IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents,
66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS."-
A communication from abroad by John Broughton, of Brooklyn,
in the State of New York United States of Amarion
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward
Newton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 22nd January 1873.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery
Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING
FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to that description of breech-loading fire-
arms in which a breech block is arranged to swing upwards and
forwards in opening. In reference to fire-arms of this description, one
part of this Invention comprises (in connection with a receiver suitably
attached to the rear end of the barrel) a solid breech block hinged to
swing upwards and forwards upon a pivot or hinge pin passing through
suitable ears or bearings formed on the face of the receiver. The
forward face of the breech block is a flat surface or plane, coincident

page_text: with a vertical line drawn through the axis of the hinge pin, and its
rear end or recoil surface is in the arc of a circle extending above, also
(or preferably so) below, a horizontal line passing through the axis or
centre of the hinge.
The object of the arc shape of the rear end of the breech block is to
provide for what in effect is equivalent to a dead square abutment or
arc abutting surface in transverse relation to the axis of the barrel,
without requiring the breech block to move longitudinally when
opening and closing. This arrangement is equivalent to the production
of a square abutment, with the addition of an undercut surface, against
which the rear end of the breech block is pressed and is effectually
prevented from rising when acted upon by the explosion, irrespectively
of any other or specially locking contrivance. As an arc-shaped abut-
ment extending above the centre from which the arc is struck requires
an upward extension or depening of the metal of the breech block
receiver and a corresponding projection or deepening of the breech block
at its rear end, the upper surface or edge of such parts is grooved or
recessed centrally and longitudinally in relation with the barrel,
whereby all obstruction or interference with the sights of the fire-arm is
obviated.
The hammer is arranged and operates centrally as does also the main
spring, both being connected with and carried by the receiver. The
entire breech mechanism is detachable from the stock by simply
slipping off the bands and taking out the rear tang screw of the
receiver.
The upper arched portion and nose of the hammer are made to work
under cover of the receiver, so as to present no open or exposed slot
during any portion of its movement, so that the hammer (when in its
down position and in the act of firing) projects through the rear
abutting surface of the breech block receiver and enters the firing pin
cavity in the breech block, thereby forming a positive lock both of the
hammer and breech block, and restraining the latter from being lifted by
a backward leakage of gas below the under surface of the block.
The firing pin should be made heavy and substantial, and made to
pass longitudinally through the breech block, and is provided with the
usual retracting spring to operate both as a firing pin and as an
auxiliary latch or lock to the rear end of the breech block when

page_text: the latter is closed and the hammer. is either partially or wholly
raised.
In connection with the curved or arc-shaped nose of the hammer,
it is an important feature of construction that the firing pin is inclined
in a tangential direction to the curve of the hammer, and approxi-
mating a forward continuation of the latter when down. Additional
safety is thus obtained, the effect of such arrangement being to cause
the nose of the hammer to enter the bore of the breech block with a
downwardly inclining action, and to act as a hook, so that while the
hammer prevents the breech block from rising the block holds the
hammer from moving backwards under an excessive lifting action
or strain.
A laterally projecting knob or handle is connected with the rear end
of the breech block, and forms part of a vibrating bar, arranged so that
while it performs its primary function or constitutes a means of lifting
and lowering the breech block, it also serves to operate the firing pin
by withdrawing the latter from its hold within the abutting surface of
the receiver when acting as a latch to the rear end of the breech block.
To these ends the vibration of the knob with its attached bar
(necessary to open the breech block) is limited to what is sufficient to
move or withdraw the rear end of the firing pin clear of the receiver
only, and this movement of the firing pin in a forward direction is
about one-half of that which is required to force the firing pin against the
base of the cartridge to put it in position for exploding the latter. This
obviates premature explosion, inasmuch as the full movement of the
firing pin can only be imparted to it by the nose of the hammer
entering into the rear end of the breech block.
The rear end of the firing pin and nose of the hammer are made to
form a constant latch to the rear end of the breech block, when the
latter is closed.
While the nose of the hammer works under cover free from any
exposed opening or slot, it can be inserted or put in position by
passing it from above through a central longitudinal slot in the
receiver, and is carried by the latter. This admits of a broader comb
relatively to the thickness of the body of the hammer, than if the
latter were entered into position through the receiver from below.
The lugs on the receiver carrying the hammer interlock with the
notched upper edge of the trigger guard plate carrying the sere,

