IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING. FIRE-ARMS AND CARTRIDGES
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING. FIRE-ARMS AND CARTRIDGES." -A
communication from abroad by Louis Isaac Cahen, alias Lyon,
Manager of the Firm of Cahen, Lyon, and Company, of 13,
Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, Manufacturers..
Scaled the 4th December 1868, and dated the 30th June 1868..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 30th June 1868..
I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN. BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND
CARTRIDGES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in breech-loading fire-arms
and cartridges.

page_text: The improvements consist, 1st, in a mode of cocking the gun during
the act of loading; 2ndly, in the employment of a spring striker pro-
ducing a more powerful blow than can be obtained by a spring which
is cocked or put in tension by the hand without the aid of a lever;
3rdly, in so enclosing the striking parts as to prevent the admission of
dirt or matters which might impede the action of the mechanism; 4thly,
in obtaining a perfectly gas-tight joint by means of a non-metallic
cartridge of this Invention; 5thly, there is no cartridge case to be
extracted after the discharge; 6thly, the breech-closing and striking
mechanism are always preserved in a serviceable condition; 7thly, the
breech-closing plug is deprived of any part requiring renewal from wear;
8thly, the breech-loading fire-arms of this Invention may be readily
adapted for firing and extracting metal cartridges; Othly, in the appli-
cation in the latter case of an improved extractor for withdrawing metallic
cartridge cases or cases with metal ends.
These improvements are illustrated in the accompanying Drawings,
Sheet 1 of which shows the improvements relating to breech-loading fire-
arms using the cartridges of this Invention, which are also represented in
the same Sheet; Sheet 2 shows the improved fire-arm as adapted for use
with metallic cartridges; lastly, Sheet 3 shows the various modifications
in the cartridge extractor.
Firc-arms using Non-metallic Cartridges, Sheet 1.-Figures 1 and 1*
show an elevation and plan of the breech end of a gun provided with a
slot or opening K and trigger, which are the same as usual; Figure 2
represents a side view of the breech-closing plug G, seen also in Figures
4 and 5; Figure 3 shows a side view of the striker and parts, the stem Y
being provided with a spiral spring for acting on the striker in producing
the discharge. A ring Z is screwed on stem Y after placing the spiral
spring in position between Z and M. The part M slides on stem Y and
has a hole P receiving a screw passing through a corresponding hole in
plug G, as seen in Figure 2. This screw fixes the collar M in the
cavity N, Figure 5, without preventing stem Y from moving for com-
pressing the spiral spring in the cavity N. The part H, Figure 4,
formed on the end R of the striker rod, serves to compress the spiral
spring, its motion being limited by the trigger M', Figure 1, acting
on the part V, Figure 3. X is a space receiving the projection
formed on the trigger after firing. The part H is also provided

page_text: with an inclined end K', represented in Figures 3 and 4, which latter
Figure shows a plan of the breech plug and part H; while Figure 5 is a
section of the plug on line 1, 2, Figure 4. The lever F, seen in different
positions. in. Figures 2, 4, and 5, is provided. with a part L, which on
rotating the-breech-closing plug Gin opening the breech, slides partly
round the exterior of the breech C. During this movement the part L
comes in contact with the inclined end K' of the.part H, which being pre-
vented from turning, is thus forced back. This movement compresses, the
spiral spring and causes the trigger M¹ to engage with point V, Figure 3,
and the lever F being brought to a perpendicular position the end A¹ of
the inclined plane will be brought to the point B', Figure 5. After this
movement the breech plug may be readily slid back, the lever being of
the same width as the part H before mentioned. In order to close the
breech the plug is slid forward, and on turning down the lever the
point V, Figure 3, will be arrested by the trigger and so permit of the
gun being fired without requiring to be cocked separately.
Action of the Gun.-1st, the lever F is turned from right to left and
the closing plug. G then drawn back; 2ndly, the cartridge is inserted;
3rdly, the plug is pushed forward by the aid of lever F, the latter being
then turned from left to right; 4thly, the gun is fired.
arrangement of the parts three movements only. are required..
By this
Non-metallic Cartridges.-The cartridge is composed of a strong paper
case, cap, powder and ball, and a cup of vulcanized india-rubber. The
paper case should be lapped two and a half times round the.mandril on
which it is formed.. The cap is provided with six cars or flanges, two of
which are turned down, as shown in Figure G. Figure 7 shows a section
of the india-rubber cup to be applied on the rear end of the cartridge;
Figure 8 shows a complete, cartridge...
The following is, the, mode of making the cartridge :-The mandril is
provided with a cavity at its rear end for receiving the can, which is first
placed in position and the paper then coiled round the mandril, after
which it is drawn tightly round the cup by means of a string or gut, said
cord being passed between the flanges- of the cap including those that
are turned down; a knot is then tied with waxed thread at the point
where the cord is tied. The cartridge case provided with its cap is the.
filled with powder and the ball added, after which the paper is twisted

