the
recess or cavity j.
In Figures 7 and 8 is also shewn the back centre or pivot m of the revolving
chamber d, the front centre or turning point being shewn at n, Fig. 5. Both
these centres are adjustable, the former by means of the screw o (Fig. 8), and
the latter by means of the screw p (Fig. 5). The pin e in the front of the
chamber dis passed into the hollow space n, and the hollow space f in the
back of the chamber is fitted on to the stud on the end of the back centre or
pivot m. And the chamber is adjustable in its bearings by turning the screw
o, so as to press the outer end of the pivot m inwards, or in the direction of
the chamber, also by turning the screw p, so as to shorten the length of the
space in which the pin e is allowed to pass into its bearing at n, by bringing
the end of the screw p forward therein and against the end of the pin e. It
will thus be seen that the chamber having no longitudinal play, or what is
sometimes called "back lash," receives the blow of the cock or hammer on its
descent comparatively as solid and with as much force as any other arm. A
washer of india-rubber, gutta percha, or other similar material is placed on
the pivot m, (which is also the pivot of the ratchet for actuating the chamber,)
so as to form an air-tight bearing where the pivot passes through the body to
the back of the chamber. Fig. 9 represents the loading lever; Fig. 10, a
small toothed wheel keyed to the end of the same, or a toothed segment may
be formed on this end; and Fig. 11, the loader with a toothed rack formed on
it. By turning the lever it will be obvious the loader will be forced into the
loading chamber when required; q is the horizontal guide within which the
loader is worked.
I proceed now to describe the several parts of the two locks represented at
Figures 7 and 8, and the several detached Figures relating thereto respectively
with the actions of the same.
Fig. 9 is a plan, and Fig. 10 the two side views of the trigger belonging to
the lock above referred to under the fourth and fifth heads of my Invention,
and represented at Fig. 7: Fig. 11 shews the "sear" or "dog "r for retaining
the tumbler at cock; Fig. 12 shews the two side views of the tumblers, and
Fig. 13 is an end view of the same. t (Fig. 7) is the pall or lever for turning the
chamber by acting on the ratchet, and u is the spring stop lever for retaining
the ratchet, and with it the chamber-in-its-proper-position, by passing into one
of the notches at the back of the same, these parts being similar to those
in the lock represented at Fig. 8. I have not thought it necessary to shew
them detached, but they will be understood from the dotted lines in Fig. 7.
The action of this lock is as follows:-When cocking by hand as in an

page_text: ordinary fowling-piece, the lower part of the tumblers is made to press on the
under side of the tail c¹ of the trigger c, and thus to raise the trigger, the
tail c¹ being acted upon by a spring (so as to admit of its required lateral
movement on its pivot) as the cock or hammer b rises into "half cock,"
in which position it is retained by the "sear" or "dog", passing into one
of the notches on the front part of the tumbler. At the same time the
lower part of the spring stop lever u is acted upon by the cam v on the
tumbler, so as to keep the upper part thereof out of the notch at the back of
the ratchet of the revolving chamber d, thereby allowing the ratchet and
chamber to be turned by hand for the purpose of loading, capping, &c. as
required. On pulling the lock into "full cock," the cam v of the tumbler is
made to release the spring stop lever u, the upper part of which is imme-
diately forced by its spring into the notch on the back of the ratchet, thereby
holding the same with the chamber firmly in its place, the tumbler at the
same time raising the trigger (through its connection with the tail c', close
under the "sear" or "dog" r. The trigger being now pulled back, the tail
c forces the "sear" or "dog "r out of the notch in the tumbler s, and allows
the cock or hammer to fall and discharge the arm. On the descent of the
cock or hammer (at the discharge), the cam v on the tumbler presses against
and passes the spring stop lever u, leaving the upper part of the said lever in
the notch of the ratchet, thereby holding the chamber in its proper position
during the discharge of the arm. The trigger c is brought back again to its
original position by the reaction of its spring, and with it the tail c¹, which in
returning slides down the incline t* on the tumbler, thereby collapsing its
spring c, and is brought into its original position under the tumbler by the
reaction of the spring c². In cocking by means of the trigger, the tail c¹ is
caused to press against the tumbler in the recess into which it passes, and
raise the tumbler with the cock or hammer, also to remove the "sear" or
"dog" from the notch of the tumbler, and allow the cock or hammer to
fall and discharge the arm, the parts returning to their original positions
as before stated.
Fig. 14 is a front view of the ratchet for moving the chamber, shewing the
ratchet teeth; Fig. 15 is a back view, shewing the notches therein for the
upper end of the spring stop lever u to pass into and hold the chamber; and
Fig. 16, an edge view of the same; Fig. 17 represents the two sides of the
tumbler for the lock shewn at Fig. 8; and Fig. 17* is a plan view of the
same; Fig. 18 is the "sear" or "dog" Fig. 19, the trigger; and Fig. 20,
the spring for the same, which it will be seen is divided so as to be capable of
pressing both on the trigger and on the "sear or "dog" connected thereto;