page_text: whereby the proper relative positions of the hammer and sere axes are
determined and preserved when the breech block receiver and trigger
guard plate are let into the stock as separate parts, the one from above
and the other from below.
The main spring is connected with the hammer by a toggle which is
produced by suitably arranging the hammer, the main spring, and the
receiver in relation to each other, and thereby the pressure of the
spring increases as the hammer moves forward, and diminishes as the
latter moves back to the position of full cock. The hammer, receiver,
and main spring are so connected that the main spring may be
connected with or disconnected from the other parts with great
facility and dispatch, and without the use of special tools for the
purpose.
The cartridge shell extractor is placed outside the hinge of the
breech block, and there is a shoulder on the hinge pin supporting the
extractor.
The breech block may be attached to the receiver by a plain simple
hinge extending the whole width of the receiver, that is, between cars
or journal bearings formed on the latter and arranged to operate
without lateral contact or friction on the extractor. This arrangement ?
while giving strength and a large hinge surface to the breech block
allows the extractor to move free and unimpeded by lateral strain or
twisting of the breech block during its opening and closing actions.
The working part or nose of the extractor is made to extend inwardly
through a lateral slot cut in the receiver, so that in a closed position it
is firmly supported by a shoulder resting against the inner cylindrical
surface of the receiver. By this means there is no vertical weakening
slot cut in the barrel, and the extractor can neither be blown out,
expanded, nor jammed by escaping gases or expansion of the cartridge
shell, and it may be kept clean without detaching or disconnecting any a
of the parts.
The "flip action" to throw out the cartridge shell is imparted to the
extractor by a spring arranged to vibrate and expand at its working
end, and which turning on a pivot or journal at its other end works
with but little friction.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 22nd July 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the
thirty-sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said William Edward Newton, Her special
licence that I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Edward
Newton, 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," being a communication
to me from abroad by John Broughton, of Brooklyn, in the State of
New York, United States of America, upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said William Edward Newton, 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 William Edward Newton, 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 Drawing here-
unto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked theron (that is to
say):
--
This Invention mainly relates to that description of breech-loading
fire-arms in which a breech block is arranged to swing upwards and

page_text: forwards in opening. In reference to fire-arms of this description, one
part of the Invention comprises (in connection with a receiver suitably
attached to the rear end of the barrel) a solid breech block hinged to
swing upwards and forwards upon a pivot or hinge pin passing through
suitable ears or bearings formed on the face of the receiver. The forward
face of the breech block is a flat surface or plane coincident with a
vertical line drawn through the axis of the hinge pin, and its rear end or
recoil surface is in the arc of a circle extending above, also (or preferably
so) below a horizontal line passing through the axis or centre of the
hinge.
The object of the arc shape of the rear end of the breech block is to
provide for what in effect is equivalent to a dead square abutment or arc
abutting surface in transverse relation to the axis of the barrel, without
requiring the breech block to move longitudinally when opening and
closing. In explanation of this feature it may here be observed that
without the herein-before described abutting surface above the line of
the axis of the swinging breech block, the abutting surface below said
line would form a flaring or inclined abutment, so that a sufficient
pressure under recoil would force the breech block to slide and swing
open. The arc shape of the abutment above the central line of the
pivot, or above the centre from which the arc is struck, neutralizes
such effect, and the result is equivalent to the production of a square
abutment with the addition of an under cut surface against which the
rear end of the breech block is pressed, and is effectually prevented from
rising when acted upon by the explosion, irrespectively of any other or
specially locking contrivance. It is immaterial in this respect whether
the breech block has its arc-shaped abutment both above and below the
centre from which such arc is struck, or whether it be cut away below
the centre and the abutment be an undercut surface wholly above the
same.
As an arc-shaped abutment (extending above the centre from which
the arc is struck) requires an upward extension or deepening of the
metal of the breech block receiver, and a corresponding projection or
deepening of the breech block at its rear end (which construction, unless
special provision be made, would interfere with the line of sight), the
upper surface or edge of such parts is grooved or recessed centrally and
longitudinally in relation with the barrel, whereby all obstruction or
interference with the sights of the fire-arm is obviated.

