IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGAZINES AND MAGAZINE CHARGERS, OR IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, of the Firm of Harris
and Mills, of 23, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent
Agent, for the Invention of " IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGAZINES AND MAGAZINE
CHARGERS, OR IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR LOADING FIRE-ARMS."
A com-
munication from abroad by Rollin White and Albert Henry Wheeler, of
Lowell, in the County of Middlesex, and State of Massachusetts, in the United
States of America.
Sealed the 28th June 1878, and dated the 18th April 1878.
"
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills.
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th April 1878.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 23,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent. ⚫ IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MAGAZINES AND MAGAZINE CHARGERS, OR IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR
LOADING FIRE-ARMS." A communication from abroad by Rollin White and Albert
Henry Wheeler, of Lowell, in the County of Middlesex, and State of Massachusetts,
in the United States of America.
In the use of fire-arms for military purposes by cavalry, where the time for
effective use of the same is usually very short, and where for that reason revolvers
appear to be preferred, it has been found very difficult to recharge the cylinders
after they have been emptied by discharges on account of the necessity of employing
one of the hands in guiding and managing the horse, on account of the irregular
movements or motions of the animal, and frequently on account of the numbness
of the fingers in cold weather. For these reasons, as well as on account of the
mental excitement in actual conflict, it usually happens that in a charge of cavalry
the chambers of the revolvers are discharged but once, and then reliance is had
upon the sabre, or else the horsemen fall back and come to a halt for the
purpose
of recharging, The object in view then is to provide a magazine especially suited
for revolving fire-arms, adapted to be secured to the body of the horseman, capable

page_text: '
or holding in a secure manner protected from exposure to injury a large number or
charges of ammunition, and having contrivances by means of which all the chambers
of a revolver may be charged instantly under all circumstances and in any sort of
weather.
The novelty in this Invention consists principally in a magazine adapted to be
carried on the body, and capable of charging all the chambers of a revolver at the
same time, and in the novelty of the various essential parts and in their various
operative combinations all as will be more fully herein-after described and
explained.
Also in a magazine adapted to be carried upon the person capable of containing
a large number of cartridges, and provided with means for charging with a spring
action at the same instant such of the chambers of a fire-arm as may be empty,
instead of charging all the chambers at the same time as in the former description
referred to; also having a pistol holster attached to the magazine in such a way
that the cylinder thereof may be charged without withdrawing the pistol from the
holster, and also in providing a suitable charger for such magazine.
And in order that the said Invention may be clearly understood and readily
carried into effect, I will proceed to describe the same, having reference to the
accompanying Drawings.
Figure 1 is a view of the magazine attached to the body of the wearer, showing.
the mode of charging the cylinder of a revolver.
Figure 2, a view of the magazine, showing the position of the revolver after the
cylinder has been charged, and the pistol has been closed up for use.
Figure 3, a central vertical section of the magazine, with the cylinder of the
revolver within the open end of the magazine before the act of charging the
cylinder.
Figure 4, a similar section, after the cylinder of the revolver has been charged.
Figure 5, a similar section of the plunger and its various operative attachments.
Figure 6, a view of the magazine showing the inner shell in elevation, the outer
shell in vertical section, and the charging guide in elevation, except that portion of
it which receives the projection of the barrel, which portion is in section.
Figure 7, a vertical central section of the inner shell and the charging guide.
Figure 8, a modification of Figure 7.
Figure 9, a modification of Figure 5.
Figure 10, an inside view of the cap or cover to the magazine.
Figure 11, a view of the plug to close the open end of the magazine.
Figure 12, a view of the swivel plate to which the belt is attached.
Figure 13 a view of the swivel plate attached to the magazine, with a part broken
away to show the enclosed spring.
Figure 14, a bottom end view of the magazine.
Figure 15, a central cross section of the magazine.
Figure 16, a vertical central section of the charger inserted in the end of the
magazine.
Figure 17, a modification of Figure 16.
Figure 18, a cross section of the charger.
Figure 19 is a side view of the magazine and the holster attached to a belt, with
a revolver in the holster, in position assumed just before charging the cylinder from
the magazine.
Figure 20, a vertical central longitudinal section of the magazine, the cylinder,
the holster, and a portion of the barrel of the pistol.
Figure 21, an enlarged view of the bottom of the magazine and the top of the
holster.
Figure 22, a cross section on the line a, a, of Figure 24.
Figure 23, a similar section on the line y, y, of Figure 21, looking upward.
Figure 24, a front view of the magazine and holster with the upper covering case
removed, and the top in section.
Figure 25, a vertical central longitudinal section of the plunger.

page_text: Figure 26, a cross section near the mouth of the magazine on the line x1, x1,
of Figure 24.
Figure 27, a section on the line x, x, of Figure 26.
Figure 28, a top view of the magazine proper.
Figure 29, a cross section, being a modification in construction of the ammunition
case.
