IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FIRE-ARMS AND CANNON, AND OF PROJECTILES
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
CHARLES WILLIAM LANCASTER, of New Bond Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Gun Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her mrst Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Sixteenth day
of January, in the fourteenth year of Her reign, did give and grant
unto me, the said Charles William Lancaster, my exors, adfiiors, and
assigns, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said Charles William Lancaster, my exors, adñiors, and as-
signs, or such others as I, the said Charles William Lancaster, my exors,
admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FIRE-ARMS AND
CANNON, AND OF PROJECTILES," within that part of Her Majesty's United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland called England, Her dominion
of Wales, and Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of
Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and also in all Her said

page_text: Majesty's Colonies and Plantations, abroad, in which said Letters
Patent there is contained a proviso, requiring that I, the said Charles
William Lancaster, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of my said Inveution, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, and cause the
same to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery,
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said in part recited Letters Patent, as, reference being thereunto had,
will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the
said Charles William Lancaster, do hereby declare that the nature of
my said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be per-
formed; are particularly described and ascertained in and by this present
Specification or instrument in writing, reference being had to the several
Drawings hereunto annexed (that is to say):
My improvements in the manufacture of fire-arms and cannon are
improvements upon the machine or apparatus for boring or cutting the
cylindrical interior of a cannon or gun, which said machine or apparatus
is described in a Specification, under my haud and seal, eurolled in
Chancery in pursuance of Letters Patent granted to me on the Third
day of July, Oue thousand eight hundred and fifty, as a machine or
apparatus for boring or cutting the cylindrical interior of a cannon or.
gun barrel, so that when completed the transverse sectional form of the
bore at any position of its length it shall be oval or elliptical, and also
so that the position of the largest diameter of the bore may progressively
vary
in position or twist as the operation proceeds.
And the said improvements consist, firstly, in constructing the said
machine or apparatus with a divided ring or. collar placed upon the
boring tube at that end of it which is near to the cutter.
This collar,
which I call au expanding collar, is capable of being expanded or con-
tracted for the purpose of enabling the workman to make it fit the
bore of the cannon or gun more accurately during the process of boring
or cutting, so that the boring tube and rod may work steadily, and the
cutting tool cut smoothly.
And, secondly, in constructing the said machine or apparatus with a

page_text: packing upon that end of the boring tube which is near to the cutter.,
in order to prevent the turnings or pieces of metal removed by the
cutter from entering between the boring tube and the interior of
the gun, and so producing friction, and deranging the operation of the
machine.
With reference to the first of these improvements in the said
machine or apparatus, Figure 1, in said Drawings is an external
elevation of the two ends of the boring apparatus, shewing the boring
rod, its surrounding tube, and certain other parts in connection with
them, and also my present improvements applied thereto. Figure 2,
an end view; Figure 3, a longitudinal section as taken through the dotted
lines Z,, in Figures 1, and 4; and Figure 4, is a transverse section
taken through the dotted line Y, Y, in Figure 3; Figure 5, is an
exterior view of certain of the parts shewn in Figure 1; Figures 6, 7,
and 8, are transverse sections taken through the dotted lines X, X,
W, W, and V, V, in Figure 1. In all the above Figures, excepting
Figure 1, the boring rod and tool are supposed to be removed. Figure
9, is a detached view of one of the three pieces of the expanding
collar, each of the pieces being similar in form. Figure 10, is a de-
tached view of a portion of one of three flat rods for moving the
expanding collar. Figures 11, and 11*, are detached views of one of
the three screw studs hereafter mentioned. In these Figures A, marks
the boring rod carrying the cutter tool B. C, is one of the eccentric
collars placed round the ends of the rod A, for producing the required
elliptical movement, and secured to and forming one end of the boring
tube, the other elliptical collar employed near the opposite end of the
boring rod not being represented. D, is the boring tube, surrounding
the rod A, and embracing and fixed to the two eccentric collars. E, is
the wrought iron collar which assists to hold and guide the tool. F, is the
brass or gun metal friction ring against which this collar revolves.
These several parts A, B, C, D, E, and F, correspond respectively with
the parts marked k, m, n, p, s, and r, in Figures 29, and 31, of the
Specification before mentioned, and they are actuated in a similar
It will be sufficient here to remark that the movement of
the boring tube D, in one direction, and of the boring rod and tool in
manner.

