CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND SPORTING GUNS, AS ALSO IN CARTRIDGES APPLICABLE TO THE SAME OR OTHER DESCRIPTIONS OF BREECH-LOADING GUNS NOW IN USE, AS WELL AS IN BAYONETS FOR MILITARY GUNS
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Restell, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Mechanical Engineer, for the Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND SPORTING GUNS, AS ALSO IN CARTRIDGES
APPLICABLE TO THE SAME OR OTHER DESCRIPTIONS OF BREECH-LOADING GUNS
NOW IN USE, AS WELL AS IN BAYONETS FOR MILITARY GUNS."
Sealed the 27th November 1868, and dated the 24th June 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Restell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
24th June 1868.
I, THOMAS RESTELL, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention
for CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND SPORTING GUNS, AS ALSO IN
CARTRIDGES APPLICABLE TO THE SAME OR OTHER DESCRIPTIONS OF BREECH-LOADING
GUNS NOW IN USE, AS WELL AS IN BAYONETS FOR MILITARY GUNS," to be: as
follows (that is to say) :-
-
I will first describe my improvements as applicable to certain
descriptions of military breech-loading guns, such as guns technically
known as cap guns, in which case I purpose removing the nipple and
A

page_text: enlarging the hole so as to make it less oblique, and into this I fit a
cylinder in which a spring piston works, having a sharp lower end with
an external projection on its top end to receive the blow from the
hammer. This arrangement enables me to fire cartridges, the undis-
charged portions of which, should any remain, are pushed forward by
the succeeding cartridge.
The construction of cartridges adapted for this arrangement consists
in having a small annular perforated cup, concentric with a washer, the
periphery of which must be smaller than the bore of the piece. Around
this perforated cup I place detonating powder, protecting the same with
a film or coating of thin paper or other suitable material, and over this
I place an annular wad, the internal diameter being equivalent to the
external diameter of the perforated cup and priming, and which annular
wad I place over this cup until it rests on and is in contact with the
washer and ready to be encompassed by the outer case of the cartridge,
whether paper, linen, prepared skin, or other suitable material, into
which the powder is placed and the ball secured to complete the
cartridge for use, which is effected by placing it within and closing
the breech of the gun arranged for its discharge, which is effected by
the hammer striking the spring piston, the inner sharp end of which
punctures the annular wad, ignites the detonating powder, and explodes
the cartridge.
In
But when using a central-fire cartridge, as described in a Patent
granted to me October 19th, 1866, I effect the discharge by an auxiliary
lever and incline in connection with the outer end of the needle, the
lever being corrected in its position by a small spring, and I connect the
auxiliary lever to the pretuberance or lump for percussioning.
applying this to converted guns, I may state it is particularly applicable
to what is known as the "Terry gun;" but when converting the
Enfield I prefer applying a bolt entering a portion of the barrel in a
slanting direction through the percussioning lump, which bolt is con-
nected by a lateral strap to a spring piston placed at the same angle as
the bolt, the spring correcting its position and presenting a striking
surface to the face of the hammer. The front of the bolt proper is so
formed that as it comes in contact with the head of the needle it forces
the needle forward to explode the cartridge in the act of firing.
The bolt thus described, with its action and parts for actuating the
needle, in no way interferes with the action of the breech plug and breech

