IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH- LOADING FIRE-ARMS, IN PROJECTILES, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING ARMS
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Restell, of New Kent Road, in the County
of Surrey, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS, IN PROJECTILES, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING
ARMS."
Scaled the 13th April 1858, and dated the 14th October 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Restell-at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
14th October 1857.
I, THOMAS RESTELL, of New Kent Road, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, IN PROJECTILES, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR
BREECH-LOADING ARMS," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists, first, in constructing and arranging the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms as follows:-I construct the breech of a piece
separate from the barrel, the barrel being shortened for the purpose, and 1
connect the two by screw threads. While the breech piece is apart from the
barrel, I form a dovetailed longitudinal channel at the rear end of its upper
side, and into this channel fit a sliding piece of corresponding form; the breech
piece is then bored out, the cut being made partially in the fore end of the
sliding piece, and a short cylindrical plug is driven into the end of the box,

page_text: and the sliding piece is then removed. A thin tube of German silver, rendered
slightly collapsible by means of a slot along its lower side, is then inserted in
the bore, with a thin plate of lead between it and the plug, the three being
screwed together. This tube is cut away upon its upper part to receive the
charge; the rear end of the breech piece has a vertical slot formed in it, and this
slot receives a disc or wheel furnished with teeth, which act upon pins placed
across a recess formed in the rear and under side of the sliding piece. A
lever is connected to the axis of the disc or wheel, and by means of this lever
motion is imparted to the sliding piece, in order to open and close the breech
chamber. The lever is formed with a curved end, which drops upon the
barrel and resembles an ordinary band. The end of the axis of the disc is so
adjusted to the tumbler of the lock (which is of the usual kind), that the
hammer cannot discharge the. cap, except when the breech is properly closed.
Or, I form a breech chamber at the rear of the barrel, and upon the axis of
the lever I fix a bolt, by the turning of which I insert the breech closer into,
and withdraw it from the rear end of the barrel. The fore end of the breech
closer is formed with a circular projection, upon which a leaden or other soft
metal washer is placed, and over it a steel face; a screw holds these parts
together, but the steel face is free to slide over that part of the screw near the
head which is not threaded. The object of this arrangement is to cause the
steel face, upon the charge being fired, to press out the metal washer and
prevent the escape of any gases from the breech. The top of the breech closer
has a slot formed in it to receive the propelling and holding bolt. By turning
back the lever the breech closer is withdrawn, and by turning it forward
and sending it home on the barrel, the breech is closed, and the bolt on the
axis of the lever holds it firmly in its position. Or, I employ simply a lever
and bolt to close the breech; the bolt has a screw thread or groove cut
therein, which groove works over a fixed pin or stud.
the lever the breech is opened, the bolt being directed
threaded grooves travelling over the fixed stud.
By turning back
sideways by the
My improvement in projectiles consists in casting lead or other soft metal
round an iron, a steel, or other hard metal core, made like an ordiuary
screw or like a shaft. I thus ensure great penetration without, injury to
the rifling or to the barrel of the arm from which the projectile is fired.
My improvement in cartridges consists in forming them in two or more
parts held together by the paper or other case used to hold the powder. I
am thus enabled to use a breech-loading arm where there is a very short
aperture in the breech chamber.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in. pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Thomas Restell in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 14th April 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
RESTELL, of New Kent Road,in the County of Surrey, Engineer,send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Thomas Restell, Her special licence that I, the said Thomas Restell,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Thomas Restell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, IN PROJECTILES, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING
ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas
Restell, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under
my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas Restell, 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 thereof, reference being had to the Drawings
hereunto annexed, that is to say :--
My Invention consists, first, in constructing and arranging the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms as follows:-I construct the breech of a piece
separate from the barrel, the barrel being shortened for the purpose, and I
connect the two by screw threads. While the breech piece is apart from the
barrel I form a dovetailed longitudinal channel at the rear end of its upper
side, and into this channel fit a sliding piece of corresponding form. The
breech piece is then bored out, the cut being made partially in the fore end of the
sliding piece; and a short cylindrical plug is driven into the end of the
bore, and the sliding piece is then removed. A thin tube of German silver,