Figure 30, a modification of the ammunition case, showing separate impelling
springs in each chamber.
Figure 31, a vertical section of the magazine with the main driving spring
arranged to force out the charges, and showing one chamber unloaded.
Figure 32, a vertical section of the charger in position upon the magazine.
Figure 33, a modification of the construction shown in Figure 32.
Figure 34, a view of the upper end of the charger, shown in Figure 32.
Figure 35, a top view of the charger.
Figure 36, a modification of the manner of securing the pistol to the magazine.
Figure 37, a view from above of the top of the ammunition case of the
magazine.
Figure 38, a bottom view of the charger.
The description which follows relates to the magazine and charger illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the Drawings
annexed.
Like letters denote corresponding parts.
In the Drawings A and A' represent the leather. cases, which cover the opposite
ends of the magazine; a, a short strap secured to one of the leather cases, and a¹
another strap secured to the same leather case, with its buckle end passing over the
outer end of the other case through a suitable guide, so that the end of the strap a
may pass through such buckle, and the two cases A, A¹, be drawn towards each
other, and held at the desired distance apart. The opposite end of the strap a¹ is
secured to the belt B, so that the cases and the magazine enclosed in them may
hang, if desired, at a convenient distance below the belt. This belt B is made in
any convenient way and adapted to be worn around the waist, but it is apparent
that any shoulder belt or other convenient means of support may be used, or the
magazine may be attached to the body of the wearer in any convenient way, or
the magazine with or without leather cases may be carried in a holster, or in some
sort of cartridge box, or in a knapsack or haversack, it being only desirable that
it should be at instant command for use.
As shown in the Drawings, and as the preferable mode, the magazine is secured
directly to the belt.
The magazine is composed of several distinct parts which will be described in
order, it being observed that the peculiar magazine, as illustrated in the Drawings,
is designed for use with a revolver of the Smith and Wesson type.
The outer shell C is a cylinder made of any proper material, preferably of sheet
metal, which has preferably a packing lining b of leather or other suitable material,
or indeed the packing may be used without any shell. To the top of this shell C
is hinged a cap or cover D, which, when closed, is held fast by a spring latch c.
Upon the inside of this cap or cover, shown particularly in Figure 10, is a hook d
actuated by a spring d¹, which hook is adapted to engage with a slot or score in
the plunger, herein-after to be described, and to hold the same in position. This
spring d is shown with its free end inserted in holes d', where it operates the
hook as described; but the free end may be inserted in the other. holes d³, in which
case the hook is held constantly back out of position of engagement. This plunger
passes through a proper opening d² in the cap or cover. The hook d is actuated
from the outside of the cap or cover by a proper stud d³.
Upon the outside of the shell C is secured a swivel plate E, having a suitable
pivot, which plate has a hollow space under it for the reception of a lock e, which
lock has a spiral spring el. Upon the head of this lock is a hook e², adapted to

page_text: .
engage in the periphery of the swivel plate E of the belt, so as to hold the
magazine at any convenient angle, and this lock is operated by means of a suitable
stud e³.
The swivel plate E is pivotted upon the swivel plate F in any convenient method,
and its periphery is notched as at for engagement with the hook e². This plate F
is secured to a convenient sliding clasp F', through which the belt B may be
threaded, or the belt may be threaded through a loop attached to the magazine. Upon
this shell C there is a suitable notch f' for engagement with a spring latch, herein-
after to be mentioned. In the same shell also is inserted a proper screw pin f2,
which extends into its interior, and passing into a slot g, upon the inner shell G',
limits its movement back and forth to the extent of the length of such slot. This
inner shell is scalloped at its top, as shown by f³. The inner shell G is made of
proper material, preferably thin sheet metal, and is designed to fit closely into the
interior of the shell C; it may be made cylindrical or polygonal, in whole or in
part, and has on one side of it a slot g, into which the pin f2 enters, as explained
above, and limits its movement back and forth, and prevents its rotary move-
ment. Upon the outer end of this shell is secured the charging guide H, made of a
size and form to receive into its interior the cylinder of the revolver to be charged,
and it has upon one of its sides a portion H', made of a size and form to admit of
the reception within it of the projection of the barrel of the pistol, or that part
which locks the pistol barrel to the recoil shield. This guide H, H¹, may be made
a little flaring at its mouth for more convenient use. Upon the side of this portion
H' is a spring latch ', which engages in any suitable way with the projection of
the barrel; when the pistol is so far withdrawn after charging as to withdraw the
cylinder from the magazine, and holds the pistol until it is turned into proper
position for locking. The interior of the guide H may be roughened, as shown at
h, so that if dirt or dust should find its way in, it would not obstruct the entrance
of the cylinder. Upon one of the sides of this shell G is a spring detent h, the
