IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH- LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Allen, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Gun Maker, for the Invention of “IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS,”
Sealed the 16th May 1871, and dated the 25th November 1870.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Allen at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
25th November 1870.
I, HENRY ALLEN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Gun
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “IMPROVE-
MENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows, that is to say :—
The object of my improvements is to dispence with what is generally
known as the "break down" action in opening the parts of the breech to
expose the barrels for reloading.
My Invention also relates to certain improved methods of forming the
hammers of breech-loading fire-arms.
The nature of my improvements will be more readily understood by
reference to the Drawings hereunto attached, which are merely intended
to illustrate and explain the parts referring to my Invention.

page_text: Figures 1 and 2 represent a closed and a partially opened sectional
view of an arrangement of the breech according to my Invention, and
so as to dispense with the "break down" action of the barrels.
(a) is the metal body, to which are secured the stock (6) and the
barrels (c); (d) is a peculiarly formed lump having a seating on the
body (a) and capable of being raised therefrom to expose the barrels for
reloading, and also of being securely fastened down to close the breech.
The lump (d) works upon a hinge joint (e), and is actuated by a lever
and lever arm (ſ, ƒ³,) which are formed in one piece and work upon the
centre (9). The lever arm (f) is suitably shaped at its lower end so as
to pass through a slot in a sliding bolt (h) working through a portion (i)
of the lump (d), and also partially into the solid part of the body (a)
or barrels (c), or both, as at (k), when the breech is closed. To increase
the security of the parts I purpose forming projections and slots upon
the body (a) and upon the under side of the lump (d) which fit into 1
each other. (i) indicates one of the hammer levers which are secured
upon the sides of the lump (d), the hammer, bolt, and springs being
suitably contained therein.
In the closed view Figure 1 it will be seen that the sliding bolt (h)
has been forced home by means of the lever (ƒ) and forked lever 2
arm (f) working together, and that the lever (f) is down in place
having a snug piece (1) fitting in a recess formed by the shape of the
lump (d) and body (a); the parts of the breech are thus securely and
rigidly fixed. To expose the breech the lever (f) is first lifted upwards, .
when the simultaneous action of the lever arm (ƒ) will withdraw the 2
sliding bolt (4) from the recess (k) in the barrels, when the whole lump (d)
may be raised from its seating and thrown back. I work the extractor
to be used with this description of fire-arm by means of a small rod
or slide, or a pair of slides working in grooves in the body (a) and ·
actuated with the movement of the lump (d) by a cam, "dog," catch, 8
or other similar arrangement.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate in a partially opened and a closed sectional
view another arrangement whereby the barrels (m) are caused to slide
forward upon the metal body (n) in order to expose the barrels (m) for
reloading. I form a lever (o) working downward upon a pin (p), to 31
which is also connected a crank (r) and mover (¹). In the closed
view Figure 4 the lever (o) is shewn as up in position and having its
head (s) fitting into a slot in the body (n), and also into a recess formed

page_text: in the solid part of the barrels, and thus locking the parts. (c) is an
arched lump piece shewn in detail in section and side elevation, Figures 5
and 6, upon which the barrels are secured solid. The arch lump (4) is
cut out to receive the plug end (n³) of the body (n) shaped to slide into
it, and the body (n) is grooved to receive the slide (u) of the arched
lump piece, the end of the slide (u) being formed to enter a corresponding
hole in the side of the body (n), as shewn.
То open the breech of a gun so formed the hand lever (0) is pressed
downward, and when the head (s) has moved a sufficient distance upon
its centre (p) to become free of the recess in the solid part of the barrels
they will commence moving forward by the impingement of the head (s)
in its slot and the knuckle (o') against the crank (r) which becomes
straightened and thrusts forward the mover (r). The further movement
of the barrels may be effected by means of a helical or other suitable
spring exerting its force horizontally and contained in the part (w).
.
Or by another method, as shewn in Figures 7 and 8 in a closed and
partially opened sectional view, I form the barrels (A) to slide upon
the body (B) to expose the breech, the locking and releasing of the parts.
being obtained by à partially revolving spindle (0) secured at one end
into the stock or body and formed at its other end into a nut or catch
piece (D). (E) is the arched lump shewn detached in Figures 9 and 10
having a slot suitably shaped for the passage of the nut or catch pieco (D)
lengthways to allow of the sliding of the barrels forward. The partially
revolving spindle (O) is actuated by a suitable lever secured, thereto and
projecting at the side of the gun so as to be worked by hand. '(E') is
the slide of the arched lump (E). formed as indicated in dotted lines
Figure (9) to fit into dovetailed or other suitably shaped grooves in the
body (B). The parts aro locked and secured by the partially revolving
spindle (0) being turned so that the nut or catch piece (D) may lock
and impinge upon the face of the arched lump (E), as shewn in dotted.
lines Figure 9.
The extractor for the guns described 'in Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8 I work
with small horizontal slides or rods connected with the moving parts
and actuated by cams, dogs, or catches.
My Invention further relates to improvements in the formation of the
hammers for breach-loading fire-arms whereby the needles may ha

