IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE- AEMS AND ORDNANCE, AND OF THE CARTRIDGES OR PROJECTILES TO BE USED THEREWITH
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Genhart, Armourer, of the City of Liege, in
the Kingdom of Belgium, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-
AEMS AND ORDNANCE, AND OF THE CARTRIDGES OR PROJECTILES TO BE USED
THEREWITH."
Scaled the 2nd June 1857, and dated the 3rd December 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Genbart at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 3rd
December 1856.
I, HENRY GENHART, Armourer, of the City of Liege, in the Kingdom of
Belgium, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN FIRE-ARMS AND ORDNANCE, AND OF THE CARTRIDGES OR PROJECTILES TO BE USED
THEREWITH," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain new and improved mechanical arrange-
ments and combinations to be used in the construction of fire-arms and
ordnance, and consists principally in arranging and disposing the chamber or
revolving breech containing the projectiles horizontally instead of vertically, as
heretofore commonly practised in the construction of fire-arms known and
distinguished as "revolvers," and in the application of such said horizontal
revolving breech to the construction of carbines, muskets, fowling-pieces,
musquetons, wall pieces, and such like weapons of defence. The principle of
construction of these improvements will bo better understood by the following
explanation of tho mode of applying this Invention to the manufacture of a
pistol, by way of example, that is to say, I form the barrel thereof to fit into a
cylindrical breech case, so as to move backward and forward therein; connected

page_text: with this said case is a cylindrical hammer; thero is also a small ratchet wheel,
having teeth corresponding with this several chambers in the cylindrical case
in which it turns; there is an eccentric embraced by a ring terminating in a
rod, upon which is formed a left-handed screw. A hinge fits into an opening
in the side of the barrel; and on one side of the hinge pin is fixed a right-
handed screw; this screw is connected to a left-handed screw by a nut, formed
accordingly for either lengthening or shortening the respective parts, so as to
regulate the sliding movement of the barrel. The above-mentioned eccentric
has an hexagonal-shaped opening formed therein, into which a rod of cor-
responding shape fits, and at the opposite end of said rod, where the pall of the
aforesaid ratchet wheel is fixed, the rod is formed circular and moves in a
suitable bearing. The mainspring of the hammer is fixed by a pin passed
through the breech case. The movement of the trigger is regulated by a small
spring passing through the mainspring; the cylindrical hammer also passes
through said mainspring. This hammer is operated upon by a piu at bottom
thereof, which serves to drive said hammer up. There is a lever handle
connected to the barrel, for pushing the barrel outward at each discharge, and
for again inserting the breech end into another chamber in the revolving
chargeholder, which is caused to rotate upon its axis, so as to present another
charge in a line with the bore in the barrel, after the method practised with
ordinary revolvers. The contents of each chamber are discharged in succession
by the action of the trigger operating upon a spring in connection with the
cylindrical hammer, the upper end whereof strikes against a projecting
detonating cap attached to the cartridge case, which contains the projectile
compound, of small shot and gunpowder, or otherwise, according to the
description of fire-arm or gun to which such said mechanism is to be adapted.
The above cartridges are made in a compound mould suitable for the purpose,
and the cases of said cartridges may be made either of cloth, post paper, tin,
or leadfoil, but I prefer the use of tinfoil. The percussion cap I form either
of copper or glass.
An important feature in this part of my said Invention consists in
steeping the cartridge when formed in melted stearine or other similar
substance, so as to coat it therewith, thereby protecting it from moisture,
and enabling the cartridges to be kept uninjured for a considerable length of
time; the fatty coating also serves to facilitate the discharge of the cartridge
from the fire-arm or gun. In forming cartridges to be used in small fire-arms,
I mix or moisten the gunpowder with spirits of wine, and whilst in the moist
state I pour it into the cartridge case, so that when the spirit evaporates it
leaves the powder in close contact with the shot. The case is then placed in

page_text: a mould on the powder, and the shot rammed down thereon in any convenient
manner, the projecting part of the case is then folded over and the cartridge
removed from the mould; the percussion cap or tube is then attached thereto,
and, finally, the cartridge is coated with stearine or other similar substance, as
before described, and is then ready for use..
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Genhart in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd June 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
GENHART, Armourer, of the City of Liege, in the Kingdom of Belgium, send.
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most. Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Genhart, Her special licence that I, the said Henry Genhart, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry.
Genbart, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during tho:
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARNS
AND ORDNANCE, AND OF THE CARTRIDGES OR PROJECTILES TO BE USED THEREWITH,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry Genhart, ny
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. Henry Genhart, do hereby declare tho
nature of the 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, that is to say:-
My Invention relates to certain new and improved mechanical arrange-
ments and combinations to be used in the construction of fire-arms and
ordnance, and consists principally in arranging and disposing the chamber or