page_text: rendered slightly collapsible by means of a slot along its lower side, is then
inserted in the bore, with a thin plate of lead between it and the plug, the three
being screwed together. This tube is cut away upon its upper part to receive
the charge. The rear end of the breech piece has a vertical slot formed in it,
and this slot receives a disc or wheel furnished with teeth, which act upon pins
placed across a recess formed in the rear and under side of the sliding piece.
A lever is connected to the axis of the disc or wheel, and by means of this
lever motion is imparted to the sliding piece in order to open and close the
breech chamber. The lever is formed with a curved end, which drops upon
the barrel and resembles an ordinary band. The end of the axis of the disc is
so adjusted to the tumbler of the lock (which is of the usual kiud), that the
hammer cannot discharge the cap except when the breech is properly close d
Or, I form a breech chamber at the rear of the barrel, and upon the axis of
the lever I fix a bolt, by the turning of which 1 insert the breech closer into,
and withdraw it from the rear end of the barrel. The fore end of the
breech closer is formed with a circular projection, upon which a leaden or
other soft metal washer is placed, and over it a steel face; a screw holds
these parts together, but the steel face is free to slide over that part of the
screw near the head which is not threaded. The object of this arrange-
ment is to cause the steel face, upon the charge being fired, to press out the
metal washer and prevent the escape of any gases from the breech. The top
of the breech closer has a slot formed in it to receive the propelling and
holding bolt. By turning back the lever the breech closer is withdrawn,
and by turning it forward and sending it home on the barrel the breech is
closed, and the bolt on the axis of the lever holds it firmly in its position.
Or, I employ simply a lever and bolt to close the breech. The bolt has a
screw thread or groove cut therein, which groove works over a fixed pin
or stud. By turning back the lever the breech is opened, the bolt being
directed sideways by the threaded groove travelling over the fixed stud.
My improvement in projectiles consists in casting lead or other soft metal
round an iron or steel or other Lard metal core, made like an ordinary screw
or like a shaft. I thus ensure great penetration without injury to the rifling
or to the barrel of the arm from which the projectile is fired.
My improvement in cartridges consists in forming them in two or more
parts, held together by the paper or other case used to hold the powder. 1
am thus enabled to use a breech-loading arm where there is a very short
aperture in the breech chamber.
In order that my said Invention may be fully understood, I will now proceed
to describe the same with reference to the Drawings hereunto annexed.

page_text: Figure represents in section a portion of a musket barrel, with a breech
and breech piece constructed according to the first head of my Invention.
A is the barrel, and B the breech piece, which is screwed into the barrel A
at a. The upper part of this breech piece is cut away at B1; a communication
with the interior of the breech piece and barrel is thus formed to enable
a cartridge to be inserted easily therein. A sliding piece or breech closer B¹
is fitted in suitable dovetails in the breech piece, so as to completely cover up
the aperture which has been formed in its upper side. The sliding piece
or breech closer B is capable of being moved either to or from the barrel in
the direction of its length, for the purpose of covering or uncovering the
aperture. A recess or slot C is formed in the under side of the sliding piece
or breech closer B". Two or more pins C, C, are fixed across the recess to
serve the purpose of teeth; or teeth may be formed out of the solid metal.
C" is a disc or wheel having teeth which act upon the pins or teeth C¹, C¹.
This disc or wheel is mounted on a spindle or shaft 1, in such a manner that
when the spindle is caused partially to rotate the disc or wheel will have
the same motion. One end of the spindle passes through the slide plate 1,
and has a lever D¹, shewn in dotted lines, firmly fixed thereon. This lever
serves to partially rotate the spindle with its wheel and disc, whereby the
sliding piece or breech closer B may be moved backwards or forwards to
open or close the aperture in the upper side of the breech piece. The lever
has a curved end D", which is formed at right angles to it. The curved end
drops down over the barrel (when the sliding piece is in its forward position),
and resembles one of the ordinary bands which secure the barrel to the stock.
A' is a short cylinder inserted and secured in the butt end of the breech piece
B, for the purpose of receiving the shock of the explosion, and to prevent any
portion of it being received on the shoulder A" of the breech closer, so that it
may not be forced back. A thin tube of German silver (not shewn in the
Drawings), rendered slightly collapsible by means of a slot along its lower
side, is then inserted in the bore, with a thin plate of lead between it and the
plug, the three being screwed together. This tube is cut away upon its upper
part to receive the charge.
Figure 2 represents the inner side or back of an ordinary gun lock. E is a
piece of hard metal, screwed into or otherwise firmly secured to the upper side
of the tumbler E. The end of the axle or spindle C is so adjusted that the
piece E takes into a notch or flat part which is formed in or on the under side
of the opposite end of the spindle C to that on which the lever is secured.
When the lever D' is in the position which is shewn, partly in full and partly
in dotted lines, the notch or flat portion of the spindle is undermost, which