page_text: round the latter. Lastly, the india-rubber cup is gummed on the end
of the cartridge so as to enclose the cap. In firing the cup expands
sufficiently to prevent any escape of gas, and when the pressure ceases
the
cup on reassuming its original form readily falls out of the barrel
without its being necessary to extract it before introducing another
cartridge.
Sheet 2 of the Drawings shows the improved firc-arms as adapted for
use with metal cartridges. In this case the gun is modified in its
arrangement and provided with an extractor for withdrawing the cartridge
case after firing.
Figure 1, Sheet 2, shows a longitudinal vertical section of the breechi
end of the modified gun; Figure 2, a side view of the breech-closing
plug provided with its extractor; and Figure 3, a separate plan of the
'extractor. The same letters apply to the three Figures.
A, breech in which the sliding plug is received, and containing a
groove C for the extractor B, the latter being made of steel and provided
at one end with a nib D received in the trigger groove of the breech-
closing plug. This nib D abuts against the end of the groove on
drawing back the plug for re-loading so as to carry with it the cartridge
case after firing, the extractor in its backward movement abutting a
second time against the trigger E at its point F, which gives it a sufficient
jerk to throw out the cartridge case from the gun. G, Figure 2, breech-
closing plug and extractor, the latter being shown in the position it
occupies when the breech is open for loading; but when the cartridge
is inserted and the closing plug is moved forward the extractor abuts
against the end of the groove made in the barrel for its reception and
slides backwards, the nib D entering recess H. In this position the end
of the cartridge is held between the plug G and the extractor. The
space H in plug G is made to receive nib D, and also permits of the
plug being locked by its partial rotation. The cartridge extractor B has
a split I, Figure 3, giving it a spring action in its groove so as to
prevent its loosening, and enable it to remain in the position in which
it is placed.
Sheet 3 of the Drawings shows a simplified arrangement of cartridge
extractor to obviate the necessity of grooving the bolt, of leaving a groove
exposed in the bottom of the breech chamber, or of reducing the length
of the trigger screw. The same result may be obtained, viz., that of

page_text: limiting the to-and-fro motion of the cartridge extractor, by placing a
screw in the breech, whereby the screw above mentioned and the groove
may be dispensed with.
Figure 1, Sheet 3, shows a plan of the breech end of the gun provided
with a closing plug in the locked position and ready for firing; Figure 2
is a transverse section of same on line 1, 2, Figure 1; Figure 3, a sido
elevation of the parts in the locked position; Figure 4 shows the breecli
open for the insertion of a cartridge; Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectioni
of the breech showing the groove for the cartridge extractor; Figure 6
is a view of the breech plug and cartridge extractor, the latter being
shown in red lines; Figure 7 is a transverse section of the breech-closing
plug taken on the line 3, 4, Figure 6; lastly, Figures 8 and 9 show
separate plan and section of the cartridge extractor. The same letters
serve for all the Figures.
a, breech grooved at 6 for receiving the cartridge extractor c, Figures
8 and 9, which is provided with a nib at each end, one d serving to
extract the cartridge f, and the other g being received in the end of bolt n
and acted on thereby when sliding it back for opening the breech. The
end g is split at h to form a spring, which is received in the dovetail i of
bolt n, the object being to prevent the extractor becoming loose and
failing to act when the cartridge is inserted; j, groove or channel made
in hammer to receive the nib g of extractor c at the moment of
striking; 1, screw for limiting the motion, running in a groove m in
The same effect may be produced and the extractor limited in
its motion by means of the arrangement shown in blue lines, in which
case a screw is fitted in the breech o so as to limit the motion of the
extractor to the extent shown by the letter p. In this case channel m
and screw are also dispensed with.
0
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 29th December 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of June, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Alexander Melville Clark, Her special
licence that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander Melville
Clark, 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,
excrcise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND CARTRIDGES," a communication
to me from abroad by Louis Isaac Cahen, alias Lyon, Manager of the
Firm of Cahen, Lyon, and Company, of 13, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris,
Manufacturers, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Alexander Melville Clark, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven-
tion, 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 Melville Clark, do hereby
declare the nature of the 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 Sheet of Drawings
hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is
to say :-
This Invention relates to improvements in breech-loading fire-arms
and cartridges.
The improvements consist, 1st, in a mode of cocking the gun during
the act of loading; 2ndly, in the employment of a spring striker for
producing a more powerful blow than can be obtained by a spring which
is cocked or put in tension by the hand without the aid of a lever;
3rdly, in so enclosing the striking parts as to prevent the admission of
dirt or matters which might impede their action; 4thly, in obtaining a