page_text: opened for reloading without the necessity of first pulling back the
hammers.
Referring to Figure 11, I form a nose or moveable joint (F) hinged to
the lever (G) by a pin upon which it works as a centre. In the centre
of the nose (F) I bore a holo to receive the end of the needle after firing,
as indicated in dotted lines. The needle will first be struck by the solid
or lower part (H) of the nose (F) with sufficient force to discharge the
cartridge, and the completion of the descent of the hammer will bring
the hole in the nose (F) opposite the end of the needle, allowing it to
pass in, and thus to free the needle from the cartridge. To keep the
nose (F) up in position I employ a suitable spring. On pulling back
the lever (G) ready for firing the hinged nose (F) will give way sufficiently
to free the needle.
Or, as shewn in Figure 12, I form a boss (I) upon the nipple and a
rounded projection (K) upon the nose (F), so that in the descent of the
hammer the projection (K) slides over the edge of the boss (I), and
when the hammer is pulled back the impingement of the two parts will
cause the nose to give way so as to free the needle. This description of
hammer I purpose using in cases where the hammer is intended to strike
the needle in the direct line of its axis.
Figure 13 shews another method of hinging the moveable nose (F) by
forming the nose with two arms, the lever (G) being secured between
them; or, as shewn in Figure 14, the nose (F) may be formed with a
lever (L) so as to work with the lever (G); or again, I purpose using in
the nose (F) a small vertical slide suitably arranged to give the necessary
play to the hammer.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Allen in the Great Scal Patent Office on the
23rd May 1871.
.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY 3
ALLEN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Gun Maker, send
greeting.

page_text: year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-
fourth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Henry Allen, Her special license
that I, the said Henry Allen, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry Allen, 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," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said Henry Allen, 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
3 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 Allen, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
O performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, that is to say :—
5
0
5
The object of my improvements is to dispense with what is generally
known as the "break down action," in opening the parts of the breech
the barrels for reloading.
to expose
My Invention also relates to certain improved methods of forming the
hammers of breech-loading fire-arms.
The nature of my improvements will be more readily understood by
reference to the Drawings hereunto attached, which are merely intended
to illustrate and explain the parts referring to my Invention.
Figures 1 and 2 represent a closed and a partially opened sectional
view of an arrangement of the breech according to my Invention, and
so as to dispense with the "break down" action of the barrels, the
arrangement of the parts shewn for closing being modified from those
specified in Figures 1 and 2 in my Provisional Specification.
(a) is the metal body or shoe, to which are secured the stock at (6),
and the barrels (c), (d), is a peculiarly formed lump or block having

page_text: a seating in the body or shoe (a), and capable of being raised therefrom:
to expose the barrels for reloading, and also of being securely fastened
down to close the breech. The lump or block (d) works upon a hinge
joint (e), and is actuated by a lever. (f) and collar (f'), which are
hinged together at (f), and work with the pin (9) which passes through t
the block (d), and is secured at its bottom end to a nut or wedge
piece (9'), formed so as to engage in slots or chambers (^) in the sides
of the body or shoe (a), and thus secure or hold down the block (d)
when required. To increase the security of the parts I purpose forming
suitable projections (i) and slots (%) upon the body or shoc (a), and upon 1
the under side of the lump or block (d) which fit into each other.
I also purpose forming a vertical sliding bolt, working through the
block (d), and having a free end shaped as a hook for engaging in a
suitably formed recess in the rib of the barrels; the object of this bolt-
is to more effectually secure the parts. In the lump or block (d) I 1
arrange the lock and hammer parts; (i) indicates one of the hammers
which are secured upon the sides of the lump or block (d), the hammer,
bolt, and springs being suitably contained therein.
-
In some cases it may be preferable to form small bolts in the shoe (a),
acted upon by the triggers, and imparting the requisite action to the 2
scears for bringing down the hammers.
=
-
In the closed view, Figure 1, it will be seen that the nut or wedge
pieco (9¹) is secured in position, and the parts of the breech thereby
securely and rigidly fixed; to expose the breech the lever (f) is first
lifted upwards and turned sideways, when the simultaneous partially 2
revolving action of the pin (9) will release the nut or wedge piece (9')
from the recesses (½), and the whole lump or block (d) may be raised
from its seating and thrown back as shewn in Figure 2. I work the
extractor to be used with this description of fire-arm, by means of à
small rod or slide (7) working in a suitable groove in the body or shoe (a), 3
and actuated with the movement of the lump or block (d) by a cam, dog,
or catch (4), or other similar arrangement connected to or formed upon
the hinge part (c). The rod or slide (1) in its forward movement.
actuates a lever (*), working upon a centre so as to move the extractor
out a sufficient distance. In some cases I prefer to dispense with the 8t
hinged form of lever (ƒ) as described, and use a short lever secured
rigidly to the pin (9), and working with a sideways movement to release
the parts.
=