office of which is to fit into the longitudinal slot or recess for the locking bolt which
is found in the cylinders as constructed, and serves to hold the chambers of the
magazine. Upon the same shell G is a spring latch h², which engages with the
notch f¹, upon the shell C, and holds the two shells together. Within the shell G,
and secured to it by suitable means h³ is fitted the ammunition case I, made
preferably of thin sheet metal, and composed in this instance of six tubes J, J, J,
arranged around a central plunger, and secured together, but the whole case may be
made of solid metal like a cylinder, and properly bored out. In these chambers
J, J, are inserted springs j, j, extending into the interior of such chambers with
their free ends pointing towards the loading end of the magazine, and of these
springs five are shown in the Drawing; the ends of such springs being apart the
full length of a cartridge. Instead of a spring, for economy of space, a spring hook j¹
is placed at the upper end or the end opposite the loading end of each of the
chambers J, J; these springs j, j, and hooks j', j', serve to hold the cartridges. from
moving backward in their progress toward the loading end, and also to prevent
their dropping out. It is evident that instead of such springs, pawls, or tooth bars,
or other equivalent devices operating in the same way may be employed. In the
interior of each chamber J, J, nearest toward the centre of the case I, are longi-
tudinal slots 2,2, in which traverse springs k, k, and hooks k', k', secured to the
plunger K, similar to the springs j, j, and hooks j', j. Placed centrally within the
case I, and centrally as to the chambers J, J, is the plunger K, which is a metallic
tube, the top of which 2 is solid for a short distance, in which part is cut a groove
3, with which the hook upon the cap engages. In the lower interior part of this
plunger is secured a rod L, having around it a suitable spiral spring 1, which
extends from a shoulder l' in the tube to a nut 12 or shoulder on the bottom of the
rod into which the rod is screwed. The lower series of these springs are
secured within the interior of the plunger and bent outwardly below its lower end,
at which point they are thicker and stronger. When these springs strike upon the

page_text: base of the cartridges to drive them home into the cylinder, they ride upon the nut
or shoulder on the bottom of the rod L, and effectually prevent the next series of
cartridges from dropping down until the plunger is withdrawn to charge again.
The top of the ammunition case I is scalloped as at i to correspond with the
scalloped portion f³ of the inner shell G for the purpose of facilitating the pressing
the cartridges into the chambers J, J, more conveniently when filling such chambers
by hand.
The construction of the magazine is complete with the addition of the plug M,
made of any suitable material, and adapted to fit closely into the interior of the
charging guide H, H', in which it is held by friction, and by the pressure of the
springs connected with such charging guide H, H¹, or it may be locked in place by
one or more of such springs; this plug not only excludes dust and moisture but it
assists in holding the cartridges from falling out.
The manner of operation of the various parts of the magazine, and of the entire
magazine is as follows:-It being premised that the magazine is supposed to have
been filled by hand with cartridges thrust in from the top, one by one, until each
of the ammunition chambers is full, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and it being also
supposed that a horseman is carrying the magazine attached to his belt, as shown
in Figure 1. The magazine being turned into a convenient position upon its
swivel, the meeting faces of the plates of which may be packed with any suitable
material to prevent the intrusion of dust and water, and to better retain any
lubricant, and the plug being removed the magazine is now ready for charging the
revolver.
The horseman holds his revolver, which is supposed to be unloaded, with his
right hand with the usual grasp for firing, breaks it down with the same hand, thus
exposing the end of the cylinder in the usual way for loading, disengages the spring
latch h, when the inner shell slides out by the action of the spiral spring in the
plunger, and then thrusts the end of the cylinder and the projection of the barrel
into the charging end of the magazine, as shown in Figure 1.
When the cylinder is locked, when thrown open, as in some instances, by a spring
stop upon the projection, the chambers of the cylinder will be in line with the
ammunition chambers of the magazine. In instances where the cylinder is not
thus locked it will be necessary to revolve the cylinder until the spring catch or
detent gets into position, which will arrest the cylinder in line with the
ammunition chambers.
The cylinder being inserted, as described, in the charging end of the magazine, is
locked therein by means of the spring latch h', and force being then applied by
the hand holding the pistol the cylinder is pushed back in turn, pushing the inner
shell G into the outer shell, until the two shells are locked together by means of
the spring catch h²; at the same instant the springs k, k, upon the plunger K force
a cartridge from each chamber of the ammunition case into the corresponding
chambers of the cylinder, as is shown in Figure 4. The cylinder is then withdrawn,
and the projection of the barrel being held by the spring latch swings upon the
same in the act of closing up the pistol, and at the same time as the line of direction
of the barrel is changed in the act of closing up the projection is released and
readily comes out of the charging end of the magazine.