page_text: revolving breech containing the projectiles horizontally instead of vertically, as
heretofore commonly practised in the construction of fire-arms known and
distinguished as "revolvers," and in the application of such said horizontal
revolving breech to the construction of carbines, muskets, fowling-picces,
musquetons, wall pieces, and such like weapons of defence. The principle of
construction of these improvements will be better understood by the following
explanation of the mode of applying my said Invention to the manufacture of
a pistol, by way of example, that is to say, I form the barrel thereof to fit into
a cylindrical breech case, so as to move backward and forward therein; con-
nected with this said case is a cylindrical hammer; there is also a small ratchet
wheel, baving teeth corresponding with the several chambers in the cylindrical
case in which it turns; there is an excentric embraced by a ring terminating in
a rod upon which is formed a left-handed screw. A bingo fits into an opening
in the side of the barrel, and on one side of the hinge pin is fixed a right-
handed screw; this screw is connected to a left-handed screw by a nut,
formed accordingly for either lengthening or shortening the respective parts,
so as to regulate the sliding movement of the barrel. The above-mentioned
excentric has an bexagonal-shaped opening formed therein, into which a rod of
corresponding shape fits, and at the opposite end of said rod, where the pall
of the aforesaid ratchet wheel is fixed, the rod is formed circular and moves in
a suitable bearing. The mainspring of the hammer is fixed by a pin passed.
through the breech case. The movement of the trigger is regulated by a small
spring passing through the mainspring; the cylindrical hammer also passes
through said mainspring. This hammer is operated upon by a pin at bottom
thereof, which serves to drive said hammer up. There is a lever handle con-
nected to the barrel, for pushing the said barrel outward at each discharge, and
for again inserting the breech end into another chamber in the revolving
chargeholder, which is caused to rotate upon its axis, so as to prescut another
charge in a line with the bore in the barrel, after the method practised with
ordinary revolvers. The contents of each chamber are discharged in succession
by the action of the trigger operating upon a spring in connection with the cylin-
drical hammer, the upper end whereof strikes against a projecting detonating
cap attached to the cartridge case which contains the projectile, composed of
small shot and gunpowder, or otherwise, according to the description of fire-
arm or gun to which such said mechanism is to be adapted.
The above cartridges are made in a compound mould suitable for the
purpose, and the cases of said cartridges may be made either of cloth, post
paper, tin, or leadfoil, but I prefer the use of tinfoil. The percussion cap
I form either of copper or glass.

page_text: An important featuro in this part of my said Invention consists in
steeping the cartridge, when formed, in melted stearine or other similar
substance, so as to coat it therewith, thereby protecting it from moisture,
and enabling the cartridges to be kept uninjured for a considerable length
of time; the fatty coating also serves to facilitate the discharge of the
cartridge from the fire-arm or gun. In forming cartridges to be used in
small fire-arms, I mix or moisten the gunpowder with spirits of wine, and
whilst in the moist state I pour it into the cartridge case, so that when
the spirit evaporates it leaves the powder in close contact with the shot.
The case is then placed in a mould on the powder, and the shot rammed
down thereon in any convenient manner; the projecting part of the case is
then folded over and the cartridge removed from the mould; the percussion
cap or tube is then attached thereto, and, finally, the cartridge is coated
with stearino or other similar substance, as before described, and is then.
ready for use.
In order to explain my said Invention as completely as possible, I now
proceed to describe the best means I am acquainted with for carrying the
same into practical effect, and have attached to these Presents a Sheet of.
Drawings illustrative of the principle of construction which I adopt, and
have found answer well for effecting the objects of my said improvements.
The above-mentioned Sheet of Drawings is marked with numeral figures
and letters of reference, similar letters being employed to denote corresponding
parts in so far as such parts appear or can be seen at each of such said
Figures respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a pistol constructed according to my said
Invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the under side of the same
through the line A, B, at Figure 3, which last-mentioned Figure is a longi-,
tudinal and vertical section through the line C, D. Figure 4 is a plan
view of the top side of the pistol; Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 aro
detached parts, herein-áfter described and referred to.
At each of the foregoing Figures I employ similar letters of reference to
denote corresponding parts, in so far as such parts appear or can be seen.
at each of such said Figures respectively. At Figures 1, 2, 3, A is the
barrel of the pistol, fitting into the breech case B, so as to be capable of
moving backward or forward therein; C, a cylindrical hammer; D, the axis
of a small ratchet wheel, furnished with a number of teeth, corresponding
with the chambers in the cylinder X, the lower part of which is inserted