page_text: The Invention also consists (in connection with a breech block hinged
to swing upwards and forwards, and a receiver therefor let into the
upper surface of the stock so as to form an unbroken continuity
therewith) of a centrally arranged and centrally operating hammer and
main spring, both being connected with and carried by the receiver.
The entire breech mechanism is detachable from the stock by simply
slipping off the bands and taking out the rear tang screw of the receiver.
The upper arched portion and nose of the hammer are made to work
under cover of the receiver, so as to present no open or exposed slot
during any portion of its movement, so that the hammer (when in its
down position and in the act of firing) is arranged to project through
the rear abutting surface of the breech block receiver, and to enter the
firing pin cavity in the breech block, thereby forming a positive lock
both of the hammer and breech block, and restraining the latter from
being lifted by a backward leakage of gas below the under surface of the
block.
The firing pin should be made heavy and substantial, and made to pass
longitudinally through the breech block, and is provided with the usual
retracting spring, to operate both as a firing pin and as an auxiliary
latch or lock to the rear end of the breech block when the latter is
closed and the hammer is either partially or wholly raised.
In connection with the curved or arc-shaped nose of the hammer it is
an important feature of construction that the firing pin is inclined in a
tangential direction to the curve of the hammer, and approximating a
forward continuation of the latter when down. Additional safety is
thus obtained as regards any possibility of the breech block rising, the
effect of such arrangement being to cause the nose of the hammer to
enter the bore of the breech block with a downwardly inclining action,
and to act as a hook, so that while the hammer prevents the breech
block from rising the block holds the hammer from moving backwards
under an excessive lifting action or strain.
Another advantageous result or effect due to this last-named feature
is that the length and throw of the hammer is or may be increased.
This will be best understood by notice of the fact that the projection
of the hammer below the receiver is necessarily restricted by the depth
of the stock when a proper regard is had to the symmetry of the latter.
The inclination of the firing pin however admits of an increased length

page_text: and throw of the hammer, without materially or objectionably interfering
with the blow of the hammer on the cartridge, or causing it to differ
essentially from a direct longitudinal action in line with the axis of the
barrel.
A laterally projecting knob or handle is connected with the rear end
of the breech block, and forms part of a vibrating bar arranged so that
while it performs its primary function or constitutes a means of lifting
and lowering the breech block, it also serves to operate the firing pin by
withdrawing the latter from its hold within the abutting surface of the
receiver when acting as a latch to the rear end of the breech block. To
these ends, the vibration of the knob with its attached bar (necessary to
open the breech block) is limited to what is sufficient to move or
withdraw the rear end of the firing pin clear of the receiver only, and
this movement of the firing pin in a forward direction is about one-half
of that which is required to force the firing pin against the base of the
cartridge, to put it in position for exploding the latter. This arrangement
obviates premature explosion, inasmuch as the full movement of the
firing pin can only be imparted to it by the nose of the hammer entering
into the rear end of the breech block.
The rear end of the firing pin and nose of the hammer are so made
that cither of them will form a constant latch to the rear end of the
breech block when the latter is closed.
While the nose of the hammer works under cover, free from any
exposed opening or slot, it can be inserted or put in position by passing
it from above through a central longitudinal slot in the receiver, and is
carried by the latter. This admits of a broader comb relatively to the
thickness of the body of the hammer than if the latter were entered into
position through the receiver from below.
The lugs on the receiver carrying the hammer interlock with a
notched upper edge of the trigger guard plate carrying the sere, whereby
the proper relative positions of the axes of the hammer and sere are
determined and preserved, when the breech block receiver and trigger
guard plate are let into the stock as separate parts, the one from above
and the other from below.
The main spring is connected with the hammer by a toggle, which is
produced by suitably arranging the hammer, the main spring, and the

page_text: receiver in relation to each other, and thereby the pressure of the spring
increases as the hammer moves forwards, and diminishes as the latter
moves back to the position of full cock. The hammer, receiver, and the
main spring are so mounted that the main spring may be connected with
or disconnected from the other parts with great facility and dispatch, and
without the use of special tools for the purpose.
The cartridge shell extractor is placed outside the hinge of the breech
block, and there is a shoulder on the hinge pin supporting the extractor,
whereby the breech block may be attached to the receiver by a plain, or
whole, and simple hinge extending the whole width of the receiver, that
is, between ears or journal bearings formed on the latter, and arranged
to operate without lateral contact or friction on the extractor. This
arrangement, while giving strength and a large hinge surface to the
brecch block, allows the extractor to move free and unimpeded by lateral
strain or twisting of the breech block during its opening and closing
actions.
The working part or nose of the extractor is made to extend inwardly
through a lateral slot cut in the receiver, so that in a closed position it is
firmly supported by a shoulder resting against the inner cylindrical
surface of the receiver. By this means there is no vertical weakening slot
cut in the barrel, and the extractor can neither be blown out, expanded,
nor jammed by escaping gases or expansion of the cartridge shell, and it
may be kept clean without detaching or disconnecting any of the parts.
In connection with an extractor which (arranged as described) works
as freely as if vibrating on an independent bearing or journal, the "flip
action" to throw out the cartridge shell, is imparted to the extractor by
a spring arranged to vibrate and expand at its working end, and which,
turning on a pivot or journal at its other end, works with but little
friction. The substance and strength of this spring may be largely in
excess of what are required for its legitimate function, and its arrange-
ment relatively to immediate parts is such that it is impossible to
damage or break it by any ordinary use of the gun.
The several parts of a firc-arm constructed in accordance with this
Invention are few in number, and simple and strong, and collectively
are well adapted to withstand the roughest usage; also, the gun, while
being symmetrical in appearance, can be manufactured at a low cost.