page_text: perfectly gas-tight joint by means of a non-metallic cartridge of this
Invention; 5thly, there is no cartridge case to be extracted after the
discharge; 6thly, the breech-closing and striking mechanism is always
preserved in a serviceable condition; 7thly, the breech-closing plug is
deprived of any part requiring renewal from wear; 8thly, the breech-
loading fire-arms of this Invention may be readily adapted for firing and
extracting metal cartridge cases; 9thly, in the application in the latter
case of an improved extractor for withdrawing metallic cartridge cases
or cases with metal ends.
These improvements are illustrated in the accompanying Drawings,
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of which show the improvements
relating to breech-loading fire-arms using the cartridges of this In-
vention, which are also represented. Figures 10, 11, and 12 show
the improved fire-arms as adapted for use with metallic cartridges,
while Figures 13 to 21 show the various modifications in the cartridge
extractor.
Fire-arms using Non-metallic Cartridges.-Figures 1 and 2 show an
elevation and plan of the breech end of a gun provided with a slot or
opening K and trigger, which are the same as usual; Figure 3 repre-
sents a side view of the breech-closing plug G, seen also in Figures 5
and 6; Figure 4 shows a side view of the trigger and parts, the stem Y
being provided with a spiral spring for acting on the striker in producing
the discharge. A ring Z is screwed on stem Y after placing the spiral
spring in position between Z and M. The part M slides on stem Y, and
has a hole P receiving a screw passing through a corresponding hole in
plug G, as seen in Figure 3. This screw fixes the collar M in the
cavity N, Figure 6, without preventing stem Y from moving for com-
pressing the spiral spring in the cavity N. The part H, Figure 5, formed
on the end R of the striker rod, serves to compress the spiral spring, it
being held by the trigger M, Figure 1, abutting against the part V,
Figure 4; X is a space receiving the projection formed on the trigger
after firing. The part H is also provided with an inclined end K',
represented in Figures 4 and 5, which latter Figure shows a plan of the
breech plug and part H; while Figure 6 is a section of the plug on
line 1, 2, Figure 5. The lever F, seen in different positions in Figures
3, 5, and 6, is provided with a part L, which on rotating the breech-
closing plug G in opening the breech slides partly round the exterior of
:

page_text: the breech C. During this movement the part L comes in contact
with the inclined end K¹ of the part H, which being prevented from
turning is thus forced back. This movement compresses the spiral
spring, and causes the trigger M¹ to engage with point V, Figure 4, and
the lever F being brought to a perpendicular position, the end A¹ of the
inclined plane will be brought to the point B', Figure 6. After this
movement the breech plug may be readily slid back, the lever being of
the same width as the part H before mentioned. In order to close the
breech the plug is slid forward, and after turning down the lever (the
point V of part R, Figure 4, being still held by the trigger) the gun
may be fired without requiring to be cocked separately.
Action of the Gun.-1st, the lever F is turned from right to left, and
the closing plug G then drawn back; 2ndly, the cartridge is inserted;
3rdly, the plug is pushed forward by the aid of lever F, the latter being
then turned down from left to right; 4thly, the gun is fired. By this
arrangement of the parts three movements only are required.
Non-metallic Cartridges.-The cartridge is composed of a strong
paper case, a cap, powder and ball, and a cup of vulcanized india-
rubber. The paper should be lapped two and a half times round the
mandril on which it is formed into a case.
The cap
is provided with six
ears or flanges, two of which are turned down as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 8 shows a section of the india-rubber cup to be applied on the
rear end of the cartridge; Figure 9 shows a complete cartridge.
The following is the mode of making the cartridge :-The mandril is
provided with a cavity at its rear end for receiving the cap, which is
first placed in position' and the paper then coiled round the mandril,
after which the paper is drawn tightly round the cap by means of a
string or gut, said cord being passed between the flanges of the cap,
including those that are turned down; a knot is then tied with a waxed
thread at the point where the cord is tied. The cartridge case pro-
vided with its cap is then filled with powder, and the ball added, after
which the paper is twisted round the latter. Lastly, the india-rubber
cup is glued on the end of the cartridge so as to enclose the cap. In
firing the cup expands sufficiently to prevent any escape of gas, and
when the pressure ceases the cup on reassuming its original form readily
falls out of the barrel without its being necessary to extract it before
introducing another cartridge.

