CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING ORDNANCE AND FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Krupp, of Essen, in the Kingdom of Prussia,
Cast Steel Manufacturer, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING ORDNANCE AND FIRE-ARMS."
Sealed the 20th February 1863, and dated the 29th October 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Krupp at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
29th October 1862.
I, ALFRED KRUPP, of Essen, in the Kingdom of Prussia, Cast Steel Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING ORDNANCE AND FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in closing the breech of ordnance by means of a
sliding valve or piece moving in a line at right angles, or at any other suitable
degree to the bore of the gun. To this slide or valve I attach (if necessary)
various apparatus for effectually preventing any escape of gases at the breech
upon the discharge of the powder.
In the Drawing hereunto annexed, I have shown various methods for
carrying this my Invention into effect, but I would here remark, that I do not
confine myself to the exact details there shown, but that various modifications
may be made according as circumstances require, all that I have shown being
merely to exemplify the principle of my Invention.

page_text: In the several Figures the same letters of reference indicate similar parts.
Figure 1 represents a side elevation; Figure 2 a plan, and Figures 3 and 4
end views of a gun constructed upon my system.
A is the gun; B, the trunnions; C, the breech part. This breech part is
slotted out so as to form a channel D for the insertion of the closing piece
or valve E.
Figure 5 is a section in plan of the breech end of the gun.
Figure 6 is a back view, Figure 7 a plan, and Figure 8 an end elevation of
the sliding valve E, shewn as detached from the gun and upon an enlarged
scale. The sliding valve is formed of a wedge shape, though this is not
essential, as it may be made parallel or curvilinear if desired, though I prefer
the form of a wedge as being better adapted for the purpose. This wedge in
action abuts firmly against the upper and lower lips a, a, formed in the breech
of the gun, and has also raised portions b, b, on its upper and lower sides,
which fit into grooves c, c, cut in the channel D. Sufficient space is left in
the grooves c, so that should any grit, dust, or sand get into the channel D, it
would not interfere with the free action of the sliding piece; F is a handle to
move the sliding piece to and fro in its place in the breech. The projection 6
is formed with a bevel towards each end, as shown in Figure 6, and has also
stops d, d'; G is a spring catch passing through the breech, the end of which
rests on the projection 6, and abuts against the stops d, d', according as the
breech is closed or open. This is to prevent the sliding piece being pushed or
pulled too far when in action. For withdrawing the slide E from the breech
the catch G is raised so as to liberate it from the stop d'.
".
Figure 9 is a front view; Figure 10, side view, and Figure 11, a section of 2
an expanding cup, which fits into the bore of the gun. This cup may be
made of steel, iron, copper, or other suitable metal or material. The object of
this cup is, that when the explosion of the powder takes place, the cup is
expanded momentarily to the exact inner diameter of the bore of the gun, and
consequently no space is left for the escape of any gas. This cup may be 3
made of cartridge paper or other closely fibrous material, or a combination of
a fibrous material and metal, and may also form part of the cartridge if thought
desirable. The action of this arrangement for breech-loading is as follows:-
When loading the gun the sliding valve E is drawn back, as shewn in Figure 4.
The cartridge or charge is then introduced, and the cup Figure 9 is inserted; 3
the sliding piece is then pushed forward into its place, as shewn in Figure 3,
and the gun is ready to be discharged. To reload the piece the valve is drawn
back, the cup taken out, and a fresh charge inserted, the sliding piece pushed
forward, and the gun is again ready to be discharged.

