IMPROVEMENTS FIRE-ARMS AND ANMUNITION
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Henry, of Edinburgh, in the County
of Mid Lothian, North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
FIRE-ARMS AND ANMUNITION."
Sealed the 9th July 1860, and dated the 12th January 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Henry at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 12th January 1809..
I, ALEXANDER HENRY, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian,
North Britain, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND ANMUNITION," to be as follows, that is
to say:-
The first part of this Invention relates to the mechanism employed
for withdrawing the central-fire piston used in striking or igniting
central-fire cartridges in those breech-loading small arms in which a
vertically sliding breech is employed, and its object is to avoid the
employment of a spring for withdrawing the central-fire piston. The
sliding piston which passes through the breech is formed with a bevilled

page_text: shoulder which may be either on the side, front, or rear of the piston,
and which fits into a corresponding recess formed in the breech piece
of a certain and requisite depth, so that when the shoulder of the piston
touches or bears at the instant of firing against the bottom of the recess
the striking or igniting end of the piston is thrown sufficiently far
forward to ignite the cap. A bolt or lever passes through the side,
front, or rear of the breech having a bevilled end corresponding to the
bevil on the shoulder of the piston, and the head of the bolt or lever
which is also bevilled protrudes from the breech when the latter is
closed and passes into a slot in the side, front, or rear of the breech
cavity. When the breech is withdrawn or lowered for the purpose of
recharging, the side, rear, or forward end of the breech cavity acts upon
the head of the lever or bolt, pushes it forward, and causes the point to
upon
the shoulder of the piston, by which means the piston is drawn
or pushed back into the breech into position for firing the next cartridge.
The lever or bolt may be arranged either with or without a spring
(spiral or flat) upon it.
act
The second part of the Invention relates to improvements on the
mechanism employed in extracting the cartridge from the barrel in
those, breech-loading small arms in which a vertically sliding breech is
employed, and its object is to ensure the return of the extractor to its
proper position in the rear of the barrel, and to obviate the probability of
the extractor not returning to its place, and a cartridge being inserted
into the barrel while the extractor is not returned. This result is
obtained by means of the fore part of the lever being formed with
double prongs, the points of which are inclined inwards at right angles
to the sides. When the breech is lowered for the purpose of recharging
these points pass up the face of and over the shoulders of a projection
attached to the extractor by a hinged joint, and on the points passing
over the shoulders of the projection the latter passes between the prongs
and is returned to its place by a spiral spring. On the breech being
closed the prongs are allowed to pass under the projection by the
yielding of the hinge, and the projection is returned to its former
position by a flat spring. A single prong on the lever with &T head
to pass through a corresponding slot in the projection will answer the
same purpose. The extractor may have one, two, or three prongs for
ejecting the empty cartridge from the barrel, and in the latter case the
use of a spiral spring may be dispensed with.

page_text: Another species of extractor can be employed with the vertically
sliding breech, and it consists of a plate with one or more upright claws
working on a pin at the knee. The upright claw or claws fit into a
recess in the rear of the barrel of a certain requisite depth, so that the
outside of the claws are on a level with it. When the breech is
depressed it acts upon and depresses the plate, thus throwing the point
of the claw or claws outwards and extracting the cartridge. The last-
mentioned species of extractor being already in use in more than one
breech action is not intended to be claimed.
The improvements in ammunition, which constitute the third part of
this Invention, consist in forming the projectile of a somewhat curved
taper form, the diameters of three parts of the projectilo being, by
preference, in the following ratios, or as close as practicable thereto,
namely, maximum diameter at base (0450=) equal to four
hundred and fifty thousandths of an inch diameter at about (0·300=
000 three hundred thousandths of an inch above the base (0-417=
1) equal to four hundred and forty-seven thousandths of an inch;
and minimum diameter at about (0.747) seven hundred and
forty-seven thousandths of an inch from the base of the projectile
(0.439) equal to four hundred and thirty-nine thousandths of an
inch. When manufactured for sporting or military purposes a small
canneluro should be made on the bullet for the purpose of choking it
into the cartridge case; this can be done cither before inserting it into
the case or in the act of choking it. The result of forming the pro.
jectiles in the herein-before described ratio is more particularly
advantageous when a wrapper is used on the bullets as they pass into
and through the chase of a rifled barrel without ruffling or displacing
any part of the wrapper, also with diminished friction at a higher
velocity and therefore with a flatter trajectory; the bullets are, by
preference, hardened with a proportion of tin. The base of the pro-
jectile is provided with a wad which consists of one or more discs of
beeswax placed between discs of compressed jute, vulcanite, ebonite, or
other similar suitable material, the effect of this arrangement of wad
being to thoroughly lubricate and clean the chase of the rifle, thereby
preventing or diminishing fouling,