page_text: allows the piece E on the tumbler E¹ to rise therein; by these means the
hammer F (which is secured to the tumbler in the ordinary manner) is
allowed to fall further forward and strike the cap on the nipple and explode
it, and so discharge the piece; but when the lever is in the position shewn
by the dotted lines c, c, the round or full portion c¹ of the spindle C¹¹¹ is in
such a position that the piece E of the tumbler E¹ will come in contact or
bear on it, and thus prevent the hammer F from striking the cap or nipple
accidently when the picce is being charged; but when charged and the
lever is again thrown forward and the breech closed, the notch or flat part
of the spindle is then in a proper position to allow the hammer to strike
the cap on the nipple and discharge the piece when desired.
Instead of forming the sliding piece or breech closer to slide in dovetails,
I likewise make it to slide or move in a parallel recess which is formed in
a breech piece or in the rear end of the barrel. In this arrangement I
generally make use of or employ the same description of levers, spindles,
and locks as those already referred to.
Figure 3 represents a portion of a musket, partly in section, with the
before-mentioned improvements applied thereto. G is the barrel secured
to the fixed breech piece G¹ at d. The breech piece is firmly secured to or
in the stock G by a screw e and band f. H is the breech closer, which
is fitted and slides or moves in a slot or recess G formed in the end of
the breech piece G¹, which slot or recess is more clearly shewn in Figures 4,
5, 6, and 7 Figure 4 being a plan of a portion of the musket barrel G and
breech piece G¹; Figure 5, a vertical section of the same; Figure 6, a section
through the line g, h, of Figure 5; and l'igure 7, an end view.
Figure 1 represents a carbine fitted with a sword bayonet, and Figure 2a
is a portion of an ordinary musket; both have my improvements applied
thereto. The dotted lines represent the positions of the levers and breech
closers when the pieces are being charged.
Figure 8 is a side view of the breech closer H detached; Figure 9 is
a vertical section; Figure 10 is a plan; Figure 11 is an under side view; and
Figure 12, a cross section of the same through the lines i, i; i, i, are parallel
slots formed in its sides. These slots take on to pins ", ", fixed in the sides
1; I of the breech piece. I¹ is a lug or projection formed on the under side
of the tail I" of the breech closer H. This lug or projection is cut away or is
formed narrower at the neck, so as to leave the two catches j, j, projecting
from its sides. These catches take into grooves 7', ', formed in the sides I, I,
of the breech piece G', and partly serve as guides and partly for keeping the
tail of the breech closer down in its place when the piece is charged. J.is a

page_text: slot formed in the breech closer; in the slot the peculiar shaped bolt J¹ works.
The bolt Ji is mounted on the lever spindle C in such a manner that, if the
lever and spindle C are moved, the bolt J' must partake of a corre-
sponding motion.
a
.1
In Figure 3 I have shewn that portion of the spindle on which the bolt J'
is mounted as round, and having a flat side k formed thereon, which fits into a
hole J in the bolt J' of corresponding shape. In some instances I prefer to
form the hole in the bolt and that portion of the spindle on which it is fixed of
hexagonal shape, as shewn in Figure 12a, which is a perspective view of the
bolt J and breech piece H,and in Figure 13, which is a side view of the bolt
detached. I do not confine myself to the particular shapes of hole shewn, as
the hole may be formed with any suitable number of sides; or the bolt may be
mounted in the spindle by means of a key or feather, or it may be fixed
therein by means of a pin, or in any other suitable manner which will prevent
the lever and spindle having a motion independent of the bolt. That portion
of the breech closer which enters the bore of the piece is formed cylindrically,
so as to fit the bore; but in order that the breech may be made as completely
gas-tight as may be, the fore end of the breech closer H is formed with
a circular projection 1, upon which is placed a copper, leaden, or other soft
metal washer m. This washer may be of equal thickness, if desired, and is
formed concave on one side and convex on the other. These parts are more
clearly shewn in the detached views in Figures 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. The
convex side is placed next to the shoulder m' formed in the breech closer,
which is formed of a concave corresponding shape to receive it. Figures 14
and 15 are respectively a plan and section of the washer m. A second washer
or disc n, represented in plan and-section in Figures 16 and 17, is likewise
mounted on the projection 1. The side of the disc or washer is convex to
fit the concave side of the washer m, while the other side may be rounded, as
shewn at n. The hole or eye of the washer n recessed at o, so that when the
screw, which is represented in Figure 18, is inserted and screwed into the
jection, its head may be flush with the rounded surface of the washer n.
Now, suppose that a cartridge has been inserted in the breech and the breech
closer jammed in its place by the bolt J', as represented in Figure 3, and the
piece discharged, upon the explosion taking place the disc or washern is forced
backward on the washer of soft metal m, causes it to expand and fit the
breech, and thereby prevents the escape of gas. To load again the lever D' is
turned backward into the position shewn by the dotted lines L, and when in
this position the bolt J assumes that of the dotted lines L, and the breech
closer that indicated by the dotted lines L". Immediately after the curved
pro-