page_text: gun
In Figure 9 the cup is represented as having a central hole for facility of
removal, but it may be formed with a projection, as shewn in Figure 12, a
back view, Figure 13 a side view, and Figure 14 a front view, where e is
the projecting piece. In this case the sliding valve E has formed in it a
groove f,f, Figures 15 and 16 to receive the projection e upon the cup. If it
should be thought desirable the cup may be inserted into the bore of the
by mechanical means fitted to the valve, as for instance, a hollow shoulder may
be formed in a piece with the sliding valve, through which is tapped a hollow
screw having a handle at one end. A rod is passed through the hollow screw,
and has at its end a boss, into which is fitted the cup secured in its place by a
sliding catch. The cup is inserted into or withdrawn from the bore of the
gun according to the direction in which the handle on the end of the hollow
screw is turned. Or the hollow screw may be dispensed with, and a lever or
excentric used or other similar contrivance. If necessary I dispense with the
two lips a, a, at the breech of the gun and form the end of the gun solid,
excepting that there is in the centre an aperture corresponding with the bore
of the gun, and through which the charge is introduced. The wedge E is the
same, excepting that the handle F is dispensed with, and is placed instead at
one end of the wedge, being hinged thereto. This handle is so hinged that
it shall form a lever to assist in opening the valve, should it become locked
by being driven in too tight, or from other causes.
The steel cup, Figure 9, may also be modified and formed into the shape of
an angular ring, as shewn in Figure 9ª; This ring fits into a recess cut in the
face of the valve as represented in Figure 9b, the action is as follows:-When
the gun is loaded and the valve fitted into its place upon the discharge of the
powder the gas fills the cavity b, b, and forces the angular ring a, a, tight
against the breech of the gun, and thus effectually cuts off all escape of gas.
Although I have described various means for closing and opening the breech,
yet I do not confine myself to the exact details, as there may be several modifi-
cations made for effecting the same purpose, and I have merely given them as
exemplifications of my method of constructing a breech-loading gun, I would
also observe, that although I have shewn the cup as being cylindrical in form,
yet it may be made of a conical or curved shape, in which case the breech end of
the bore of the gun must be made of a corresponding shape to that of the cup.
Or these metallic cups may be entirely dispensed with, and cups made of fibrous
material, such as cardboard or millboard, or a combination of a metal, as sheet.
tin, lead, or soft copper and a fibrous material may be used; these cups being
either used separately or attached to the cartridge if thought desirable. Also
this method of opening and closing the breech may be used in connection with

page_text: any system of rifling, such for instance as that known by the "Armstrong," or
"Whitworth," or "Lancaster," or any other system.
The methods of closing and opening the breech before described, or any
modifications thereof, may be applied to many other methods of closing and
opening the breech, such as for instance to that known as the "Whitworth"
system, where the breech piece is hinged to the gun and closed by an outside
screw upon the gun; the screw, lever, or excentric or other similar method
might be applied, for more effectually closing the bore of the gun, and thereby
preventing any escape of the gases when the gun is discharged. I would also
observe, that this method of a sliding valve might be applied to ordinary small
arms or rifles where it is desired to charge such small arms or rifles at the
breech.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Alfred Krupp, in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 28th
April 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALFRED
KRUPP, of Essen, in the. Kingdom of Prussia, Cast Steel Manufacturer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Alfred Krupp, Her special licence, that I, the said
Alfred Krupp, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Alfred Krupp, 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 "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING ORDNANCE AND FIRE-ARMS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Alfred Krupp, 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 per-
formed, 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.

page_text: further serve to mark the correct position of the wedge when replaced. In
order to remove the valve piece from the slot the spring catch G (which is
more clearly shewn in Sheet IV.) is to be raised, and becomes thereby disen-
gaged from the slot d¹.
Figure 9 is a front view, Figure 10 a side view, and Figure 11 a section of
a metallic packing which, with proportionate space left for its free insertion
and withdrawal fits into the bore behind the cartridge. This packing wholely
prevents any escape of gas from the breech, for the firing of the piece causes
an instantaneous expansion of the packing, which, on expanding, will com-
pletely close the bore and will also adapt itself to the expansion of the gun.
The packing may be made of steel, iron, copper, or of other metal, and of
various shapes, examples of which are herein-after described and shewn in the
Drawings, or it may be made of pasteboard alone or in combination with
metal, and preferably in the shape of a ring or cup, and if convenient it may
form part of or be attached to the cartridge. When the piece is to be loaded
the wedge E is removed laterally, as shewn in Figure 4, and the charge is intro-
duced into the bore through the breech thus laid open; the packing, Figure 9,
is next inserted, and after the wedge has been again brought into the position
shewn in Figure 3 the breech is closed and the gun is ready for being fired.
An opening may be made in the centre of the packing, as shewn in Figure 9,
to facilitate its manipulation, or instead of one opening there may be several
openings at the bottom of the packing, or the bottom of the packing may be
made solid or without any opening, and instead thereof may be provided with
a stud, as shewn in Figure 12 (back view), Figure 13 (side view), in which
the stud is marked e, and Figure 14 (front view). The wedge E in this case
has a groove f, f, Figures 15 and 16, into which the stud e enters upon the
breech being opened, thereby loosening the wedge, and subsequently allowing
the withdrawal of the packing. This is effected by the arrangement of the
wedge; the feathers or guides b, b', being parallel to the surface of the wedge
are consequently not at right angles to the bore, so that as the wedge is being
withdrawn its face will be continually receding from the projecting shoulder
or ring a, a, and the packing being compelled to follow will be partially
withdrawn, the stud being carried by the groove in the wedge.
DESCRIPTION OF SHEET II.
A modification of the wedge piece is shewn in Figures 17, Sheet II.
(section), Fig. 18 (plan), and Fig. 18ª (back view.) The wedge E and