page_text: I also purpose hinging the lump or block (d) upon the side of tho
body or shoc, instead of at the back if preferred..
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate in a partially opened and a closed sectional
view, another arrangement whereby the barrels (m) are caused to slide
forward upon the metal body or shoe (n) in order to expose the barrels
(m) for reloading. I form a lever (o) working downward upon a pin (p),
to which is also connected a crank (†) and mover (¹). In the closed
view Figure 4, the lever (o) is shown as up in position, and having its
head (s) fitting into a slot in the body (n), and also into a recess formed
in the solid part of the barrels and thus locking the parts; (4) is an
arched lump picce, shewn in detail in section and side elevation Figures
5 and 6, upon which the barrels are secured solid; the arch lump (4)
is cut out to receive the plug end (n³) of the body (n), shaped to slido
into it, and the body or shoe (n) is grooved to receive the slide (u) of the
arched lump piece, the end of the slide (2) being formed to enter a
corresponding hole in the side of the body (n) as shewn.
To open the breechi of a gun so formed, the hand lever (o) is pressed
downward, and when the head (8) has moved a sufficient distance upon
its centre (p) to become free of the recess in the solid part of the
barrels, they will commence moving forward by the impingement of the
head (e) in its slot, and the knuckle (o') against the crank (r) which
becomes straightened, and thrusts forward the mover (7³). The further
movement of the barrels may be effected by means of a helical or other
suitable spring exerting its force horizontally and contained in the
part (10).
Or by another method as shewn in Figures 7 and 8 in a closed and
partially opened sectional view, I form the barrels (A) to slide upon the
body (B) to expose the breech, the locking and releasing of the parts-
being obtained by a partially revolving spindle (0) secured at one end
into the stock or body, and formed at its other end into a nut or catch
piece (D); (E) is the arched lump, shewn detached in Figures 9 and 10,
having a slot suitably shaped for the passage of the nut or catch
piece (D) lengthways to allow of the sliding of the barrels forward.
The partially revolving spindle (O) is actuated by a suitable lever, secured
thereto and projecting at the side of the gun so as to be worked by hand;
(E) is the slide of the arched lump (E) formed as indicated by dotted-
lines, Figure 9, to fit into dovetailed or other suitably shaped grooves
in the body (B). The parts are locked and secured by the partially

page_text: revolving spindle (C), being turned so that the nut or catch piece (D)
may lock and impinge upon the face of the arched lump (E), as shewn
in dotted lines Figure 9.
The extractor for the guns described in Figs. 3, 4, 7 and 8, I work
with small horizontal slides or rods connected with the moving parts, 5
and actuated by cams, dogs, or catches, in a similar manner to that
specified in Figures 1 and 2.
My Invention further relates to improvements in the formation of the
hammers for breech-loading fire-arms, whereby the needles may be
retired from the cartridge immediately after striking, and the breech 1
opened for reloading without the necessity of first pulling back the
hammers.
:
Referring to Figure 11 I form a nose or moveable joint (F), hinged
to the lever (G) by a pin upon which it works as a centre. In the
centre of the nose (F) I bore a hole to receive the end of the needle after 1
firing, as indicated in dotted lines, the needle will first be struck with
the solid or lower part (H) of the nose (F), with sufficient force to
discharge the cartridge, and the completion of the descent of the hammer
will bring the hole in the nose (F) opposite the end of the needle,
allowing it to pass in and thus.. to free the needle from the cartridge. 2
To keep the nose (F) up in position, I. employ a suitable spring on
pulling back the lever (G) ready for firing the hinged nose (F) will give
sufficiently to free the needle.
.
Or as shewn in Figure 12, I form a boss (1) upon the nipple, and
a rounded projection (K) upon the nose (F), so that in the descent of 2
the hammer the projection (K) slides over the edge of the boss (I), and
when the hammer is pulled back the impingement of the two parts will.
cause the nose to give way so as to free the needle. This description:
of hammer I purpose using in cases where the hammer is intended to
strike the needle in the direct line of its axis.
3
Figure 13 shews another method of hinging the moveable nose (F), “
by forming the nose with two arms, the lever (G) being secured between
them; or as shewn in Figure 14, the nose (F) may be formed with á
lover (L) so as to work with the lever (G); or again I purpose using
in the nose (F) a small vertical slide, suitably arranged to give the 3
necessary play to the hammer.
Having thus described the object and nature of my said Invention,
and the mannAN
in which tha
T

page_text: without limiting myself to these precise details, the several improvements
in breech-loading fire-arms, substantially in manner as herein more-fully-
set forth and specified.
•
"
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Allen, have hereunto set
my
hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.