page_text: the opposite direction, will produce the required sectional form of the
bore.
The following is the manner of carrying out the first of the im-
provements herein-before mentioned. K, K, K, is the expanding
collar of steel or gun metal in three separate pieces, the interior of
which is made taper to correspond with and slide upon the exterior
surface of the steel collar C, which is made conical at this part. L, L,
and L, are three studs screwed into the collar C, each piece of the ex-
panding ring being formed with a slot, into which one of these studs
passes, and serves as a guide for keeping it in its proper position. These
pieces are also formed with recesses at their ends, where they abut
upon each other, into which the T shaped ends of the flat rods M, M,
and M, take, the T shaped end of each rod taking into two of the
said pieces, as shewn. The other ends of these flat rods are bent or
turned up, as shewn with regard to one of them at M*, in Figure 3.
The tube D has channels or grooves on its exterior surface, in which
rods M slide, and at the enlarged portion at W, W, these grooves are
of a dovetail form (as shewn at the Figure 7,) to fit the edges of the
rods (which at that part are made of a corresponding form), so as to
keep the rods from coming into contact with the interior of the gun.
The tube D has also a screw formed on its exterior surface at D
portions of which are cut away by the said grooves. N, is a screwed
nut or collar which is furnished with handles for conveniently turning
it on the screwed part D*, of the tube.
O, is a ring screwed to the nut N, so as to overlap, or rebate, or
recess in the said nut, and form a circular groove into which the
portions M* of the flat rods M project, the ring O being of course
screwed on after the rods are so placed. It is obvious that by turning
the nut N on its screw it can be made to move towards either end of
the tube D, and in so doing will slide the flat rods M, and thereby
move the three pieces of the expanding ring K, in the required direction.
The movement of this expanding ring by these means in one direction
will cause it to expand, and an opposite movement will allow it to
contract. In use the apparatus is to be introduced into the cannon or
gun, with the ring K in its contracted state, as shewn in the Drawings,

page_text: and the ring is then to be expanded to the requisite extent, and kept
so expanded during the operation of the tool, and as this operation.
proceeds the ring is from time to time to be expanded or contracted as
may be necessary for securing the steady working of the apparatus.
J
- With reference to my second improvement in the said machine oi"
apparatus, Figure 12, is an end view of the eccentric collar C, 'at the
end of the boring tube (shewn in Figures 1, and 3,) certain parts being
in Figure 12, shewn as removed, in order more clearly to exhibit the
method of fixing the packing which forms this part of the. Invention.
R, is a ring of leather, india-rubber, or similar flexible material, which
is secured by means of an annnlar flat plate S, and screwed to the
collar C, at the end of the boring tube. The outer edge or periphery
of this ring is made sufficiently large to cause it to keep constantly in
contact with the interior of the gun, as it slides along during the
operation of the apparatus.
My improvements in the manufacture of projectiles consists, firstly,
in casing or in partially surrounding or casing hollow or solid projectiles
which are intended to be used in such fire-arms or cannon as have
been made according to the Invention comprised in the said Letters
Patent so granted to me on the Third day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty, as aforesaid, such projectiles being cased or partially
surrounded or cased with an elastic or yielding covering, belt, or packing
so as to cause them to fit the bore of the cannon or gun more accurately,
lessen the abrasion of the interior of the gun, and tend to prevent it
from fouling.
Secondly, in making projectiles intended to be used in such fire-arms
or cannon as aforesaid with expansible or spreading backs or ends, so
that when a cannon or gun is fired the back or end of the projectile
may be expanded by the force of the powder, and made to fit the shape
of the bore for the purpose of producing a steady motion of the pro-
jectile as it passes along the bore or barrel of the cannon or gun, and
by means of the spiral twist of the cuts or grooves of the bore or
barrel cause or assist in causing the intended rotation of the projectile;
or prevent the waste of powder.
Thirdly, in making the ninder portions or ends of projectiles intended