If it is desired to charge the cylinder of the revolver by operating the plunger
alone, which may be done as well with the leather case on as when it is removed,
the plunger passing through the end of such leather case, as shown in Figure 1, it
is necessary to release the end of the plunger from the hook d, upon the cap D,
when the plunger will protrude a sufficient distance. In this case however the
spring latch 2 remains in position, holding the outer and inner shells together;
then by pressing the cylinder inwardly, which has been entered into the charging
end of the magazine, and allowing the end of the plunger to come in contact with
the left arm, the cartridges will be forced down into the cylinder, as before
described; or the end of the plunger may be struck with the left arm or the left
hand.

page_text: It will be perceived in the operation of this plunger that the hooks k¹ carry
along the upper series of cartridges while the ends of the springs k, k, force down
each of the other series of cartridges at the same time that the springs j, j, prevent
the cartridges from being moved out of place upwardly by any agitation or jolting
of the magazine, while the springs k, k, bending inwardly under the fronts of the
cartridges prevent their movement in the opposite direction.
It will be observed that the lower series of the springs 4 of the plunger K are
fastened to the interior of the plunger, and are stouter than the other springs k, and
serve better their purpose of driving the cartridges home in the chainbers of the
cylinder, and they also prevent the next series of cartridges from coming out.
In the modification shown in Figure 8, it will be observed that instead of the
spring detent h¹, shown in Figure 7, there is a stud in the charging end adapted to
engage with a corresponding stud or equivalent in the projection.
It will also be observed that in Figure 9 is shown a modification of the springs k, k²,
by the use of pawls.
It is to be observed that while I have described particularly the mode of con-
struction, I do not intend to be restricted in such details, as in the actual construc-
tion of the magazine for use it will be deemed advisable to simplify details to the
largest extent. It is apparent that the magazine may be charged by hand by
inserting the cartridges one by one into the ammunition chambers, but it is believed
that it will be vastly more convenient to use the charger M, which I now proceed
to describe, and which is intended to be carried in the knapsack or in any con-
venient way about the person or the saddle of the soldier.
-The shell N of this charger is made of any suitable material, preferably of sheet
metal of any convenient length, that shown in the Drawing being made to corre-
spond with the magazine heretofore explained, and having a capacity for thirty
cartridges, and of a size to correspond with the shell of the magazine which is to be
charged. The bottom of this shell is scalloped or serrated to correspond with the
scalloped portion f3 of the inner shell G and i of the ammunition case I, all of
which scallops are so arranged that when the shell N of the charger is inserted into
the interior of the inner shell G, the scalloped portions of the charger interlocking
with those of the inner shell will bring the ammunition chambers of the magazine
and those of the charger in exact line. These scalloped portions not only serve as
guides automatically but regulate the distance of penetration of the charger, and
prevent its revolution out of the proper line of direction of the ammunition chain-
bers. Upon the outside of this shell, near its lower end, is a stop or notch n with
which the spring latch c engages and holds the charger firmly in position, and there
may be necessary an additional spring latch n opposite the latch c. Upon the
inside support part of the shell are spring hooks n², n², adapted to catch over the
tops of the cartridges in each of the ammunition chambers of the charger, and hold
them down in place and prevent their being moved upwardly. In the centre of
this charger is a plunger O, to which is secured a cap P, which serves as a cover to
the charger, and projecting a little on all sides beyond the sides of the charger, serves
to give a firm grasp for withdrawing the plunger. In this cap are openings p, p,
corresponding with and in line with the chambers of the ammunition case.
Upon the outsides of the plunger are springs o, one or more for, each of the
ammunition chambers, with their free ends the distance apart of the length of a
cartridge, and bent inwardly so as to engage with the outer rim of the cartridge.
Hinged to the top of the cap P is another cap Q, whose office is to close the
openings p, p, and exclude dirt or dust, and this cap Q has a spring latch q adapted
to fit and fasten one of the rims of the cap P.
Enclosed within the shell N is the ammunition case R, made of any proper
material, preferably of thin sheet metal, having in this instance six chambers S
arranged around a central longitudinal opening T, in which the plunger plays. These
chambers are of the proper size for the cartridges designed to be held in them, and
instead of being made with the case or separately the case and chambers may be
made of solid metal or any proper material bored out. Spring latches 8, 8, one or.

page_text: more for each chamber, have their free ends projecting into such chambers at
such distances as to rest upon the top of a cartridge and hold the same down in
place.
It being obvious that for some purposes it is desirable to limit the withdrawal of
the plunger, a modification of the charger is shown in Figure 17, where the plunger O
passes through a shell U, which when the plunger is forced down, is forced down
its depth, between the shell N and the ammunition case R, and when the
plunger is withdrawn its lower end is retained at about the bottom of the shell U by
means of a spline u to limit the motion of the cap and plunger upward.