page_text: in the cylindrical breech case, in which it turns. E is an excentric, surrounded
by a ring f, and terminating in a left-handed screw F; g is a hinge, fitting
into an opening in the side of the barrel, and held firmly in its position by
a pin, which passes horizontally through it and into the barrel. On one
side of the aforesaid hinge pin is fixed a right-handed screw G. h is the
nut, which corresponds with the said hinge pin and excentric ring Q, which
has a right-handed screw on one side thereof and a left-handed screw on tho
other. The nut h works on parts f and g, and by turning it one way or the
other the respective parts are lengthened and shortened, and thus regulate
the movement of the barrel. The excentric E is perforated with an hexagonal
opening, into which the rod i, also hexagonal on one side, fits exactly, (see
Figure 4.) This rod passes entirely through the perforated part of the breech,
but is hexagonal only at the part which fits into the excentric, and at tho
opposite end, where the pall R of the ratchet wheel fitted on the axis D is
fixed. The remainder of the rod is round and moves in the bearing. m is
the mainspring of the hammer, fixed by a pin n going through the brecch
case; is the trigger, which is regulated by the small spring p, which passes
through the mainspring m, as does tho cylindrical hammer C, which is
traversod at the bottom by a pin, which serves to drive it up with the main-
spring m q, r, are two small connecting rods, attached to each other, and
actuated or governed by the pall 7. The rod r has at one end a notch, which
takes into the ratchet wheel. S is a thin iron socket, which covers the lock,
and is fixed by the screw t, connecting the stock with the metallic part of
the pistol. When the lever handle x, x, is pushed home the barrel is advanced
by means of the excentric which is connected with the lever handle: (see
the opening between the breech and the seat of the barrel, Figure 1.) This
notion of the lever depresses the mainspring by means of the pin Q', fixed
to the excentric, and projecting a little on each side thereof. With
the mainspring the hammer is also drawn downwards, and the trigger,
pushed by the spring p, falls with its shoulder under the mainspring; at the
same time the small connecting rods are so far drawn backwards that the notch
in the rod r takes into one tooth of the ratchet wheel, and is held there by tho
small spring . The lever handle being restored to its horizontal position, the
barrel is moved back into the breech, but the two connecting rods move in
the opposite or forward direction before the barrel enters the breech, and the
notch advances the ratchet wheel on its axis th, 18th, 1th, 14th, &c. of its
circumference, according to the number of chambers in the cylinder, the
peculiar construction of which will be readily understood by reference to
Figure 6 of the Drawings. At the same time the pallescapes from tho

page_text: indentation in the connecting rod q, and slides along its circular end whilst the
pall stops, and the barrel enters into the corresponding chamber a. One
complete movement of the lever handle, therefore, causes the barrel and the
connecting rods to move once backwards and forwards, the cylinder to advance
by means of the grooves y, and the main spring. to be depressed, and the
chambers of the cylinder being charged with the cartridges (of the construction
herein-after described), that chamber which is in a line with the barrel will be
discharged on the trigger being pulled. The action of pulling the trigger causes
the cylindrical hammer which is connected with the mainspring to penetrate
its entire length into the circular aperture z, corresponding with the cartridgo
chambers containing the caps of the cartridges, thus causing the said caps to
detonate and explode the cartridge; but as the cylindrical hammer fits exactly
the aperture, it closes hermetically tho communication between it and the
cartridge chamber, so as to effectually prevent the escape of gas, which escape
is likewise prevented by the perfect adjustment of the barrel in the cartridge
chamber. It will be seen, by referring to the Drawing, that on depressing the
lever handle x, x, the barrel will move forward and leave the cylinder free to
make another advance, whilst by raising again the lever handle the barrel
redescends into the breech of the cylinder case, and presses so firmly the cylinder
against the axis of the case and the circumference thereof, that the barrel and
cylinder form, as it were, only one piece, and remain so until the shot is discharged,
when by a repetition of the movement of the lever handle another cartridge
chamber is brought into a line with the barrel. In order that the explosion of
the powder may be complete in the cylinder chamber, the diameter of the ball.
should be somewhat larger than that of the barrel, so that the resistance of the
ball allows of the perfect expansion of the gases before it can be forced through
the barrel. At the inner end of the cartridge chamber a is left a small space
unoccupied by the cartridge, the purpose of which is to allow a portion of the
gases to pass behind the envelope of the cartridge, so as to drive out the frag-
ments of the envelope and of the cap, which might otherwise remain partially
in the chambers, thus allowing these to be recharged without cleansing, and
the firing from 20 to 30 shots in a minute, so that by using one or more
supplementary cylinders, and having an assistant to charge them, an almost
unlimited number of shots may be fired without interruption.
Although I have confined myself to the description of a pistol, it is obvious
that any other kind of fire-arins may be constructed on the same principle, such
as carbines, fowling-pieces, muskets, mousquetous, wall pieces, &c., &c., and from
the peculiarity of the system would offer with the pistol the following advan-
tages First, the cylinder being separated from the body of the arm it is