page_text: end K of the bolt J' has left the curved recess K'in the breech closer H, the
tail K" of the bolt J' comes in contact with the curved projecting point K™"
of the lug, as shewn in the perspective view, Figure 12a; the lever, spindle, and
bolt J' being still turned, the projecting point K forces back and withdraws
the cylindrical portion of the breech closer from the bore until the parts
K", K, lose hold of each other; the back M of the bolt J' is then in
a position to take on or come into action with the point or projection M'
in the slot J, by which it forces back or withdraws the breech closer sufficiently
far to allow space between the cylindrical portion of the breech closer and
breech for a cartridge to be inserted; then to close the breech a reverse.
movement of the lever, spindle,bolt, and breech closer is produced by turning
forward the lever until the curved end thereof drops down on the top of and
over the barrel. The piece is then ready to be discharged in the ordinary
manner.
Figure 19 represents a side view of a lever D', with its curved end D",
spindle C, and locking bolt J' detached. Figure 20 is a plan of the same.
In this case I have shewn the bolt with a hole to fit the spindle C, similar to
that already described and represented in Figure 3, where a flat part is formed
in the spindle, and a hole is formed in the bolt J' with a flat side to correspond
to that on the spindle.
Figure 21 is a plan of a lever D', spindle C, with the locking bolt J¹
mounted thereon.
Figure 22 is a side view of the locking bolt J' mounted on the spindle C¹¹¹.
In this case the portion of the spindle C on which the bolt J' is mounted has
two flat sides r, r, formed on it to fit the hole in the bolt, which is of a corre-
sponding shape. To keep the bolt on the spindle I drill or otherwise form a
hole in the bolt, and partly into the spindle which is tapped, a pin,threaded
on its point, as indicated by the dotted lines s, is inserted and screwed therein.
The outer or notched end of the pin is seen in Figures 12a, 20, 21, and 22.
In some cases I mount a lever similar in shape to that of an ordinary lock
hammer on the spindle C, when the piece has the appearance of having a
double lock as represented in dotted lines t, in Figure 23, or the end of the
lever may terminate in a knob as shewn at Figure 23a; this hammer lever
is represented detached in Figure 24, where t is the lever, C" the spindle,
and J' the bolt which is shewn with a hexagonal hole, mounted on a hexagonal
part of the spindle C.
Figure 24 represents the lever D', bolt J', and breech closer H, applied to
a cannon or piece of ordnance.
Figure 25 is a plan of a portion of a breech charger where I employ simply

page_text: a lever and bolt to open and close the breech. N is the barrel; N¹ is a
bulged portion formed on the breech piece O; this breech piece is screwed
into the butt end of the barrel, as shewn in section in Figure 26.
Figure 27 is an end view of the breech piece, with bolt and lever
detached as seen from behind.
Figure 28 is a side view of the portion of the barrel with breech piece
and lever as seen from the back.
Figure 29 is a detached plan view of the lever and bolt, and Figure 30 is
a cross section of the bolt through the dotted line in Figure 29. D' is the
lever which is mounted on the end of the bolt P; the bolt is fitted in a hole
formed in the bulged portion N¹ of the breech piece; this bolt is at right
angles to the bore of the barrel, and when the lever D' and bolt P are in the
position shewn in Figures 25, 27, and 28, the breech is completely closed by
the bolt P, which crosses the bore of the breech piece or barrel, and lodges
in the opposite side of the bore, as represented by the dotted lines u, u. A
pin Q is screwed or otherwise fixed in the bulged portion N¹; the point of
this pin projects inwards and enters a helical slot v formed in the bolt P.
When the lever D¹ is turned over in the position of the dotted lines R, the
pin Q acts against the side of the helical slot v, and forces the bolt backward
so far as to clear the bore of the piece, to allow a cartridge to be inserted
therein, when the lever is again turned over and the bolt forced into the
position shewn in the Figures. A percussion cap w is then placed, bottom
downwards, in a recess or hole formed through the upper side of the bulged
portion N¹; a touchhole x is formed through the breech bolt, as shewn, so
as to coincide with a hole or recess in the bulged portion N¹; the bottom of
the cap rests on the bolt P over the touchhole x, ready to be exploded when
desired. It will readily be seen, that the face of the hammer in this case is
the reverse of that which is ordinarily in use, for instead of being hollow to
strike the top of the cap, the hammer is pointed at S, to enter the cap and
explode it by striking it on the inner side at bottom.
Figure 3.1 represents the lever D¹ and bolt P applied to the under side of a
barrel; the bulged part N projects downwards from the breech piece, and
passes through a hole in the stock T. The tail T¹ of the breech piece has a
slot T formed on it, in a hole in which the screw which secures it to the
stock is screwed. When the lever and bolt are in the position shewn, the
breech is shut, but to open the breech the lever (which is beneath the stock
and hasa curved crank formed in it to pass round the trigger guard) is brought
back into the position of the dotted lines D", when the action of the pin Q in
in the helical slot (as already described) presses the bolt down so that its end
v