page_text: SPECIFICATION. in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the' said Alexander Henry in the Great. Seal Patent Office
on the 10th July 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
HENRY,, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North Britain,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-
second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Alexander Henry, Her special license that
I, the said Alexander Henry, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Alexander Henry, my executors,
administrators, or 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
FIRE-ARMS AND AMMUNITION," upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said Alexander Henry, 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 Alexander Henry, 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 accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say :-
The first part of this Invention relates to the mechanism employed
for withdrawing the central-fire piston used in striking or igniting
central-fire cartridges in those breech-loading small arms in which a
vertically sliding breech is employed, and its object is to avoid the employ-
ment of a spring for withdrawing the central-fire piston. The sliding
piston which passes through the breech is formed with a bevilled

page_text: shoulder, which may be either on the side, front, or rear of the piston,
and which fits into a corresponding recess formed in the breech picer of
a certain and requisite depth, so that when the shoulder of the piston
touches or bears at the instant of firing against the bottom of the
recess the striking or igniting end of the piston is thrown sufficiently
far forward to ignite the cap. A bolt or lever passes through the side,
front, or rear of the breech, having a bevil'ed end corresponding to the
bevil on the shoulder of the piston, and the head of the bolt or lover,
which is also bevilled, protrudes from the breech when the latter is
closed and passes into a slot in the side, front, or rear of the breech
cavity. When the breech is withdrawn or lowered for the purpose of
recharging, the side, rear, or forward end of the breech cavity acts upon
the head of the lever or bolt, pushes it forward, and causes the point to
act upon the shoulder of the piston, by which means the piston is
drawn or pushed back into the breech into position for firing the next
cartridge. The lever or bolt may be arranged either with or without a
spring (spiral or flat) upon it.
The second part of the Invention relates to improvements in the
mechanism employed in extracting the cartridge from the barrel in
those breech-loading small arms in which a vertically sliding breech
is employed, and its object is to ensure the return of the extractor to
its proper position in the rear of the barrel, and to obviate the probability
of the extractor not returning to its place and a cartridge being inserted
into the barrel while the extractor is not returned. This result is
obtained by means of the fore part of the lever being formed with
double prongs, the points of which are inclined inwards at right angles
to the sides. When the breech is lowered for the purpose of recharging,
these points pass up the face of and over the shoulders of a projection
attached to the extractor by a hinged joint, and on the points passing
the shoulders of the projection the latter passes between the prongs and
is returned to its place by a spiral spring. On the breech being closed
the prongs are allowed to pass under the projection by the yielding of
the hinge, and the projection is returned to its former position by a flat
spring. A single prong on the lever with a T head to pass through a
corresponding slot in the projection will answer the same purpose. The
extractor may have one, two, or three prongs for ejecting the empty
cartridge from the barrel, and in the latter case the use of a spiral spring
may be dispensed with.

page_text: Another species of extractor can be employed with the vertically
sliding breech, and it consists of a plate with one or more upright claws
working on a pin at the knee. The upright claw or claws fit into a
recess in the rear of the barrel of a certain requisite depth, so that the
outside of the claws are on a level with it. When the breech is depressed
it acts upon and depresses the plate, thus throwing the point of the claw
or claws outwards and extracting the cartridge. The last-mentioned
species of extractor being already in use in more than one breech action
is not intended to be claimed.
The improvements in ammunition, which constitute the third part of
this Invention, consist in forming the projectile of a somewhat curved
taper form, the diameters of three parts of the projectile being by
preference in the ratios herein-after set forth.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I
now proceed more particularly to specify the system, mode, or manner
in or under which the same is or may be used or practically carried
into effect, reference being had, for the sake of more complete eluci-
dation, to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon, that is to say:-
On Sheet 1 of the annexed Drawings, Figure 1 is a part longitudinal:
section of a rifle or fire-arm shewing one modification of the first part of
my Invention; Figure 2 is a part transverse section of the same on the
line a-a, Figure 1. In this arrangement the vertically sliding breech
piece is marked A, and the central-fire piston B is shown in dotted lines
at Figure 1. The lever C by which the piston B is drawn back into
position is also shown dotted in Figure 1, and in end elevation at C,
Figure 2. The lever O is centred on the pin a, represented by a dotted
circle in Figure 1. The withdrawing of the piston B after it has been
impelled forwards by means of the hammer of the lock (not shewn in
the Drawings) is effected in the following manner :-As the piston B is
driven forwards its forward movement also carries forward the upper part
of the lever C, whilst the part of the lever C below the centre pin a is in
consequence moved backwards and projects into the hollow 6 formed in
the rear of the breech cavity. As soon then as the breech is lowered by
means of the lever D connected to it by the link E into the position
shown in dotted lines at Figure 1 the lower part of the lever O is pressed
against the breech cavity, which as the breech is lowered forces its lower
end flush with the rear face of the breech piece, and therefore by means