The manner of operation of the charger is as follows:-The hinged cap being
raised, when the cartridges may be inserted by hand and pushed down one upon
the other until the ammunition chambers are filled, the hinged cap is then closed,
and fastens itself securely by its spring latch q. The charger being now filled, in
order from it to charge the magazine, the cap Qof the latter being raised, as shown
in Figure 16, the lower end of the charger is inserted in the upper end of the
magazine, and the plunger of the charger being withdrawn more or less, as may be
required, so that the ends of the springs o, o, shall engage over the bases of any series
of cartridges; the plunger is forced down by hand, thus forcing the cartridges out
of the ammunition chambers of the charger into the corresponding chambers of the
magazine, the charger and the magazine being held together during this operation
by means of the spring c, or the springs c, n¹.
In the modification shown in Figure 17 the mode of operation is the same, the
outward movement of the plunger of the charger being limited, as before described.
In the foregoing descriptions of the mode of use both of the magazine and of the
charger, it will be observed that they are made as applicable to a horseman, but it is
evident that both the magazine and the charger may be used by a man on foot who
has complete freedom for both of his hands in any convenient way. It will be
noticed also that the charger may without material change of construction be used
directly for charging the cylinder of a revolver. Also that instead of the charger
extra ammunition cases may be used, which may be inserted directly into the
magazine, the unloaded ammunition case being removed; also that many modifi-
cations of size, form, and use, both of the magazine and of the charger may suggest
themselves after experience, all within the scope of the Invention.
The description which now follows relates to the magazine and charger illustrated
in Figures 19 to 38 inclusive of the accompanying Drawings,-
A denotes the belt, to which the magazine B is attached by a swivel con-
nection, as shown in Figure 19, in such a way that for convenience in carrying, the
magazine may present itself in a horizontal position, or nearly so, and when used
in the act of charging the pistol, in a vertical position, or nearly so.
The magazine, however, may be threaded upon the belt through a loop, as shown
in Figure 24. A cap or cover C of any suitable material protects the upper or inlet
part of the magazine from the evil effects of exposure, whilst another cover C¹
preferably of suitable flexible material covers the greater portion of the lower part
or outlet of the magazine, and to this part is secured a mouth C², preferably of sheet
metal. A latch a serves to hold the chamber of this cylinder in the proper line for
charging, and a suitable plug D is held in place by a spring b. An extension D¹ of
one side of this mouth serves as the means of connection between the magazine and
the holster E, but instead of this extension there may be a separate strap or link of
metal, or of any suitable material, and this strap may be rigidly secured to the
magazine or its mouth, or may be secured to either with any sort of pivot or
swivel. The end of this extension, strap or link D¹, however, which is attached to
the holster should preferably have a pivotal connection for convenient operation, one
form of which is shown at c in Figure 21; and for convenience should also have
means for holding the holster at different angles of inclination, as is shown at d in
the same Figure, which may be a set screw working in a curved slot e, or any other
usual contrivance.
Upon this extension D¹, as shown in Figures 21 and 23, a spring b whose free

page_text: point passing over the outside of the cylinder when it is revolved by hand, after it
has been inserted into the mouth of the magazine; will engage in one of the longi-
tudinal slots f¹ of the cylinder, shown in dotted lines in Figures 19 and 36, as
extending the whole length; and hold it with its chambers in line with the ammu-
nition chambers of the magazine.
In Figures 26 and 27 is shown a tapering projection f within the mouth C² of
the magazine, of a size and form corresponding with the grooves fl of the cylinder,
and the office of this projection is to enter the grooves f¹ of the cylinder, as it is
moved up into the mouth C²; and thus guide its chambers into line with the ammu-
nition chambers of the magazine, and hold the cylinder in proper position.
The holster E, made of any suitable material; and preferably only long enough to
give a proper support to the pistol, is suspended or attached to the magazine or its
mouth as described. When the pistol is in tlie holster, as shown in Figure 19, it
may be secured by any proper strap or elastic band g.
The magazine proper is composed of an outer shell or case F made of any suitable
material, preferably sheet metal, in two portions, one of which covers the upper or
inlet portion of the ammunition case, and also the upper portion of the other part
of the outer shell F¹, over which it has a telescopic movement, and both parts F and
F¹ have a telescopic movement over the inner shell, to which the flexible character
of the cover C¹ offers no impediment.
2
To limit this movement of the part F over the part F' there is a slot f upon the
outer shell, with a locking notch or notches, in which slot a proper screw or pin f³
secured to the outer shell F¹ traverses back and forth, and in like manner the move-
ment of these outer shells over the inner shell is limited by suitable contrivances ƒ³.
The inner shell F2, which is made of any suitable material, is secured to or
preferably within the mouth C, and may serve as a case for the ammunition
chambers, or these chambers above may be used in lieu of the shell F2. Upon this
shell, as described, or upon the ammunition case proper, if used as a substitute, the
outer shell F, F', when the two parts are united together has a telescopic movement
restrained as before described.