page_text: In order to adapt these improved fire-arms for use with metal
cartridges the gun is modified in its arrangement and provided with
an extractor for withdrawing the cartridge case after firing; these
improvements are illustrated in Figures 10, 11, and 12.
Figure 10 shows a longitudinal vertical section of the breech end of
a modified gun; Figure 11, a side view of the breech-closing plug
provided with its extractor; and Figure 12, a separate plan of the
extractor. The same letters apply to the three Figures.
A, breech in which the sliding plug is received, and containing a
groove C for the extractor B, the latter being made preferably of steel,
and provided near one end with a nib D received in the trigger groove of
the breech-closing plug. This nib D abuts against the end of said
groove, so that on drawing back the plug for reloading, the extractor
will move with it together with the cartridge case after firing. The
end E of extractor B in its backward movement abuts against the
trigger F, which give it a sufficient jerk to throw out the cartridge case
from the gun.
G, Figure 11, breech-closing plug and extractor, the
latter being shown in the position it occupies when the breech is
opened for loading; but when the cartridge is inserted and the closing
plug is moved forward, the extractor is caused to abut against the end
of the recess made in the barrel for its reception, the nib D entering
recess H on reversing the lever of plug G for locking the breech. In
this position the end of the cartridge is held between the plug G and
the extractor. The space H in plug G is made to receive nib D, and
also to permit of the plug being locked by its partial rotation. The
cartridge extractor B has a split I, Figure 12, giving it a spring action
in its groove so as to prevent its becoming loose, and enable it to remain
in any position required.
The Invention further relates to a simplified arrangement of cartridge
extractor to obviate the necessity of grooving the bolt, of leaving a
groove exposed in the bottom of the breech chamber, and of reducing
the length of the trigger screw. This result may be obtained, viz., that
of limiting the to-and-fro motion of the cartridge extractor, by placing
a screw in the breech, whereby the screw above mentioned and the
groove may be dispensed with.
Figure 13 shows a plan of the breech end of a gun provided with a
closing plug in the locked position and ready for firing; Figure 14 is

page_text: a transverse scetion of same on, line 1, 2, Figure 13; Figure 15, a side
elevation of the parts in the locked position; Figure 16 shows the
breech open for the insertion of a cartridge; Figure 17. is a longitudinal
section of the breech, showing the groove for the cartridge extractor;
Figure 18 is a view of the breech plug and extractor, the latter. being
shown in blue lines; Figure 19 is a transverse section of the breech-
closing plug taken on the line 3, 4, Figure 18; lastly, Figures 20 and 21
show separate plan and section of the cartridge extractor. The same
letters serve for all the Figures.
a, breech grooved at 6 for receiving the cartridge extractor c, Figures
20 and 21, which is provided with a nib at each end, one d serving to
extract the cartridge f, and the other being received in the end of
bolt n, and acted on thereby when sliding it back for opening the breech.
The end is split at h to form a spring, which is received in the dove-
tail i of bolt n, the object being to prevent the extractor becoming loose
and failing to act when the cartridge is inserted;. j, groove or channel
made in hammer k to receive the nib g of extractor c at the moment of
striking, screw for limiting the backward motion of plug n entering.
a groove m in said bolt. The same effect may be produced and the
extractor also limited in its motion by means of the arrangement shown
in blue lines, in which case a screw is fitted in the breech at o, Figure 17,
so as to limit the motion of the extractor to the extent shown by the
letter p.
In this manner channel m and screw are both dispensed
with..
Having described the nature of this Invention and the manner of
performing the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to.
be protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
1st. I claim the improvements in breech-loading fire-arms herein-
before described for use with the improved cartridges of this Invention,
the chief feature consisting in the self-acting mode of cocking by means
of the inclined plane K of plug G, as. illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. of
the Drawings, so as to complete the loading in three motions.
2ndly. I claim the improved non-metallic cartridge herein described,
provided with a vulcanized india-rubber base, and which leaves no
residue that requires extraction after firing, all as herein-before described
and illustrated in the Drawings.

page_text: 3rdly. I claim the improvements described to adapt the breech-loading
firc-arms of this Invention for using metallic cartridges.
4thly. I claim the improved arrangements of cartridge extractors
illustrated in the Drawings, operated in the manner described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, havo
hereunto set my hand and scal, this Twenty-eighth day of
December, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-eight.
Witness,
JAMES DAISH,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)