page_text: of the upper end of the lever O the piston B is drawn back into position
for being again acted upon by the hammer or striker for discharging the
next cartridge.
Figure 3 is a part longitudinal section of a breech arranged similarly
to that previously specified; Figure 4 is an end sectional elevation on
the line b-b, Figure 3; whilst Figure 5 is a plan of the same. In
these Figures 3, 4, and 5 the parts which correspond with the previous
arrangement are marked with the same letters of reference, and the
difference between the two consists in the means employed for acting on
the central-fire piston B. In this arrangement in place of employing a
lever, as in the preceding modification, the sliding pin or bolt a is
employed. As the piston B is driven forwards by the hammer or striker
the pin or bolt a is at the same time driven forward, a small recess c
being made in the breech cavity to allow it to be protruded slightly
beyond the face of the breech piece A, and the recess is so shaped that
as the breech piece A is lowered the pin or bolt a is forced in flush with
the face of the breech piece, and the piston B therefore pushed back into
position for igniting the next cartridge.
Figure 6 is a transverse section showing in end elevation one form of
the extractor B; Figure 7 is a longitudinal section corresponding to
Figure 6. In this arrangement the breach piece A, shown only in
Figure 7, is operated, as in the two preceding arrangements, by an under
lever. The extractor is marked B, and it is so shaped as to fit into a
recess made to contain it flush or level with the end of the barrel and
corresponding inner face of the breech cavity. The brecoh piece A does
not act upon the extractor until the upper edge of the breech piece
comes below the lower edge of the cartridge chamber of the barrel L,
and on being depressed to that extent the under edge of the breech pieco
comes in contact with the heel F, which in turn is also depressed, and
causes the extractor B to be thrown out from the end of the barrel L,
thereby extracting the cartridge case. As the prongs c nct on the
flanch or disc at the base of the cartridge a spiral spring H is fixed in
the breech cavity, its purpose being to raise the breech piece level with
the bottom of the chamber L, in which position the extractor B iş
returned into the recess. A similar spring is shown at Figure 1 and for
the same purpose, but other forms of springs may be employed, as
herein-after set forth.
Another arrangement of extractor is shown in side elevation at the

page_text: longitudinal section of a fire-arm, Figure 8, and in an inverted plan of
the under side at Figure 9. In this example a bar, extractor is employed.
The extracting. bar is marked A, and on it is fixed the hinged or
moveable projecting piece B, which is acted upon. by the point a of the
lever Das soon as the depression of the lever brings down the breech
piece L clear of the barrel, and therefore leaves the cartridge case free to
be extracted. The projecting piece is of T form, and the end a of the
lever is shaped so that as the lever acts upon the piece a it forces out
the extracter until the point a of the lever D is raised sufficiently to
allow the opening in it to pass over the T shaped piece, so that whilst
the extractor is being forced out the spent cartridge case is extracted,
and as soon as it is extracted the lever becomes freed from the piece a,
and the extractor is drawn back again by the tension of the spiral
spring K. In raising the lever D again to close the breech the part a
comes in contact with the projecting piece B, but as the latter is secured
by a hinged joint to the extracting bar it yields and allows the part a of
the lever D to pass it; the piece B is returned into position again by the
little spring c.
Another form of the arrangement of extractor is shown in plan of the
under side at Figure 10, the difference between it and that shown at
Figures 8 and 9 being that the T is formed on the end of the lever D, as
shown at a, and the projecting piece B is shaped the reverse of that
shown in the preceding Figures 8 and 9.
The improvements in ammunition, which constitute another part of
this Invention, consist in forming the projectile of a somewhat curved
taper form, the diameters of three parts of the projectile being by pre-
ference in the following ratios, or as close as practicable thereto, namely,
maximum diameter at base (0-450") equal to four hundred and
fifty thousandths of an inch diameter at about (0.300"-100%) three
hundred thousandths of an inch above the base (0·447"=44) equal
to four hundred and forty-seven thousandths of an inch; and mini-
mum diameter at about (0.747") seven hundred and forty-seven
thousandths of an inch from the base of the projectile (0.439"=480)
equal to four hundred and thirty-nine thousandths of an inch. When
manufactured for sporting or military-purposes a small cannclure should
be made on the bullet for the purpose of choking it into the cartridge
case. This can be done either before, inserting it into the case or in
the act of choking it.. The result of forming the projectiles in the hercin-