page_text: to be used in such fire-arms or cannon as aforesaid with a yielding or
spreading wad or disc, which, by the force of the powder when the
cannon or gun is exploded, will spread or bulge outwards, and cause
the edges of the wad or disc to fit the bore of the cannon or gun for
the purpose of producing a steady motion of the projectile as it passes
along the bore or barrel, also assisting in producing the intended rotation
of the projectile, and in preventing the waste of powder.
Fourthly, in making the hinder portions or ends of projections in-
tended to be used in such fire-arms or cannon as aforesaid with wedges,
cutters, or projections for acting on or dividing a wad, plug, or disc,
placed between the powder and the projectile into several parts, or for
expanding the wad so as to causo. the edges of the wad to press tightly
against the suside of the gun, and fit the bore with sufficient accuracy
for the purpose of producing a steady motion of the projectile as it
passes along the bore or barrel of the cannon or gun, for the purpose
of producing or assisting in producing the intended rotation of the
projectile, or preventing the waste of powder.
Fifthly, in making annular wads to fit upon the nozzles or front ends of
solid or hollow shot, shells, or other projectiles intended to be used in
such cannon or fire-arms as aforesaid, the perimeters of which wads
shall by the action of the projectiles be pressed tightly between the pro-
jectile and the interior of the gun, for the purpose of producing a steady
motion of the projectile as it passes along the bore or barrel, and also
produce or assist in producing the intended rotation of the projectile.
Sixthly, in making bodies for shells or other hollow projectiles
intended to be used in such cannon or fire-arms as aforesaid by
pressing or squeezing pieces of sheet iron or other somewhat yielding
metal into the required forms. And,
Seventhly, in an improved apparatus applicable to any shell or
hollow projectile intended to be used in any such fire-arms or cannon
as aforesaid, and in which apparatus, by means of a moveable hammer
or weight acting upon a nipple, percussion powder is exploded, for the
purpose of igniting the powder or explosive material contained in the
shell or other projectile when it come in contact with any obstacle
against which it strikes.

page_text: With reference to my first improvement in projectiles: Figure 13,
shows a side view of a hollow shot or shell; Figure 14, a longitudinal
section; and Figure 15, a transverse section through the dotted line in
Figure 13. a, a, a, are coils of cord of hemp, caoutchouc, or other
suitable compressible or yielding material, which is to be wound on
tightly within the hollow or recess which is cast or formed on the
exterior of the shell, the shoulders of which keep the same from
moving whilst the projectile is passing along the bore of the gun.
Instead of a cord being used, a flat band of hemp, caoutchouc, or other
suitable material may be used. This projectile is in Figures 13 and
14, shown as made hollow, but it may also be made solid, and have.
the same description of cord wound round it. When this projectile is
made hollow, it may be filled with gunpowder or other explosivo.
material, which may be exploded by fuses or by any other competent
means.
With reference to my second improvement in projectiles: Figure 16,
shows a flat piece or plate of sheet iron, copper, or other suitable metal
or material punched or cut out into the proper shape for forming a
yielding and spreading back or end for projectiles. Figure 17 and 18,
show a side and an end view of the same piece of metal bent by
pressure in a die into the required shape. Figures 19 and 20, show
an edge view and a section of a band or ring o, of wrought iron, to
which the yielding or spreading back shown in the foregoing Figures is
to be rivetted, as shown in side view at Figure 21; this band or ring
has a screw cut on its interior surface, which fits on to a screw on the
shot or shell. Figure 22, shows a shell with a screw at m, for securing
the yielding or spreading back or end, but without the same attached.
The front portion of this shell is formed of cast iron or other suitable
metal, and the inner back or end of galvanized wrought iron or other
metal, and the front and back are connected together by soldering or
other convenient means. Figure 23, is a section view on a larger
scale of a portion of the edge of the shell, showing the band or ring
screwed on. Figures 24 and 25, show a side view and a longitudinal
section of the shell complete. In the two last-mentioned Figures n is

page_text: the yielding or spreading back; o, the band or ring; p, the front of
the shell; and 1, the inner back or end; .s, 8, 8, plates rivetted to the
yielding or spredding back, according to the number and size of which
any required degree of rigidity may be given to the yielding or spread-
ing back. It is obvious that whilst the shell is being projected from a
gun constructed as before described. the force of the powder will force
the centre of the back n against or towards the inner back or end of
the shell, and the strips forming the yielding back will spread or bulge
outwards, and make the edges of it fit the bore of the gun, in con-
sequence of which the requisite rotation or twist will be given to the shell,
although its transverse sectional shape may not coincide exactly withi
that of the gun. Figure 26, is a longitudinal section of a solid shot, of
a shape. similar to the 'sliell just described, and having a similar yielding
or spreading back applied to.it.. The .screw and the plates s, 8, s, are
dispensed with in this case, and the yielding back is soldered to the
shot.
With reference to my third improvement in projectiles: Figures 27, 28,
and 29, are a side view, a longitudinal section, and an end view of a
shell, having at the back or.end of it a spreading or compressible wad or
disc made of felt or other suitable compressible material proper for
effecting the required purpose. Figure 30, is a transverse section,
through the dotted line in Figure .28. In these Figures is the
body of the shell, which is of cast iron; and q, a wrought iron disc or
plate fitting and fixed by tinning and soldering in a rebate or recess in;
the end of the body. This disc and rebate may be made circular, for
convenience.of manufacture, although the transverse sectional shape of
the body of the shell be elliptical or otherwise. n, is the wad or disc
of felt, placed between the plate 7, and outside plate o. t*, is a hollow
tie rod for holding the parts together, and also containing my improved
exploding apparatus, herein-after described. This tie rod passes, loosely
through the plate o, and the compressible wad or disc, so that in using
this shell the immediate and first action of the powder or force
employed to project it may be to compress the. wad or, disc between the
piates o and 7, whereby its edges will be caused to fit accurately the