page_text: may be clear of the bore of the piece to allow a cartridge to be inserted
therein. To close the breech, the lever and bolt are again turned into the
position shewn. A cap is inserted in the same manner as that already
described, with reference to the Figures immediately preceding, and is fired
by a hammer having a similar point to enter and strike on the bottom of the
cap.
The touchhole x in this instance is formed in the upper end of the bolt,
and passes out at its side into the interior and centre of the breech, so that the
fire which passes through it may ignite the powder in the cartridge.
Figure 32 represents a musket or fowling piece partly in section, to shew
more clearly the manner of applying the lever and bolt to open and close the
breeches of those fire-arms where the barrel or barrels P¹ is or are pivoted,
hinged, or jointed to the point of the stock as at U. D¹is the lever fixed on
the bolt P; U is a projection fixed to the under side of the barrel; the point
of this projection takes into the helical groove formed in the bolt P. U" is a
piece fixed on the under side of the barrel or barrels near their breech; the
point of this projection passes down through the stock, and has a notch formed
therein, in which the end of the lever D' takes so as to lock it and keep it in
position when charged. To charge the piece, the lever D¹ is laid hold of by
the knob D and turned round; the action of the helical groove which is
formed in the bolt P on the point of the projection U¹, raises the breech end
of the barrel or barrels sufficiently far above the breech piece V, to allow of
a cartridge being easily inserted in the breech or breeches of the barrel or
barrels, when they are again brought down into and locked in the proper
position for closing the breech or breeches prior to being discharged, by turn-
ing the lever and bolt in a reverse direction to that made use of in raising it or
them.
Figure 33 is a perspective view of a double-barrelled fowling-piece, fitted
with a lever and bolt similar to that in Figure 32.
Figure 34 is a view of one of my improved cartridges, which is formed in
two or more parts, W and X, held together by a paper or other case used to
hold the powder. W is the bullet enveloped in paper, and tied hard over its
rear end by a thread or other binding at Y; the powder is placed in the part
X; the end of the envelope is then turned in and secured in such a manner
that a hollow sufficiently large is left in the rear end of the cartridge, so that
a little grease, tallow, or other lubricating material may be placed therein, for
the purpose of lubricating the bore of the barrel at each discharge of the
piece. By constructing cartridges with a division or neck between the powder
and tying this neck with a thread or other binding as at Y, I am enabled to
use a breech-loading fire-arm, where there is a very short aperture in the

page_text: breech chamber. The neck or division at Y allows the cartridge to be bent
as shewn in Figure 35, to enable it to be easily inserted in the short aperture.
For sporting cartridges, instead of a bullet, I fill the paper or case which I
have before described as containing a bullet, with shot.
In Figure 36, at Z, I have shewn one of my improved projectiles, to which
a powder cartridge Z' is attached by a thread or other binding material. W¹
is a shaft of hard metal formed in a piece with the conical point X, and
having a washer or disc Y¹ placed, fixed, or formed on the opposite end
which end has a loop z formed on it, to which the cartridge Z is attached;
this shaft, conical point, and disc are placed in a mould, and molten lead is
poured therein, which forms the greater portion of the bullet as at Z. The
hard metal point ensures great penetration, while the soft or leaden portion
only touches the bore, which prevents injury to the rifling or to the barrel of
the fire-arm from which the projectile is fired. This projectile and cartridge
are likewise constructed for use in a breech-loading fire-arm with a short
aperture.
Figure 37 represents the position the cartridge will assume when placing
it in the breech.
Figure 38 shews one of my cartridges applied to an ordinary Minie bullet.
W is the bullet formed hollow at back; the plug a is inserted in this hollow';
the plug has a hole formed through it for the reception of a thread or binding;
on one end of the thread a knot is tied to prevent it being withdrawn from the
plug, and to the other end of the thread the case X containing the powder is
attached. After the plug has been inserted in the hollow of the bullet, the
lead is burred down over the back thereof to keep it in its place.
Figure 39 represents a modification of my jointed cartridge. W is the
bullet, and X the case containing powder; a collar a is cast or formed on the
back of the bullet, with an aperture or hole formed through it, and extending
up into the body of the bullet as shewn in the Figure. The edges of one end
of the material of which the powder case is composed, are twisted up, and the
end is inserted in the hollow in the collar and ball, and is retained therein by
pinching or pressing together the sides of the collar.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner I carry the same into effect, I declare that I claim,―
First, the general construction and arrangements of the parts of breech-
loading fire-arms herein-before described, and severally represented in Figurel,
Figure 3, Figure 25, and Figure 32 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Second, the particular construction and method of action of the breech
closer, propelling bolt, and lever, herein-before described and represented in