page_text: rendered totally useless; secondly, its allowing the use of any number of
cylinders, and consequently of an almost uninterrupted number of shots.
I now proceed to describe the mode of manufacturing my cartridges, and the
apparatus used therein and therefor, as represented at Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, and 13. Figure 12 is a vertical section of an outer mould, shewing in the
centre thereof a small aperture to receive the slight steel pin a, provided with
a shoulder, which fits exactly into a corresponding aperture formed in the centro
of the said mould. Figure 13 is the inner form or mould, the diameter of
which is smaller than that of the outer mould by the thickness of the material
employed for the cartridge covors. The aforesaid form or mould is provided at
its lower part with a hole corresponding to the steel pin a. Figure 11 shews the
rammer which serves to press the ball upon the powder, having at its lower end
oither a hemispherical or conical cavity, according to the form of ball required.
For the envelope or cartridge case I use either post paper, tin, or leadfoil, or
any other suitable substance, preferring the tinfoil. The material selected is
first cut into square pieces, the size of which should exceed by one quarter the
circumferenco. of the inner mould, and extend one quarter of an inch above its
glandular-shaped head. It is then turned on the inner mould, and the lower
part twisted so as to exactly and completely cover the conical part of it. The
inner mould so covered is then introduced into the outer mould. A slight blow
is given to the inner one, which can then be easily withdrawn, leaving the
cartridge case round the inner side of the outer mould. The required quantity
of powder is then poured in, and the ball placed upon it; the rammer 11 is
then placed on the ball and driven down as far as it can go; a slight blow is
then given to the steel pin a, which pushes the cartridge out of the mould. In
the aperture made by the said pin is next inserted the percussion cap or tube,
which I make of copper or glass, of any required size. The cartridge is next
immersed in melted stearine or any other suitable substance, sufficient of which
is allowed to remain on it as will form a slight covering, protecting it from
being injured by atmospheric moisture, and enabling it to be kept a long time.
This fatty covering has also the effect of diminishing the friction in the barrel
at the time of firing. I would observe, that although the ball is pressed
violently on the powder in making the cartridge there is no danger of an
explosion taking place.
To prepare shot or cartridges intended for fowling pieces and sporting pur-
poses, I proceed as follows:-Figure 9 shews, in vertical section, a small shot
cartridge. B is the percussion cap or tube; D, the shot case, shewn at
Figures 7 and 8; it is made of copper or any other suitablo material, and of the
exact size of the bore of the gun. It is fitted with shot placed as nearly as

page_text: possible in regular layers, the number of which depends on the size of the shot
employed. I then fill up the spaces between the shot with a moist mixture of
finely-ground gunpowder and spirit of wine; the latter evaporates rapidly.
leaving the powder alone closely in contact with the shot in the case, which
is then placed in the mould on the powder and rammed down thereon in
any convenient manuer. The projecting part of the envelope is then folded
over the bottom of the case, and the cartridge removed from the mould by a
slight blow, the percussion cap or tube is then added, the cartridge immersed
in stearine or other suitable substance, as before described, and is then ready
for use.
Having now described the nature and object of my improvements in fire-
arins and ordnance, and of the cartridges or projectiles to be used therewith,
together with the best means I am acquainted with for carrying the same into
practical effect, it is to be understood that I do not confine myself to the
number of cartridge chambers in the cylinder, nor to the calibre thereof, which
1 vary as required; nor do I confine myself to the mode described of making the
cylinder rotate or advance, which may be done by other mechanical contri-
vances, or even by hand. And as regards cartridges for fowling-pieces, &c.,
commonly termed shot cartridges, I do not confine myself in the manufacture
of the shot cases to the use of metal, but reserve to myself the right of using
cloth, paper, or any other suitable substances. And I hereby declare my
Invention to consist in, and I claim,―
First, the general arrangement and combination of parts as above described,
and represented at Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of the annexed Drawing, as
constituting improvements in fire-arms.
Secondly, the mode above described, and represented at Figure 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 18, of manufacturing cartridges.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Genhart, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
JOIN PIDDINGTON,
77, Montagne do In Cour,
Brussels.
HENRY GENHART. (L.S.)