page_text: pin, which may be constructed as in my former Patent of October 19th,
1866, in which I introduce a spring catch, which consists of the catch
proper secured or fastened to an arm working centrally through a hole in
the rear of the plug, ensuring sufficient play for the catch to be depressed
in a recess formed for it level. with the external surface of the plug.
On the opposite side of the arm from the catch I place a spring, which
always holds the catch in a projected position, sufficient room being
allowed for it to be depressed within the circumference of the plug by
any suitable convenient means, such as a small pin working freely at
right angles through the side of the plug screwed into the arm before
described. This breech plug I purpose guiding in its action by a
triangular rod in contradistinction to a round rod described in my
former Patent before referred to, notwithstanding a lengthened guide
rod, whether triangular or other shape, may be dispensed with, if
preferred, by placing a guide rod on the top butt part of the stock, the
breech plug having a corresponding hole for passing over the fixed guide
rod, which it does before the plug leaves the breech end of the barrel.
As an inexpensive mode of converting the old muzzle-loading Enfield
into a breech-loader adaptable for my improved cartridge hereafter
described, I cut away the top portion of the breech end of the barrel,
between the percussioning lump and the sight down level with the
bottom side of the bore; but to counteract any apparent weakness I
purpose brazing a rib along the underneath part of the barrel where cut,
that is, buried in the stock. The part cut away I make good by a lump
stamped or otherwise formed to the desired shape working in a horizontal
direction towards the left side of the arm, so that when the part is at
right or any other convenient angle the cartridge may be easily pushed
in, when the lateral part may be brought in position with the barrel and
held by a spring catch:
After a gun so constructed has been discharged by means of one of
my improved cartridges, I require no extractor, as it is only to relieve
the part and remove it laterally from the breech when the end of my
cartridge will be exposed, its peculiar construction readily admitting of
its being extracted by the finger and thumb, an operation that may be
performed more readily than described.
The mode of discharging is effected by a needle or spring piston
working in the moveable lump or breech piece, the end of which is
fashioned to pass over the end of the cartridge, thus always bringing the
A 2

page_text: centre of the cartridge right opposite the needle or spring piston, which
is actuated by a suitable striking part.
I have described the breech lateral lump as working horizontally, but
as a modification it may work vertically, all the attendant parts being so
arranged to suit this construction, the cartridges being removed as before
described by the finger and thumb. And with this construction of
breech I will describe my new action, which consists of an arrangement
enabling me to dispense with the mainspring universally adopted in gun
locks by employing a helical or spiral spring placed in a recess made in
a square box, and in connection with the said spring a tumbler is placed,
in which the bents are cut as usual, into which my combined seer
and trigger, patented by me in my Patent before referred to, works. The
axis of the tumbler which catches in the inner end of the helical spring
projects through the box, on which axis the hammer is fixed, thus
greatly economizing and simplifying the lock action. On the middle
part of the guard a pedestal is formed, which forms a seat and means of
securing the rear end of the barrel or the portion forming the shoe and
opening part for charging, which may be screwed to the barrel proper.
With this arrangement I purpose adhering (on account of its convenience)
to the central-fire principle actuating the needle or spring piston by
means of a projecting pin screwed into the needle at right angles, the
hammer striking the said pin.
As a modification of this arrangement, instead of lifting the breech
part vertically, I cause it to descend vertically so as to form an incline
plane for applying the cartridge, the withdrawal of the cartridge case
being effected by a side lever. In some instances I purpose making the
needle of square wire working in a round hole formed in the plunger,
thus taking away as much frictional surface as possible; and to prevent
rusting I prefer gilding the said needle, the same being regulated in
its action by a small pin working in a notch filed out underneath it,
whereby I am enabled to keep it in one uniform position to receive the
blow, and dispense with the use of a helical spring.
In applying my improvements to the conversion of the Chassepot
barrel into my principle of breech-loading for the discharge of central-
fire cartridges, I form a double strap with projecting pins at the ends
and thumb pieces on the opposite side by means of dies and a common
stamp, and after clipping, dressing, and finishing the same, I reheat
the part and bend it into a loop form in order that the two projecting