page_text: calibre of the gun. The Figures 31,--32, 33, and -34, show a slight
variation in the construction of this shell, the "shell shown in these
Figures being similar to that shown in Figures 27, 28, 29, and 30,
except in this particular, that the outside plate o, and wad or disc n
are connected by a pair of studs t, t, instead of a tie rod t*, to the platė
9, which is soldered or fixed to the body of the shell. Figures 35 and
36, are a side view and a longitudinal section of another shell, some-
what varied in construction, the hinder portion of the body of it being
composed of wrought iron, and having a wad or disc applied at the
back, as in the Figures lastly described. The front portion 2, is of cast
iron; the hinder portion p*, is a piece of wrought iron tubing rivetted
to the front portion; the wrought iron plate q is brazed or soldered to
the tube px, and the other parts are as before described. Figure 37, is
a longitudinal section of the hinder portion of a solid shot, having a
wad or disc applied to it in the same manner as to the shell lastly before
described. In this case the studs t, t, are cast into the body of the
shot, instead of being rivetted to a wrought iron plate, as shown in
Figure 36. Figure 38, is an end view of the body of the shot (the
wad or disc being removed), which is cast rough, or with grooves or
serrations,, in order to insure the rotation of the shot with the wad
or disc during its passage along the bore.
With reference to my fourth improvement in projectiles: Figure 39;
shows a side view of the hinder portion of a cast iron shell, with
wedges or cutters, and likewise an elge view of a disc of wood or other
suitable wading w, which (upon the gun being discharged) is pressed
against and split or divided by the wedges or cutters, and forced'
against the sides of the gun so as to fit the bore tightly. Figure 40, is
an end view of the same shell, showing the cutters or wedges marked
v. The wadding, being thus made to fit the bore of the gun will, it
the
gun have been made according to the first part of my Invention, be
turmed during its passage along the bore, and produce a rotation of the
projectile. Figures 41 and 42, correspond with Figures 39 and 40, and
show a modification of the parts there represented, a ring or annular disc
*, being employed instead of a solid or plain disc, and the end of the
shell altered accordingly, as shown more clearly in the longitudinal

page_text: section, Figure 43. Six wedges or cutters are used in this case (in:
stead of four) as shown in Figures 41 and 42.
.
With reference to my fifth improvement in projectiles: Figure 44, is
an exterior side view of a shot or shell. Figure 45, a side.or edge view
of the wad to be applied in front of the same. Figures 46, and 47, are
a sectional view and a face view of the wad, the latter showing its
elliptical form, to correspond with the bore of fire-arms or cannon as
aforesaid. Figures 48, show the wad applied to the shot or shell, the
wad being shown in section. When I use felt for the wad (which
I prefer to do), I give it the required form by punching or cutting to
the shape desired; wood or any other convenient material may, how
ever, be used. The orifice in the wad is made of such a size and shape
as will make it fit the nozzle of the intended projectile; and in every
case in which it shall be intended that the wad shall produce or assist
in producing the rotation of the projectile I prefer to make the
perimeter of the wad of an oval or other form, according to form of the
bore, and of such a size as to fit the bore as accurately as conveniently
may be. When this wad is used it should be forced tightly between
the nozzle and the bore of the gun before the gun is discharged.
With reference to my sixth improvement in the manufacture of
projectiles Figures 49 and 50, are views of a pair of dies, and of a
piece of sheet metal bent into a cylindrical shape (which I find to be
the most convenient form), the piece of metal being shown as placed
between the dies. The outer die or punch box a, and tube p*, are
represented in section; and the inner die or mandril 3, in external
view. The former Figure shows the position of the mandril and the
shape of the tube before the squeezing is effected. The latter Figure
shows the mandril or punch pressed home, and the consequent altera-
tion in the form of the tube. When it is desired to form the bodies of
shells according to this improvement to correspond with the bore of
the fire-arms or cannon I bore the inside of the punch box to corre-
spond, by means of the apparatus for boring fire-arms and cannon
already mentioned; and I turn the mandril to correspond by any of
the usual methods for elliptical or other turning, as required. The tube
is to be placed red hot in the punch box before squeezing, and it is to