page_text: In the accompanying Drawings Fig. 1 represents a plan of a gun in
part constructed in accordance with the Invention; Fig. 2 is a side view
of the same; Fig. 3 is a longitudiual vertical section through the hinge
of the breech block; Fig. 4 is a transverse section through the hinge of
the breech block and the cartridge extractor; Fig. 5 is a transverse
section on the line x, x, of Fig. 3; and Fig. 6 is a transverse section on
the line y, y; Fig. 7 is a side view of the cartridge shell extractor
detached; Fig. 8 is a side view of part of the gun, with the stock
removed; Fig. 9 is a side view, shewing the spring applied to the
extractor; Fig. 10 is an edge view thereof; Fig. 11 is a horizontal
section, shewing the vibrating bar and knob or handle for lifting or
lowering the breech block, and operating the firing pin; Fig. 12 is a
longitudinal vertical section, in part, with the breech block removed;
and Fig. 13 a longitudinal section, shewing the abutment surface of the
breech receiver, with the latter in position therein.
A is the stock, and B the barrel of the gun; C is the breech block
receiver, into which the rear end of the barrel fits and screws; D is what
may be termed a solid breech block, hinged to swing upwards and for-
wards (when being opened) on an axis or hinge pin & that passes through
suitable ears or bearings c, c, formed on the receiver. The forward face
of the breech block is a plane or flat surface coinciding with a line drawn
perpendicularly to the axis of the barrel through the axis of the hinge
pin, while its rear end or recoil surface d, and the back end of the
interior of the receiver is the arc of a circle extending both above and
below the centre from which it is struck, and which is here shewn (see
Fig. 13) as that of the hinge, but need not necessarily be such. This
gives an abutting surface which is virtually at right angles to the axis of
the barrel, without requiring the breech block to move longitudinally
when opening or closing. If preferred the back end of the breech block
may be cut away below the central line of the arc, as represented by
dotted line in Fig. 13. In either case, that is, whether the abutting
surface be equally above and below the line or centre, or wholly above it,
the effect is equivalent to that of a dead square abutment, with an
undercut surface, against which the rear end of the breech block is
pressed, and by which it is prevented from rising by the recoil conse-
quent on explosion. Inasmuch however as an arch-shaped abutment,
which shall be equivalent to a straight one at right angles to a line
parallel with the axis of the barrel, requires an upward extension or

page_text: deepening of the metal of the receiver and the breech block at its rear
end sufficient to give the required abutting surface, and as such upward
extension interferes with the line of sight a central and longitudinal
groove S, in line or parallel with the axis of the barrel is made in the
upper surface of the receiver and breech block over and back and front
of the abutment. This obviates all interference or obstruction (by such
upward extension) with the sights of the gun.
The receiver C is let into the upper surface of the stock, so as to form
an unbroken continuity (as it were) therewith, and receives (through an
opening in its top) the swinging breech block. In connection with such
a receiver and swinging breech block the hammer E of the gun is
arranged to occupy a central position, and has a central action; also the
main spring F which controls it has a similar central arrangement, and
both are connected with and carried by the receiver that including the
entire breech mechanism is detachable as a whole from the stock A by
simply slipping off the usual bands, and taking out the rear tang screw f
of the receiver. The upper arc and nose of the hammer E is arranged
to work under cover of the receiver C (as clearly shewn in Fig. 3), thus
avoiding the presentation of any open slot during any part of its stroke
for fouling or for the escape of gas, and the hammer is so constructed
and arranged as when fully down and in the act of firing it projects
through the rear abutting surface of the receiver, and enters the firing
pin cavity of the breech block, thereby forming a positive lock to the
latter, and preventing it from rising when exposed to a backward leakage
of gas acting on its under surface.
I
The firing pin G, which passes longitudinally through the breech block,
is made heavy and substantial, and is so arranged that in connection or by
the aid of its retracting spring H it not only operates as a firing pin to a
central fire-cartridge I, but also (by passing under a back upper portion i
of the receiver) as an auxiliary catch, latch, or lock to the rear end of
the breech block when the latter is closed, and the hammer is in any
other than its down position. The firing pin G is set inclining upwardly
in a backward direction, such inclination being tangential to the curved
or arc formed nose of the hammer when down, and approximating to a
continuation of the same in a forward direction. This arrangement
gives safety against the breech block rising when firing the gun by
reason of the nose of the hammer being caused to enter the bore of the
breech block with a downward inclined action, and act as a hook so that