page_text: before described ratio is more particularly advantageous when a wrapper
is used on the bullets as they pass into and through the chase of a rifled
barrel without ruffling or displacing any part of the wrapper, also with
diminished friction at a higher velocity, and therefore with a flatter
trajectory. The bullets are by preference hardened with a proportion of
tiu. The base of the projectile is provided with a wal which consists
of one or more discs of beeswax placed between discs of compressed jute,
vulcanite, ebonite, or other similar suitable material, the effect of this
arrangement of wad being to thoroughly lubricate and clean the chase of
the rifle, thereby preventing or diminishing fouling. The bullets of
the form and proportions herein-before described are shown without
cannclures at Figures 11 and 12, the ratios or proportions being marked
thereon.
Figure 18 is a full-sized section of one form of the cartridge with the
improved bullets applied thereon, marked c. c, c, aro the juto discs or
dises of other material, and e the beeswax.
Figure 14 represents one of the projectiles of the improved form
having the canneluref shewn thereon; and Figure 15 is a section of a
cartridge having an enlarged powder chamber.
In counexion with these projectiles it is preferred to employ what is
known as the Boxer Patent cartridge case; this case when combined with
the other features of cartridge herein set forth constituting what is now
known as the Boxer Henry cartridge.
In the previous part of this Specification I have stated that springs
other than those shown at and herein-before described in reference to
some of the Figures on Sheet 1 may be used for the purpose of returning
the extractor and breech piece into position for allowing a cartridge to
be inserted into the cartridge chamber, and for the purpose of moro
effectually explaining how such springs may be applied I have hereunto
appended another Sheet of Drawings (Sheet 2), on which Figure 1 is a
part longitudinal section of a breech-loading fire-arm similar to that
shown at Figure 7, Sheet 1.
In this case a spring a is fixed into the lower part of the breech cavity
and acts upon the toe F of the extractor, and as when the breech is
lowered its under side bears upon the toe F the spring, whilst raising
the extractor flush with the face of the cavity, also raises the breech
piece into position, enabling the cartridge to be inserted.
j

page_text: Figure 2 (Sheet 2) is another part longitudinal section similar to
Figure 1 (Sheet 2), but in this case a double spring a is introduced
outside the rear of the breech cavity, being retained in place by the
lock b; the outer toe of the spring bears against the shoulder c of the
lever D, and consequently forces it together with the link E, breech
piece A, and extractor F back into the position whereat the cartridge
may be inserted.
Figure 3, Sheet 2, is another part longitudinal section similar to the
two foregoing. In this case the extractor is formed with a heel a at the
rear which projects through an opening made to admit it in the rear of
the breech cavity; this heel a is acted upon by a spring 6 fastened to
the outside of the breech cavity, as shown, and as the pressure of the
spring acts upon the heel a when the lever is depressed and the
extractor F thrown forward it returns the extractor and breech piece
into the position required for allowing the cartridge to be inserted.
•
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the
system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is or may be used
or practically carried into effect, I wish to observe in conclusion that
what I consider novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First: The employment of a lever or bolt for drawing back the central-
fire piston, as herein-before described and shown at Figures 1 to 5 of
Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
Second. The combination with vertically sliding breech mechanism of
the extractor shown at Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 1, and at Figures 1, 2,
and 3, Sheet 2 of the Drawings, but the form of the extractor in this
case is not claimed.
Third. The actuating of the bar extractor A, shown at Figures 8, 9,
and 10, Sheet 1, of the Drawings, by means of the end a of the lever D
and the hinged piece B, as herein-before described, or any mere modi-
fication thereof.
Fourth. The lifting of the breech piece and extractor into position by
self-acting means to enable the cartridge to be inserted, as herein-before
described, and shown at Figures 1, 3, and 7, Sheet 1, and Figures 1, 2,
and 3, Sheet 2 of the Drawings.

page_text: Fifth. The formation of bullets or projectiles in the ratios herein-
before described and shown at Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1 of the
Drawings.
Sixth. The construction of wads for cartridges composed of beeswax
situated between disas of jute, vulcanite, ebonite, or other suitable
material, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Henry, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Third day of July One thousand eight