Enclosed within the magazine proper F, F, is the ammunition case G, made of
suitable material, and composed of any desirable number of tubes or chambers G¹
arranged around a common centre, six in number, in the one shown in the Drawings,
and of a capacity each to hold five cartridges. From the inner walls of these
chambers springs g point downwardly with their free ends projecting inwardly,
and are arranged apart about the distance of the length of a cartridge, which
springs serve to keep the cartridges from upward movement in the chambers, and
also to hold the cartridges from dropping out or dropping down out of position. It
is evident, however, that there are many known varieties of spring detents which
would operate in the same way as the springs g, and are therefore proper equivalents
for the same.
The plunger is situated centrally as to the ammunition chambers, and is com-
posed of a tube H having a rod H¹ to move up and down in its interior, the lower
part of the rod having a spiral spring around it. About this tube and rod are
tubes H2, H2, as many in number as the number of ammunition chambers G', which
tubes have attached to them springs i, i, pointing downward and outward, as many
in number as there are cartridges contained in each ammunition chamber G' when
it is full, and having their points apart the length of a cartridge, which points serve
to force down the cartridges against the bases of which they strike.
Hooks ¹, i; serve to hold the upper series of cartridges from moving upwardly.
In each of these tubes H2, H2, are rods H3, H³, having spiral springs j; j, around them,
and these tubes close in at the bottom and embrace the lower ends of such spiral
springs. In the tube H are recesses k, k, in which a sliding catch on the top of the
outer shell operates to lock said tubes in the desired position as it passes through said
top. Upon the tube is a disc shoulder m, upon which the bottom of the mainspring
O rests, as shown in Figure 31.
If now the tube H being locked in the position shown in Figure 31 is released

page_text: from the catch 7, the plunger will be thrown down with great force, its springs i, i,
engaging with the bases of the cartridges, and forcing the cartridges contained in
the ammunition chambers into the chambers of the cylinder to be charged. If,
however, any chamber of the cylinder is already charged, the cartridge in the
ammunition chamber next above the cartridge in the cylinder will rest against such
last-named cartridge, and the tube H2 is forced upwardly the length of a cartridge,
and when the plunger is withdrawn the springs j,j, will return the tubes to position.
In brief, these tubes are so arranged to operate with a yielding pressure, that their
springs force down a cartridge where there is a vacancy to receive it, but when there
is no vacancy for the cartridge then the tube H2 yields to the pressure and ceases to
force down the cartridge, and thus this plunger will charge only empty chambers
in a cylinder, and will always charge all the empty chambers in such cylinder.
A modification of the aminunition case, which may also serve as a charger, is
shown in Figure 30, wherein the springs i¹, i, on the plunger are all dispensed
with, except the lower series designed to force down the lowest series of cartridges
into the chambers of the cylinder, and the rods H³, H3, and springs j, j, are dis-
pensed with, but instead, a spiral spring j¹ is inserted above all the cartridges,
which presses them down into proper position, but if every chamber in the cylinder
is already charged, then the spring j yields to the upward pressure.
In this ammunition case or charger an opening covered with a slide is shown in
dotted lines in Figure 30, as also a plunger rod and spring to return the plunger to
position after forcing down a cartridge by hand. The withdrawal of the rod is
less than the length of a cartridge.
In the modification of the ammunition case shown in section in Figure 29 the
outer spaces between the shells are shown as filled up with any proper material, or
else that the entire case should be made solid out of some proper material and
then bored out.
In this modification of the ammunition case illustrated in Figure 29 are shown
separate ammunition tubes, which may be made of hard rubber, gutta percha, or
equivalent material, and steel or other proper metal strips separating the tubes
with recesses in them to receive guides attached to the charger, and these tubes
may have a metal or gutta percha or other proper shell around them.
The method of operation of the magazine is as follows, supposing the chambers.
of the pistol to be unloaded or partially unloaded:-The tube of the plunger is
withdrawn and set in position, as shown in Figure 31, with the mainspring O
compressed between the disc on the tube of the plunger and the inside of the top
of the magazine, the tube itself being retained in position by the spring catch in
the top of the magazine. The pistol is then inserted into the holster, as shown in
Figure 19; it is opened or broken down by a hand, which grasps the pistol, and
by a forward movement of the same band the cylinder of the pistol will be pressed
into the mouth of the magazine, the cylinder itself being revolved by the spring b
so that its chambers will be on line with the chambers of the ammunition case.
In this position of the cylinder it will be held by any suitable spring catch, as
shown in Figures 24 and 26. The hand then being raised to the top of the
magazine, the spring catch which holds the tube of the plunger is released, the
plunger under the impulse of the mainspring flies down, and the lower series of
cartridges are forced by the springs of the plunger into the proper chambers; the
plunger to be withdrawn and fastened as before described before the cylinder is
removed from the plunger.
For convenience of operation some well-known attachment may be made to the
spring catch which holds the tube, so that the same may be operated by the
hand in any position along the magazine, or even as it grasps the handle of the
pistol.
As before explained in the operation of the plunger only those chambers of the
cylinder which are empty will be charged when the plunger flies down under the
impulse of its mainspring.