page_text: the cylinder M and rivetted against it, is hollowed in the centre, where it
receives the star-shaped stud e on the top of the packing N (Figure 19).
The bolt O slides in a groove in the rod L and keeps the projections of the
stud e under cover of the projections of the corresponding recesses in the
rod L, so that on the wedge being withdrawn the packing will be prevented
from remaining in the bore. g is a spring in the handle P which maintains
the bolt O in a fixed position by pressing against a projection upon the same:
The cleaning and lubrication of the packing are easily effected by giving a few
rotations to the handle P, and with it to the rod L and the packing itself.
R is a spiral spring which draws the disc M tightly against the screw.J. The
oil is poured in through apertures k, k. After the charge has been inserted
the wedge E is pushed forward and the packing driven into its seat by turning
the screw J by its handle K. Before this is done, however, the concentric
position of the packing N in reference to the bore may be secured by a slight
forward pressure of the rod L. After the discharge the handle K is turned in
the reverse direction, whereby the packing and wedge are again withdrawn.
When the packing N is to be changed the bolt is pulled back by its button l;
and the stud e is thereby released from the packing, which is then turned
slightly round and may be removed. Fresh packing is introduced by inserting
the projections of the stud e in the corresponding apertures in the disc M,
imparting to the packing a partial revolution, and replacing the bolt in its
position.
:
Figure 20 is a side view, Figure 21, plan, Figure 22, section, and Figure 23,
back front elevation of another modification of the wedge. The wedge E carries
a projection S, and has in it an opening in which are the disc V with the
tube V¹ and the disc T with the tube U. N is the packing, fixed to an axis N',
which terminates in a screw with a moveable nut N³, by means of which the
packing may be drawn towards the disc T. Figure 24 is a back view, and
Figure 25, a plan of the disc V with the eight apertures therein and the corre-
sponding eight projections m, m, of the disc T, Figure 25. Upon the tube V₁
is fixed a lever V2, which is held downward by the action of a spring while the
breech is closed. W and Z are caps to protect the spiral spring. X, Y, is a
fork-shaped lever centered at O and fixed by projections or pins p to the nut N³:
For the purpose of imparting a rectilinear motion to the fork of the lever Y
its centre is attached to the pivot q; the action is as follows:-Whenever the
gun has to be charged the wedge is partially withdrawn, the projections m of
the disc T enter the apertures m³ of the disc V, the packing N is held..back;
as in Figure 22, and the lever V2 is raised. After the charge is inserted the
wedge E is again introduced into the closed position, and the lever Y.pulled

page_text: in the direction of the arrow; the packing N is thereby driven forward into
the barrel and the projections m, m, of the disc T recede from the apertures in
the disc V, in consequence of which the spring acting upon the lever V* causes
the disc V to make a partial revolution, so that finally the projections m, m, of
the disc T touch the ribs on the disc V. After the discharge the lever V³ is
raised and withdraws the packing from the bore of the gun, whereupon the
projections on the disc T re-enter their apertures in the disc V, and the disc T.
is caused to recede by the spiral spring X. The disc T is prevented from
turning by a key and groove. After this the wedge may be drawn back to
allow of the introduction of a fresh charge through the breech thus opened.
DESCRIPTION OF SHEET III.
Figure 26, Sheet III., is a horizontal section, and Figure 27 a vertical
section of a modification of the wedge arrangement, in which the backward
and forward motion is imparted to the packing N, by an excentric. E is the
wedge furnished with frames A³, through which is passed a strong steel bolt B²
round which, as on an axis, the excentric C² can be moved by the handle C³.
Round the excentric is a metal strap C, which keeps the piece C³ in its
position by means of screws r, r¹. In the piece C³ is a dovetail groove, as
shewn in Figure 27, which receives the corresponding portion of the moveable
plug D. The latter is attached to the packing N by a pin s, or in any other
convenient manner.
Figure 26* represents a modification of Figure 26, in which the lever C³,
instead of being rigidly connected to the excentric C² is centred in the pivot q
and can be moved through the angle t. When therefore the lever C³ is pulled
back, its effect upon the excentric somewhat resembles that of a hammer, and
tends to increase the rapidity of the action. The strap C', which in Figure 26
remained permanently stretched by the nuts r, r¹, is here held by the nut r²,
and on the other side by the excentric lever w¹, which moves round the pivot w.
The effect of this arrangement is the more advantageous, as the friction
between the strap Cand the excentric C³ may be reduced and yet after-
wards the strap C4 stretched to such an extent by the lever w₁ as to prevent
any rotation of the excentric C³ until desired.
The further modifications of the wedge pieces shewn in Sheet III. require,
like the plain smooth valve first described, that the packing should be
introduced separately into the barrel except when it is attached to the
cartridge.
Figure 28 is a plan in section, and Figure 29 a back view of a wedge piece
E, which is pressed against the projections a, a, of the gun Figure 1, Sheet I.,