page_text: be noticed that this being the case will allow the punch box and
mandril to be used for the bodies of shells somewhat varying in
diameter, since the tube can be removed from the dies after being
pressed into form, but before, being cold; and by removing them at
varying temperatures, a variety of slightly different sized bodies of shells
may be, produced. Figure 51, shows a longitudinal sectional view of a
tube as removed from the dies. Figures 52, and 53, a side view and
longitudinal section of a nozzle to be applied in front of the tube, but
before applying it I turn down evenly the surfaces where the tube and
nozzle are intended to fit together. Figure 54, shows in section a
portion of the tube after this turning has been done. The surfaces
mentioned are marked × × in Figures 51, 52, 53, and 54. Figures
55, 56, and 57, are an exterior side view, an end view, and a lougi-
tudinal section of a shell complete, having its middle portion or body
2, constructed as described, and likewise its nozzle p. The back or
hinder portion v, is represented as constructed according to my fourth
improvement in .projectiles herein-before described, but this portion
may be of any other suitable construction. In connecting the various
parts as shown I unite the body and nozzle by hammering or setting
down the edge of the former so as to cause it to grip or hold the latter,
as shown at Figure, 57, whereby also the exterior surface will be
rendered even, where they join; and I unite the body and back by
soldering, rivetting, or otherwise.
With reference to my seventh improvement in projectiles:. My
improved igniting or exploding apparatus is shown as applied to the
back of a shell in Figures 13, and 14, and to the front of a shell
in Figures 22, 24, and 25, and in a hollow tie rod, as shown in
Figure 28. Figures. 58, and 59, shew the apparatus (about the
full size) when intended to be applied to the back of a shell;
Figure 58, being an exterior side view, and Figure 59, a longitu-
dinal section. b, is the exterior case, which is made with a screw
for fixing the apparatus into the breech end of the shell. c, is a
nipple, which is screwed into the pointed end, aud projecting into the
interior of the case, so that a weight d, may strike against it. The

page_text: weight d, I make of lead, or of such other material as may possess the
requisite density; and I furnish it at one end with a recess for 'Holding
à percussion cap e; and at the opposite end it is made of such a shape
that that end will be held within an orifice or recess in the screwed cap
f. The percussion cap e, (which may be of the ordinary description,)
is not inserted until the shell is intended to be used, for the purpose of
avoiding accidents. When a percussion cap is intended to be inserted
the screwed cap f is removed, and the weight d drawn out; the
percussion cap being then inserted into one end of the weight, the
opposite end of the weight is to be inserted into the orifice in
the screwed cap, and the weight then introduced within the case b, and
the screwed cap screwed into its place. The action of this apparatus is
obvious. The firing of the gun will, in the first instance, cause the end
of the weight which is next to or introduced within the screwed cap to
set or stick firmly within the recess in the cap f, but on the point of
the shell striking any obstacle the weight will, by the concussion, be
freed from the orifice in the cap f, and striking the percussion cap
against the nipple will cause the percussion cap to explode through the
orifice in the nipple and thus ignite the powder in the shell. I use a
modification of this apparatus when it is to be applied to the front of a
shell, as shown in Figure 25. Figure 60, is an exterior side view;
Eigure 61, a longitudinal section; Figure 62, a transverse section
taken at the dotted line in Figure 60; and Figure 63, an end view;
and these four Figures represent the apparatus of nearly the full size.
b, is the exterior case, furnished with a screw for screwing it into the
point end of the shell; c, the nipple formed on the plug c*, which is
screwed into the case b; d, is the weight, with a recess for holding a
percussion cap, as before described and f, is a screwed plug or stop,
with an orifice for receiving and holding the end of the weight. The
nipple c, made with a three way passage for the fire from the cap, and
the case b, with four holes, as shown at Figure 62, so that one of the
passages from the nipple must necessarily come opposite to one of
these holes. When a shell furnished with this apparatus is intended to
be used the screwed plug cx, is removed, the weight d drawn out, and

page_text: Jose.
Enrolled the Sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.