page_text: Should it however be deemed more convenient under any circumstances to
operate the plunger directly by manual force the mainspring O is reversed, as
shown in Figure 24, where the body of the spring passes entirely over the disc m
In this
on the plunger tube and rests upon the top of the ammunition case.
instance the plunger is operated by manual force, as explained in an earlier portion
of the present description, and the mainspring serves only to return the plunger
to its normal position.
After the cylinders are charged as described, a backward movement of the hand
withdraws the cylinder 'from the mouth of the magazine, a forward movement
closes up the pistol, and it is ready to be withdrawn for use.
If it is desired to carry the pistol continually in the holster described, the
magazine may be secured vertically, as shown in Figure 19, and the pistol be
carried in the holster below it, for convenience, being secured to the magazine by a
proper strap or equivalent fastening; or the magazine may be secured upon the
belt in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position, and the holster thus be brought
up to the belt or near it, to which it may, if need be, be secured in any con-
venient way; or the magazine may be reversed, as shown in Figure 36, and the
holster, which in this instance is attached to the magazine by a connection having
a pivot at each end, will be arranged by the side of the magazine, and the pistol
will be carried by the side of the magazine and close to it, and in this position
may be secured firmly by any proper strap or equivalent means. In charging this
magazine it is proper to remove the upper portion of the outer shell, when the
cartridges may be inserted by hand in the separate ammunition tubes until the
same are filled.
It is evident however that this filling can be done more expeditiously by a
charger, which I proceed to describe, and which as a whole is designated by the
letter I. This charger is composed of an ammunition case having a number of
ammunition tubes J, in this instance six, arranged about a common centre. A top
cap K covers the top of the ammunition case, and another cap covers the bottom
of the same case. This top cap K has attached to its centre the plunger L, which
for convenience is a tube, and has also in it one or more openings n coinciding
with the mouths of the ammunition tubes; or if the top of the cap has a rotary
freedom then one of such openings is sufficient. The object of this opening n is to
allow the insertion of the cartridges into the ammunition tubes in the act of filling
them. If but one such opening n is used there are other smaller openings o, o, in
the top of the cap, each opening being in line with the interior of one of the
ammunition tubes, the office of which small openings o, o, is to permit the insertion
of a proper rod to force down the cartridges if necessary, which rod when not in
use is attached in some convenient way to the ammunition case. Upon the top of
this cap is pivotted a cover M, the pivot 7 of which may be a rod passing down
between the outsides of two of the ammunition tubes through proper guides, and
thus serving as a guide to keep the plunger always in the proper position. Fastened
upon the ammunition case at the top are springs N, with their free upper ends
turned inwardly, which springs for convenience are three in number, and arranged
so that each free end will cover a portion of the top of two contiguous ammunition
tubes. These springs, when cartridges are forced in, will yield sideways, and allow
the cartridges to be inserted, but when the cartridges are in, the ammunition tubes
will prevent their movement upwardly.
The lower cap has nothing peculiar about its construction, but it may have
openings in it, by means of which a rod may be inserted to force the cartridges
upwardly if need be.
Upon the lower part of the ammunition case are arranged other springs N¹,
whose free lower ends r¹ bend inwardly, and which are arranged in reference to
contiguous tubes like the springs N, and thus may be held more securely inwardly
so as to prevent the cartridges from dropping out by a ring N³, shown in dotted
lines in Figure 38; or instead of the ring a cap or other suitable device may be

page_text: used. The office of these springs is to prevent the cartridges from dropping out of
the ammunition tubes.
The ammunition tubes J are secured together in any convenient way, and are
slotted in that portion nearest to the common centre.
The plunger L has freedom of movement up and down in the centre of the
aminunition case, and is restrained from coming entirely out by any proper stop,
and the plunger has near its bottom suitable springs 8, 8, with free ends pointing
downwards, one of which springs extends into the interior of each of the
ammunition tubes through the slot before mentioned.
These springs afford no resistance to the downward passage of cartridges when
the charger is being filled, and when the charger is withdrawn and forced down
these springs striking against the bases of the cartridges force them down and out
of the ammunition tubes.
If it is desired to fill this charger from the lower end the springs N₁ are with-
drawn outwardly by hand, when the openings of the ammunition tubes will be
uncovered. The cartridges being inserted with the bases forward the bases will
strike against the free end of the springs 8, 8, which when the plunger is down
protrude a little below the bottom of the plunger, and thus these springs will offer
no obstacle to the admission of a cartridge.
In Figure 33 is a modification of the charger shown in Figure 32, in which the
upper and lower springs N and N' are omitted, and instead of them springs to hold
the cartridges in position are inserted in each ammunition tube, and instead of
springs on the plunger there are studs, projections, or ratchets on the plunger, and
a hook spring at the top to keep the cartridges from coming out, or a ratchet bar
may extend the whole length of the plunger tube, and have play in and out of it,
regulated by a spring.