page_text: Figures 3 to 22 inclusive, and the modification of the lever shewn at Figures
23 and 24 of the Drawings hereunto annexed..
Third, the constructing of the tumblers in the locks of breech-loading arms,
and the propellers used to insert and withdraw the breech closers in the
manner herein-before described, in order to prevent the hammer from dis-
charging the percussion cap, until the breech is properly closed.
Fourth, the constructing of the locks in breech-loading arms, in such
manner as to cause the axle of the lever, for opening and closing the breech,
to work upon the tumbler or otherwise for the purpose of preventing the
percussion cap being discharged, until the breech is properly closed.
Fifth, the closing of the breech of breech-loading arms by means of a leve
and bolt constructed and acting in the manner herein-before described, and
represented in Figures 25 to 33 inclusive of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Sixth, the constructing of the conical end or fore part of bolts or other
apparatuses for closing the breech of breech-loading arms, by interposing
washer of soft metal between two hard metals.
Seventh, the constructing of projectiles by casting soft metal round a hard
metal core, as herein-before described.
And, last, the constructing of jointed cartridges; also, the construction of
cartridges formed in two or more parts, held together by the case used in
their construction, or by an eye and thread, or cord, or otherwise, as herein-
before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Restell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-eight.
Witness,
R. A. BROOMAN, Patent Agent,
166, Fleet Street, London.
THOMAS RESTELL. (L.S.)

page_text: Kent Road, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, for his Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, IN PROJECTILES, AND IN
CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING ARMS," bearing date the Fourteenth
day of October One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven (N° 2630).
DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to be
entered by the said Thomas Restell to the Specification of the said
Patent pursuant to an Act passed in the fifth and six years of His late
Majesty's reign intituled "An Act to amend the law touching Letters
Patent for Inventions."
WHEREAS since the filing of the said Specification of my said Patent I
have discovered that certain parts of the Invention therein described were not
of sufficient value and novelty to render it desirable to retain them as parts
of the said Specification, I therefore disclaim certain heads of the Invention
relating to arrangements of breech-loaders, and also that part of the Inven-
tion relating to the projectiles as distinguished from cartridges, and I alter the
title to conform thereto, (that is to say), I strike out from the title of the
Patent the words "in projectiles." In the Specification at page 3 of the printed
copy I strike out the paragraph commencing at line 33 with the words "while
the breech" and continue the erasure to line 13, page 4, including the words

page_text: "of the barrel and" To give sense to the next following passage in line 14
I alter the expression "the lever" to "a lever," and "the breech closer" to
"a breech closer." In line 16 I strike out the words "leaden or other.' "The
paragraph commencing in line 25 on the same page I strike out, and continue
the erasure to the end of the line 33. I further strike out the whole of 5
page
and the first eleven lines of page 6. In line 12 I strike out the words "instead
of forming" and also the words "to slide in dovetails," also in the next line
the words "likewise" and "it" to make the paragraph conform to the altered
Specification. At line 14 I alter the expression "a breech piece" to "the
breech piece," and I strike out the words "in this arrangement" and continue the
erasure to the end of the paragraph. At line 3, page 7, I introduce the reference
"see Figures 19, 20, and 21." On the same page at line 19 I strike out the
word "leaden," and introduce the word "suitable" after the word "other";
and at line 37 I insert the reference "Figures 2 and 3." At line 30, page 8,
I commence an erasure which I continue to the end of line 28, page 10, and
at line 30 I omit the words "or more." In page 11 I strike out lines 5 to 18
both inclusive. In the first claim I alter the word "arrangements" to the
singular, and in the next following line strike out the words "severally" and
Figure 1," and at line 37 I erase "Figure 25 and Figure 32" I also strike
out of the second claim the words "and the modification of the lever shewn at
Figures 23 and 24 retaining-the-word-"-Second." I also strike out the third,
fourth, and fifth claims, and the word "sixth" of the sixth claim, and substitute
therefor the word "third." I also strike out the seventh claim. And in the last
claim strike out the words commencing "also the construction of cartridges
formed" also the words "or more" and likewise the words "or by an eye and
thread or cord," down to and including " or otherwise," when the title of the
.Patent and the Specification will stand as follows, those Figures only of the
Drawings accompanying the Specification being retained which are expressly
referred to therein.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
RESTELL, of New Kent Road, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters
Patent bearing date the Fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did for Herself, Her heirs, and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Thomas Restell, Her special license that I, the said. Thomas Restell,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Thomas Restell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any