page_text: by the action of a fork D, D¹, worked by an excentric projection or cam C³ on
the lever C³ moving round a pivot B². Figure 28 shews the position of the
fork D, D', when the breech is open, but when the breech is closed the
direction of the lever C³ nearly coincides with that of the axis of the bore.
F is a handle for working the wedge piece. When the lever C³ comes to the
position indicated in the Drawing, the spring f underneath the fork D, D¹,
causes a return of the fork, and thereby allows an unimpeded action of the
wedge.
Figure 28 is a plan, Figure 29* a front elevation, and Figure 29 a side
view of a modification of the last arrangement, from which it differs in this
respect, that in the closing position the tapering ends of the fork D, D¹, enter
corresponding grooves at the breech end of the gun, as shewn in Figure 28³.
By these means, as the taper ends of the fork D, D', enter the inclined recesses
in the gun, the wedge is gradually drawn into its proper position for closing.
the breech, and the wedge moreover is prevented from moving when the
discharge of the gun takes place. Also instead of the handle F I use a lever
F, suspended vertically, the action of which will be best understood from the
description of the following arrangements :-
Figure 30 is a back view, Figure 31 a side view, Figure 32 plan in section,
Figure 33 side view, Figure 34 back view, Figure 32 plan in section, and
Figure 34 back view of three plain wedge pieces, which are not worked by a
handle, as in Sheet I., but by a lever F; this lever is centered in the wedge,
that is to say, inside the slot in Figures 30, 34, and outside the slot in
Figures 32 and 34*, in a projection left for the purpose. In the latter case
the lever is longer and more effective, the shorter arm of the lever terminates
in Figures 30, 34, in the lug C, and in Figure 32" in the lug C³, which upon
turning the lever is driven against the sides of the gun, and thereby loosens
the wedge. The action of the lever with the lug C is more instantaneous
and percussive, while that of the lever with the lug C³ is more gradual and
continuous or sustained. The lever may be in a vertical position outside the
gun, as in Figures 30 and 31, or it may be horizontal and covered to a great
extent by the wedge slot, as shewn in the other Figures. To provide against
the lever being suddenly jerked from its passive position when the gun is fired
it has fitted to it a spring g, shown in Figures 32 and 32*. The packing used
with these wedges is the same as described hereafter in reference to Figure 7,
Sheet IV.
The packing used in carrying my Invention into effect may sometimes
conveniently be of a conical shape, as shewn in section in Figure 19, Sheet II.,
and Figure 27, Sheet III.; this form is especially advantageous for guns of

page_text: large calibre, which heat rapidly, the packing being of conical shape will
always fit tightly against the corresponding conical opening of the bore, not-
withstanding the expansion, and materially assists in completely closing up
the bore.
The wedge pieces herein-before described, which are always supposed to be
provided with packing, are well adapted for field guns, in which reliability,
facility, and above all rapidity of action during the operations of opening,
cleaning, loading, and closing, and exchanging a damaged part, are require-
ments of the utmost importance. Even supposing, however, that there be no
projection on the back of the wedge piece, the two projections a', a², of the
breech (Sheet I.) which guide the motion of the wedge may form one piece, or
be rigidly connected together. This modification is more suitable for heavy
siege guns, or for those used in forts and on board ship, in which, as is well
known, the strength of the breech end of the gun must be increased in a
considerable ratio to resist the recoil consequent on the discharge. Even in
guns of very large calibre, in which wedges of large section are required, the
process of cleaning may be easily performed. The following is a more detailed
description of the construction of the breech, and the most convenient form of
wedge piece to be adopted under these circumstances, supposing the two
projections on the breech to be cast or forged in one piece with the gun.
DESCRIPTION OF SHEET IV.
Figure 1, Sheet IV., represents a complete barrel of a gun, supposed
in this instance to be rifled, and adapted to my system of breech-loading;
Figure 2 is a side view of the breech, with the wedge taken out; Figure 3,
a back view of the same when closed by the wedge; Figure 4 is a horizontal
section of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a side view; Figure 6, plan, and Figure 7,
horizontal section of the wedge. On the upper and lower surfaces of the
wedge are the projections 6, 6¹, acting as guides, and working in the recesses C, C³,
of the slot D, the spring catch G takes into the recesses d, d¹, d³, Figure 3,
thereby determining three main positions of the wedge, which cannot be
altered without withdrawing the catch, which must be done by hand. Of these
recesses d² determines the position of the wedge during the process of loading,
d, determines its position during the discharge, and d¹ holds the wedge while
it. is being cleaned. Should the wedge become somewhat tightened in its
position when firing, by being driven in too forcibly, or from other causes, it
can readily be moved by means of the handle or lever F which is centered at B².
This lever is attached to the wedge by a bolt B³ (Figure 5), the lever when
opened strikes its smaller end C2, Figure 6, against the breech end of the