Instead of a recess in the plunger tube this plunger may be solid, and the ratchet
bar attached to it with freedom to play in and out of the ammunition chamber.
In using this charger to charge the magazine the bottom of the charger is inserted
into or coupled to the top of the magazine, and the plunger of the charger being
withdrawn and then forced down the contents of each of the ammunition tubes
of the charger will be forced into the corresponding ammunition tubes of the
magazine.
It is to be understood that I do not wish to confine the use of this charger to the
loading of a magazine, for it may be readily applied directly to the charging of a
cylinder of a pistol; neither do I wish to be confined to the various details of con-
struction in either the magazine or the charger, because in practice it will be
endeavoured to simplify the construction of each to the fullest extent.
The advantages of the construction described will be evident upon inspection to
those skilled in the business, and besides are related in the preceding description.
Having thus fully described the Invention, and explained the manner of using
the same, I would have it understood that what I claim as new therein is,-
First. A magazine adapted to charge all the chambers of a fire-arm at the same
timme, substantially as described.
Second. A magazine capable of holding many charges of ammunition, and
adapted to charge all the chambers of a revolver at the same time, substantially as
described.
Third. A magazine adapted to charge all the chambers of a revolver at the same
time and provided with suitable means for attachment to the person, substantially
as described.
Fourth. A magazine adapted to be secured to the belt of a person with a swivel
connection so as to be capable of presentation at any desired angle, substantially as
described.
Fifth. A magazine adapted to receive and retain in place the cylinder of a.
revolver while the same is loaded from the magazine, substantially as described. .
Sixth. A magazine adapted to permit the cylinder of a revolver to be withdrawn
after it is loaded from the magazine, while it holds the projection of the barrel

page_text: in such a way that the withdrawal of the cylinder will close up the pistol, sup
stantially as described.
Seventh. A magazine containing an ammunition case, provided with chambers
corresponding to the chambers in the cylinder of a revolver or fire-arm, substantially
as described.
Eighth. A magazine or ammunition case having a plunger, by means of which all
the cartridges for one charge of a cylinder or fire-arm are ejected at one time, sub-
stantially as described.
Ninth. A magazine or ammunition case provided with means to eject one series
of cartridges at a time, and to hold the remaining cartridges from movement in any
direction, substantially as described.
Tenth. A magazine or ammunition case provided with means to hold its chambers
in line with the chambers of the cylinder in the act of charging, substantially as
described.
Eleventh. In connection with a magazine or ammunition case a charger capable
of containing many charges of ammunition, substantially as described.
Twelvth. In connection (with a magazine or ammunition case a charger con-
taining ammunition chambers corresponding with the ammunition chambers of the
magazine or ammunition case, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. In connection with a magazine or ammunition case a charger pro-
vided with means for loading all the ammunition chambers of the magazine at the
same time, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. In combination with a magazine or ammunition case a charger
adapted to load all the ammunition chambers of the magazine at the same time,
and both magazine and charger having means to automatically present the
chambers of both in the same line in the act of charging, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. A magazine or ammunition case and a charger for the same, con-
structed, arranged, and operating substantially as described.
All of the above claims are based upon the construction shown in Figures 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the Drawings annexed.
Sixteenth. An independent magazine for charging a revolver, having attached to
it a holster adapted to hold a pistol, substantially as set forth.
Seventeenth. An independent magazine for charging a revolver, having a holster
attached to it in such a way that the cylinder of the pistol may be charged while
the pistol is in the holster, substantially as set forth.
Eighteenth. An independent magazine for charging a revolver having a holster
attached to it in such a way that the pistol while in the holster may be secured to
the magazine for safe carriage, substantially as set forth.
Nineteenth, An independent magazine for charging a revolver adapted to charge
at the same time the chambers of the cylinder by a positive spring motion, sub-
stantially as set forth.
Twentieth. An independent magazine for charging a revolver adapted to charge
all the empty chambers of the cylinder without disturbance of the charges already
in such chambers, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-first. An independent magazine for charging a revolver having means by
which the plunger may be operated by spring pressure or by hand, as may be
desired, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-second. A charger for a magazine for a revolver having a plunger attached
to its cover or cap, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-third. A charger for a magazine for a revolver having springs between
its contiguous ammunition tubes at the top and bottom, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-fourth. A charger for a magazine for a revolver or fire-arm having in-
dependent means for discharging the contents of its ammunition tubes separately,
substantially as set forth.
Twenty-fifth. A charger for a magazine for a revolver having means for pre-
venting the cartridges from falling out, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-sixth. In combination with a magazine adapted to load only the empty

page_text: chambers of a cylinder a charger adapted to discharge the contents of its ammuni-
tion tubes separately, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-seven. In a magazine or charger placing the cartridges end to end for
feeding, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
B. J. B. MILLS. (L.S.)