page_text: time agree with and no others, from time to time, and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING ARMS," upon
the condition (amongst others), that I the said Thomas Restell, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under. my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said. Letters...
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas Restell, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner; the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained: in .and by the following
statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed,
(that is to say):-
.
My Invention consists, first, in constructing and arranging the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms as follows:-I construct the breech of a piece
separate, from the barrel, the barrel being shortened for the purpose, and
I connect the two by screw threads. Upon the axis of a lever I fix a bolt, by
the turning of which I insert a breech closer into and withdraw it from the
rear end of the barrel. The fore end of the breech closer is formed
with a circular projection upon which a soft metal washer is placed,. and
over it a steel face, a screw holds these parts together, but the steel face is
free to slide over that part of the screw near the head which is not threaded.
The object of this arrangement is to cause the steel face upon the charge being
fired to press out the metal washer and prevent the escape of any gases from
the breech. The top of the breech closer has a slot formed in it to receive
the propelling and holding bolt. By turning back the lever the breech
closer is withdrawn, and by turning it forward and sending it home on the
barrel the breech is closed, and the bolt on the axis of the lever holds it.
firlmy in its position.
My improvement in cartridges consists in forming them in two or more
parts held together by the paper or other case used to hold the powder, I
am thus enabled to use a breech-loading arm where there is a very short
aperture in the breech chamber:
In order that my said Invention may be fully understood I will now.
proceed to describe the same with reference to the Drawings hereunto.
aunexed.

page_text: The sliding piece or breech closer I make to slide or move in a parallel recess
which is formed in the breech piece or in the rear end of the barrel.
Figure 3 represents a portion of a musket, partly in section, with the
before-mentioned improvements applied thereto. G is the barrel secured to
the fixed breech piece G¹at d. The breech piece is firmly secured to or in
the stock G by a screw e and band f; H is the breech closer which is fitted
and slides or moves in a slot or recess G11 formed in the end of the breech
piece G¹, which slot' or recess is more clearly shewn in Figures 4, 5, 6, and
7, Figure 4 being a plan of a portion of the musket barrel G and breech
piece G; Figure 5 a vertical section of the same; Figure 6 a section
through the line g, h, of Figure 5, and Figure 7 an end view.
Figure 1 represents a carbine fitted with a sword bayonet, and Figure 2ª is
a portion of an ordinary musket, both have my improvements applied thereto.
The dotted lines represent the positions of the levers and breech closers when
the pieces are being charged.
Figure 8 is a side view of the breech closer H detached; Figure 9 is a
vertical section; Figure 10 is a plan; Figure 11 is an under side view; and
Figure 12 a cross section of the same through the lines i, i; i, i, are
parallel slots formed in its sides. These slots take on to pins i", i", fixed in
the sides I, I, of the breech piece; I' is a lug or projection formed on the
under side of the tail I" of the breech closer H. This lug or projection is
cut away or is formed narrower at the neck so as to leave the two catches
j,j, projecting from its sides. These catches take into grooves j', j¹, formed
in the sides I, I, of the breech piece G', and partly serve as guides, and
partly for keeping the tail of the breech closer down in its place when the
piece is charged. J is a slot formed in the breech closer, in the slot the
peculiar shaped bolt J¹ works. The bolt J¹ is mounted on the lever spindle
C, in such a manner that if the lever D¹ (see Figures 19, 20, and 21) and
spindle Care moved, the bolt J¹ must partake of a corresponding motion.
In Figure 3 I have shewn that portion of the spindle on which the
bolt Jis mounted as round, and having a flat side k formed thereon which
fits into a hole J" in the bolt J' of corresponding shape. In some instances
I prefer to form the hole in the bolt, and that portion of the spindle on
which it is fixed, of a hexagonal shape as shewn in Figure 12, which is a
perspective view of the bolt J¹ and breech piece H; and in Figure 13
which is a side view of the bolt detached, I do not confine myself
to the particular shapes of hole shewn, as the hole may be formed with
any suitable number of sides, or the bolt may be mounted in the spindle
by means of a key or feather, or it may be fixed therein by means of a