page_text: gun. To prevent the end C of the lever from being worn, a tempered steel
plate Z is attached to the gun at this part. If the wedge piece should be
obstructed in its easy working by the fouling, and if repeated strokes of the
lever fail to move the wedge, a screw y may be used for the purpose of
releasing the wedge. This screw y is tapped through the side of the wedge,
and acts against the breech end when turned by a key; but it will be
seldom necessary to have recourse to the use of this screw, and in order to
prevent its interfering with the action of the wedge, when not in use;
there is provided a binding screw x which abuts against the screw y, and
prevents it from being accidentally turned, and from advancing and interfering
with the tight fit of the wedge. In order to prevent the lever F from being
jerked back I use a catch and spring w (Figure 5) which fits into a notch or
recess in the handle. The wedge is hollowed out at v to reduce its weight.
It has also at its narrow end a recess u which coincides exactly with the bore
of the barrel when the wedge is in the position ready for loading; the curve
of the recess u extends beyond the semicircle by the length of the piece t,
thereby securing the introduction of the charge concentrically with the bore;
grooves s and s¹, are provided in the slot D above and beneath the bore, and
concentrically with the same to facilitate the cleaning of the shoulder a, a,
against which the wedge presses with a tight fit, and these grooves serve at
the same time as receptacles for the fouling in these parts. M, Figure 6, is
the packing above described, the edge formed between the bore and shoulder
a, a, is slightly rounded to facilitate the insertion of the packing and to prevent
the tearing of chips from the leaden coatings of the projectiles, which would
endanger the closeness of contact should they become lodged between the
shoulder a, a, and the packing. The edge is likewise by these means protected
from the injury arising from the insertion of projectiles composed of a harder
metal. Figure 7 represents a modification of packing ring applicable to all
the wedges herein-before described. The loose packing rings before described
have each time to be fitted by hand into the bore, whereas the ring shewn in
Figure 7, and now to be described, rests without other mechanical support in
a recess in the wedge piece, and being permanently attached to the same is
withdrawn and inserted with it. In the face of the wedge is a recess forming
an annular groove y, y, into which is fitted the annular packing ring N, which
may be of steel, copper, tin, or other metal or material. The action of this is
as follows:-The gas consequent on the explosion of the powder enters the
groove y, y, and the packing is thereby expanded to such an extent that it
completely closes both the shoulder a, a, and the sides of the groove, and
thus renders the escape of gas through the breech absolutely impossible.

page_text: •
The sectional dimensions of the rings depend upon the nature of the material
employed; Figures 8, 9, and 10 exemplify some of these sections. Should
any one of the rings or packings become destroyed or injured, it can be readily
replaced by another.
Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, show modifications in which I use two rectangular
packing rings y, y, fitted one in the other (in reverse directions) in the recess
in the valve. On firing the rings expand and their faces press tightly against
the sides of the recess & the shoulder a, thereby preventing escape of gas,
where these rings touch their surfaces are straight or cylindrical as shown.
The Drawings show the wedge piece or sliding valve as applied to ordnance,
but it must be understood that it may be applied in similar manner to breech-
loading rifles and other breech-loading small arms or fire-arms.
The arrangements which I have described in combination with my wedge
piece or sliding valve for more effectually preventing the escape of gases when
the gun or arm is discharged may also be applied for the same purpose to
ordnance and fire-arms, in which the wedge piece or sliding valve is not
used, and may for that object be combined with means of opening and closing
the breech other than the wedge piece or sliding valve described.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same may be performed, I declare that I wish it to be understood that I
do not restrict myself to the precise mechanical details herein described, as
the same may be varied so only that the general character of my Invention
as herein set forth be retained.
And I declare that I claim as my improvements in breech-loading ordnance
and fire-arms, the mode or modes of closing the breech, and of preventing
the escape of gas therefrom, by the arrangements and combinations herein-
before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alfred Krupp, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Witness,
A. PIEPER.
ALFRED KRUPP. (L.S.)