page_text: while the hammer prevents the breech block from rising the latter
restrains the hammer from moving backwards when exposed to an
excessive or undue lifting action, the rear end of the firing pin being
made with an under bevilled or rounded nose %, which overlaps the
striking portion of the hammer when down. The inclination of the
firing pin also provides for an additional length and throw of the
hammer without affecting the depth and symmetry of the stock, which
necessarily restricts the size of the hammer below the receiver C, nor
does such arrangement materially interfere with the blow of the hammer
on the cartridge, but admits of as effective an action as if it were a
direct longitudinal one in line with the axis of the barrel.
K is a
laterally projecting knob or hand lever pivotted at to the rear portion
of the breech block, and operating as a handle to the latter. This lever
passes through a slot m in the firing pin, and in addition to its ordinary
function as a handle (whereby to swing the breech block) serves (when
moved forwards) to operate the firing pin by withdrawing the latter
from its hold within the abutting portion of the receiver when such pin
acts as a latch to the rear end of the breech block. This forward_swing
of the knob lever K, prior to lifting the breech block, is limited to what
is sufficient to withdraw the rear end of the firing pin clear of the
receiver only, and such movement of the firing pin in a forward direction
is about one-half of that which is required to force it against the base of
the cartridge, or put it in an exploding position within the breech
block. This insures safety against premature explosion, inasmuch as
the full forward movement of the firing pin can only be imparted to it
by the entrance of the nose of the hammer into the rear end of the
breech block.
The rear end of the firing pin is so formed (as herein-before described)
and the general construction and arrangement relatively to each other
of this pin and the hammer is such, that either ono or other of such
devices forms a constant latch to the rear end of the breech block when
the latter is closed. The hammer in its forward motion enters the
receiver and locks the breech block before the firing pin is moved
forward and released from its hold within the receiver C, and the firing
pin in its back motion enters the receiver and locks the breech block
before the hammer in its backward movement has released it. Hence
when the breech block is closed there is no point or moment at
which there can be an open and unlocked joint at the abutting junction
of the breech block with the receiver.

page_text: Furthermore the hammer is so constructed and arranged that, while
its nose works under cover and no open slot is presented for fouling or
escape of gas, it can be introduced to its place by inserting it from
above through the central longitudinal slot in the receiver, thus
admitting of a broader comb n than that which would correspond to the
thickness of the body of the hammer if passed into position from below
through the slot in the receiver.
The receiver C has its side lugs ", ", which carry the fulcrum pin 8 of
the hammer constructed to interlock with a notch in the upper edge
of the trigger guard plate N carrying the sere O. This determines and
preserves the relative positions of the hammer and sero axes when the
receiver and trigger guard plate are fitted to their places and let into
the stock as separate pieces, the one from above and the other from
below.
The main spring F of the hammer has a toggle joint connection ≫ and
pressure on the latter is obtained or provided for by the relative arrange-
ment of the hammer, the main spring and the receiver. Such toggle
joint connection and pressure causes an increased pressure of the spring
as the hammer moves forward, and a diminishing pressure as the latter
moves back to the position of full cock. The forward or fulcrum end
of the main spring fits within a hook shaped projection on the receiver,
and the connection between the hammer, the receiver, and the main spring
is such that the main spring may be connected with or disconnected
from the other parts without the use of tools.
P is the cartridge shell extractor which rests on a shoulder p of the
hinge pin b, outside of or beyond the one end of the breech block hinge,
whereby the hinge may be a solid or plain and simple one extending the
whole width of the receiver, that is between the ears or journal
bearings c, c, and operating without lateral friction on the extractor,
that is free to move on the hinge pin 6. This provides for a strong
breech block hinge, and insures a freedom of action to the extractor
against any straining or twisting of the breech block in opening and
closing. The working part or nose of this outside and independent
extractor P is arranged to extend inwardly through a lateral slot a¹ in the
receiver, and the usual vertical and weakening slot in the rear end of the
barrel, incidental to an extractor arranged to work on the hinge pin & within
the ears c, c, is avoided, while when the extractor is in a closed position