page_text: pin, or in any other suitable manner which will prevent the lever and
spindle having a motion independent of the bolt. That portion of the
breech closer which enters the bore of the piece is formed cylindrically so
as to fit the bore, but in order that the breech may be made as completely
gas-tight as may be, the fore end of the breech closer H is formed with a
circular projection 1, upon which is placed a copper or other suitable, soft
metal washer m. This washer may be of equal thickness if desired, and is
formed concave on one side and convex on the other.
These parts are
more clearly shewn in the detached views in Figures 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, and
18. The convex side is placed next to the shoulder m² formed in tho
breech closer, which is formed of a concave corresponding shape to receive it.
Figures 14 and 15 are respectively a plan and section of the washer m. A
second washer or disc n, represented in plan and section in Figure 16, and
17 is likewise mounted on the projection l. The side n¹ of the disc or
washer is convex to fit the concave side of the washer m, while the other
side may be rounded as shewn at n". The hole or eye of the washer n
is recessed at o, so that when the screw, which is represented in Figure 18,
is inserted and screwed into the projection l, its head may be flush with the
rounded surface n¹ of the washer n. Now suppose that a cartridge has
been inserted, in the breech, and the breech closer jammed in its place by
the bolt J', as represented in Figure 3, and the piece discharged, upon the
explosion taking place the disc or washer n is forced backward on the
washer of soft metal m, causes it to expand and fit the breech, and thereby
prevents the escape of gas. To load again the lever D¹ is turned backward
into the position shewn by the dotted lines L (Figures 2 and 3) and when in
this position the bolt J¹ assumes that of the dotted lines L', and the breech
closer that indicated by the dotted lines L". Immediately after the curved
end K of the bolt J¹ has left the curved recess K¹ in the breech closer H
the tail K of the bolt J¹ comes in contact with the curved projecting
point K of the lug as shewn in the perspective view, Figure 12, the lever
spindle and bolt J¹ being still turned the projecting point K™ forces back
and withdraws the cylindrical portion of the breech closer from the bore
until the parts K", K, lose hold of each other, the back M of the bolt J'
is then in a position to take on or come into action with the point or pro-
jection M¹ in the slot J, by which it forces back or withdraws the breech.
closer sufficiently far to allow space between the cylindrical portion of the
breech closer and breech for a cartridge to be inserted, then to close the
breech a reverse movement of the lever spindle, bolt, and breech closer is
produced by turning forward the lever until the curved end thereof drops

page_text: down on the top of and over the barrel. The piece is then ready to be dis-
charged in the ordinary manner.
Figure 19 represents a side view of a lever D¹ with its curved end D",
spindle C, and locking bolt J¹ detached; Figure 20 is a plan of the same.
In this case I have shewn the bolt with a hole to fit the spindle C
similar to that already described and represented in Figure 3 where a flat
part is formed in the spindle, and a hole is formed in the bolt J¹ with a flat
side to correspond to that on the spindle.
Figure 21 is a plan of a lever D₁, spindle C, with the locking bolt J'
mounted thereon.
Figure 22 is a side view of the locking bolt J¹ mounted on the spindle C¹¹¹.
In this case the portion of the spindle C on which the bolt J' is mounted
has two flat sides r, r, formed on it to fit the hole in the bolt which is of a
corresponding shape. To keep the bolt on the spindle I drill, or otherwise
form a hole in the bolt and partly into the spindle, which is tapped, a pin
threaded on its point, as indicated by the dotted lines s, is inserted and
screwed therein. The outer or notched end of the pin is seen in Figures
12, 20, 21, and 22.
Figure 34 is a view of one of my improved cartridges which is formed in
two parts, W and X, held together by a paper or other case used to hold the
powder; W is the bullet enveloped in paper and tied hard over its rear end by
a thread or other binding at Y, the powder is placed in the part X, the end of
the envelope is then turned in and secured in such a manner that a hollow
sufficiently large is left in the rear end of the cartridge so that a little grease,
tallow, or other lubricating material may be placed therein for the purpose of
lubricating the bore of the barrel at each discharge of the piece. By con-
structing cartridges with a division or neck between the powder, and tying this
neck with a thread or other binding as at Y, I am enabled to use a breech-
loading fire-arm where there is a very short aperture in the breech chamber.
The neck or division at Y allows the cartridge to be bent as shewn in
Figure 35 to enable it to be easily inserted in the short aperture. For
sporting cartridges instead of a bullet I fill the paper or case, which I have
before described as containing a bullet, with shot.
Figure 38 shews one of my cartridges applied to an ordinary Minie bullet.
W is the bullet formed hollow at back, the plug a is inserted in this hollow,
the plug has a hole formed through it for the reception of a thread or
binding, on one end of the thread a knot is tied to prevent it being with-
drawn from the plug, and to the other end of the thread the case X,
containing the powder, is attached; after the plug has been inserted in the

page_text: hollow of the bullet the lead is burred down over the back thereof to keep
it in its place.
Figure 39 represents a modification of my jointed cartridge. W is the
bullet, and X the case containing powder, a collar a is cast or formed on the
back of the bullet, with an aperture or hole formed through it and extending
up into the body of the bullet as shewn in the Figure. The edges of one
end of the material of which the powder case is composed are twisted up,
and the end is inserted in the hollow in the collar and ball, and is retained
therein by pinching or pressing together the sides of the coller.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention and in what
manner I carry the same into effect, I declare that I claim,-
First, the general construction and arrangement of the parts of breech-
loading fire-arms herein-before described and represented in Figure 3 of
the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Second, the particular construction and method of action of the breech
closer, propelling bolt, and lever, herein-before described and represented in
Figures 3 to 22 inclusive.
Third, the constructing of the conical end or fore part of bolts or other
apparatuses for closing the breech of breech-loading arms by interposing a
washer of soft metal between two hard metals.
And, last, the constructing of jointed cartridges in two parts held together
by the case used in their construction, or otherwise, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Restell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-five.