page_text: Fig. 21 is the pall or lever for turning the ratchet and chamber, and Fig. 22
is the spring stop lever for retaining the same. These two with the ratchet
are common to both locks.
The action of the lock shewn at Fig. 8 is as follows:-By drawing back
the trigger c, the tail or projection c¹ will be brought into contact with the
spring lever w, jointed to the tumblers, which lever has an angle end forming
a connection with the tumbler, so that the tail c¹ of the trigger may, by pressing
on the said lever, raise the tumbler, but is capable of passing the tumbler on
its return. The trigger is also formed so as on rising to bring a boss or solid
part into contact with the "sear" or "dog", and withdraw the latter from
the notch of the tumbler, so as to liberate the cock or hammer. And in cocking
by hand, the trigger with its tail or projection c¹ will be drawn back or raised
by the lower part of the tumbler being moved under it, so as to bring the
parts into the same relative positions as when acted upon through the trigger.
The movement of the chamber d is effected in a similar manner to that
described above, with reference to the lock shewn at Fig. 7.
Fig. 23 represents another modification of the lock adapted for firing by
cocking either by hand or through the trigger on the same general principle
as above described, but in this case that part of the tumblers on which is
placed the notches for "half cock" and "full cock" is convex in the direction
of an arc struck from the radius towards the centre of the same. The tumbler
is shewn detached at Figures 24 and 25, also the "sear" or " dog" is in
one solid piece with the trigger, and will fall into the notches for "half cock
and "full cock" respectively, when the tumbler is raised by lifting the
bammer, or the lock can be fired by drawing back the trigger, so as to raise the
tumbler by the pressure of the tail c¹ on the bottom of the spring lever w. It
will be seen on reference to the Drawing, that the notches on the tumbler are
arranged so as to suit the altered position of the "sear or "dog", and that
in cocking by hand the trigger c will be drawn back or raised by the convex
part of the tumbler's moving under the sear or dog r, so as to bring the parts
into the same relative positions as when acted upon through the trigger as
before described.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that my Invention
-may-be-varied_in_some_of_the details represented and described without
departing from the principle or essential features herein stated; but I claim
as of my Invention,―
First, the construction of the fire-arm so as to inclose all the working or
actuating movements within the body.

page_text: Secondly, the construction of the revolving chamber solid, so as to work on
two adjustable centres of suspension, instead of in the ordinary way, or on an
axis passed through it; also the application of a washer to form an air-tight
bearing for the back pivot.
Thirdly, the mode described of connecting the barrel to the body.
Fourthly, the general arrangement and construction of the locks represented
at Figures 7, 8, and 23 respectively, as capable of being cocked through the
trigger.
Fifthly, the same as being capable of being cocked by hand, as in an
ordinary fowling-piece.
Sixthly, the stopping or retaining of the revolving chamber by means of a
spring stop acting on the ratchet, such stop being actuated by a cam on the
tumbler.
Seventhly, the forming of a notch or cavity in the "cap guard" or "cock
nose," so that it may rest on the solid part of the chamber, and retain it in a
safe position.
And, lastly, the forming of a toothed rack on the loader, so that it may be
worked by a toothed segment on the end of the lever, or a small toothed
wheel connected to the lever for the purpose of loading the chambers.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Bailey, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the Seventeenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Witness,
JOHN F. SWINBURN,
Birmingham,
Gun Maker.
THOMAS BAILEY. (L.S.)