page_text: it is firmly supported by a shoulder q resting against the inner cylindrical
surface of the receiver. Thus, while the extractor can neither be blown
out, expanded, nor jammed, by escaping gas or by the expansion of the
cartridge shell, it may be kept clean without detaching or dismounting
any of the parts. The flip action of the extractor to throw out the
cartridge shell is imparted to the extractor by a spring c¹ which is arranged
to operate with but little friction by its free suspension on a pivot d'
at its one end and the liberty given to it to vibrate and expand at its
working end, the strength of this pin may be largely in excess of what
is necessary to give the flip action to the extractor, and its arrangement
relatively to other parts is such that it is imposible under ordinary
usage to damage or break it.
Having now described the Invention that has been communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, and having explained the manner of
carrying the same into effect, I claim as the Invention secured to me by 1
Letters Patent as aforesaid,-
First. In connection with the receiver C and breech block D arranged
for operation as described, I claim the construction of such parts with a
rear arc-shaped recoil surface and abutment arranged to extend above
a line drawn through the centre from which such arc is struck, and 2
parallel with the axis of the barrel, as herein set forth.
Second. I claim the combination of the arc-shaped abutment and
recoil surface of the breech block, the groove S in the upper surface of
the receiver and breech block, arranged in relation with the barrel,
essentially as described.
2
Third. The combination of the upper arc-shaped portion and nose of
the hammer with the upper backward extension i of the receiver, the
parts being so arranged in relation with each other, and the receiver
otherwise being so constructed that the upper portion of the hammer
works under cover of the receiver throughout its stroke, and when down 3
enters through the abutting surface of the receiver and within the cavity
containing the firing pin, as and for the purposes hercin set forth.
Fourth. I claim the combination of the swinging breech block D and
its receiver C arranged in relation with the stock as described, with the
centrally arranged and operating hammer E and main spring F carried 3
by the receiver as herein set forth.

page_text: Fifth. The firing pin G constructed and arranged in relation with the
breech block and its receiver as described, in combination with the
retracting spring H, whereby the firing pin, in addition to its ordinary
function is made to operate as a latch to the rear end of the breech
block, when the latter is closed and the hammer is raised, as herein set
forth.
Sixth. The inclined firing pin G in combination with the arc-shaped
upper portion and nose of the hammer constructed to enter the bore of
the breech block with a downward inclination, so that while the hammer
prevents the breech block from rising, the latter restrains the hammer
from moving back, whereby the length and throw of the hammer may
be increased without interfering with the symmetry of the stock or direct
blow of the hammer on the firing pin, as specified.
Seventh. The vibrating knob, lever, or handle K in combination with
the slotted firing pin G, the swinging breech block D, and the receiver C,
as and for the purposes described.
Eighth. The construction and arrangement of the rear end of the
firing pin and the nose of the hammer relatively with each other as
described, whereby the hammer in its forward motion is made to enter
and lock the breech block before the firing pin is released from its hold
within the receiver, and the firing pin in its back movement is caused to
enter the receiver and lock the breech block before the hammer in
moving backwards has released it, as herein set forth.
Ninth. The hammer E constructed to admit of its insertion from
above, within, and through the receiver, in combination with the latter
when constructed to carry the hammer, as described.
Tenth. The lugs r of the receiver carrying the hammer, constructed
and arranged to interlock with the trigger guard plate N carrying the
sere, as and for the purpose specified.
Eleventh. The toggle connection u in combination with the hammer,
its main spring, and the receiver, arranged in relation with each other as
and for the purposes described.
Twelfth. The extractor P, arranged on the outside of the hinge of the
breech block, with a working point or nose o in combination with the
shoulder p of the hinge pin carrying the extractor, as herein set
forth.

page_text: Thirteenth. I claim the combination with the extractor P of the
spring c¹ constructed and arranged for operation thereon, as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Newton, have here-
unto set my hand and scal, the Twenty-second day of July, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.