page_text: pins shall be brought into a parallel line and enter two corresponding
parts formed in the rear end of the barrel, thus forming the axis on
which it works. This loop part is so filed, faced, or fitted as to
entirely cut off the escape of gas at its rear end, and yet to be so firmly
united by the side arms and axis as to resist all backward pressure
in the discharge of the piece. Thus in firing a gun so constructed I
lift up this loop from its seat and throw it forward, exposing the breech
end of the barrel, into which I insert the cartridge, as described in my
former Patent before referred to as far as regards the projecting flange
cup for receiving the cap, as it presents the means after discharging
the cartridge of readily withdrawing it by the finger and thumb, which
cartridge may be discharged by means of a bent hammer similar to
the one described in my former Patent herein-before referred to at
Fig. 16; thus I am enabled to construct a breech-loading arm of great
efficiency without any rear bolt or secondary agency beyond the loop
action. The lock action is constructed by preference with a helical
or spiral spring and attendant parts in preference to a mainspring as
herein-before described.
My improvements in bayonets consist in making them triangular
at the basc, which is usually connected with the barrel of the gun,
and making the hole for receiving it of a corresponding shape. I
fasten a spring on this base part of the bayonet which will spring
into a recess made in the lump formed in the barrel for receiving it,
thereby firmly fixing the bayonet to the barrel, which can only be
withdrawn by pressing on a small jutting knob, one motion only being
required to effect this object instead of three, as is the case with
bayonets ordinarily constructed, besides making the joints considerably
firmer in the arrangement.
My improvements in bands consist in passing a large headed screw
through the bottom side of the band from its inside, but instead of
nicking the head I nick the other end of the screw, and when the
band is placed loosely in position on the stock and the barrel, having
allowed for swelling of the stock by damp or otherwise, I screw up
the pin by means of the nick, whereby I am enabled not only to
tighten the band but to readily remove it when required.
In describing my improved cartridge in my Patent before referred
to, I merely refer to its form and general character without describing
ready means of manufacture, which I have since discovered and wish

page_text: to secure, which consists in forming the hollow shank for receiving
the cap and anvil with the flange, and uniting the same to one or
more metal washers, over which I pass by preference a thin unsoldered
metal case composed of thin zinc, tinned iron, tinned brass, or or other
suitable metal, taking care that in forming the said case it shall be
slightly smaller in its circumference than the washer, in order that in
applying the two together the case shall spring out to encompass the
washers, which being made of tin or zine enables me to readily unite
the washers with their cup and flange by means of soft solder and an
ordinary soldering iron as well as to solder the joint of the case, thus
making by certain systematic and ready means a cartridge case strong,
inexpensive, and certain in its size.
When constructing a cartridge of the Boxer kind under my method
I form the back washer larger in its circumference so as to form a
jutting edge around the cartridge for extraction, but sometimes I extract
the cartridge by cupping out the washer on the inside, or forming an
inner flange on my own cartridge in contradistinction to an exterior
one, so that the spring clips will snap into the interior of this part
instead of clipping the exterior, as before referred to, thus dispensing
with an external rim in both the Boxer and my cartridge described in
my Patent before referred to. Sometimes I prefer passing over the
washer an open cup with a concentric hole sufficiently large for the
flange cup to pass over. The edge of this cup is serrated or vandyked
into a series of divisions, to the angle of its construction, and this cup
I solder to the case simultaneously with the rest of its parts. The object
of the serrated or vandyked rim is to admit of the expansion of the
washer by the heat and force generated in exploding the cartridge,
which while it fills up and cuts off escape of gas rearwards it prevents
jamming or sticking fast in the breech. Cases thus formed may be
charged and recharged if used with care many times. The ball is
secured either by paper or slightly cupping.
As a modification I have found it desirable for the sake of shortening
the cartridge to keep the portion holding the ammunition, more parti-
cularly for small-bore guns, as large as I can, and to fit on the powder
within the case a split lubricated felt or cotton wad. I prefer its being
split or divided on its outer edge on account of its size, which in the
discharge forms itself into a cup and is driven through the barrel so as
to adapt itself to and clean the bore in its flight or passage through it.

page_text: Concentrically on this split wad I place the ball, which has an annular
filling on its lower or base part to fill up the difference between its
diameter and the diameter of the metal case holding the powder, and
which case I gather in over the wad around the ball. But in some
cases to prevent the escape of gas from explosion I use an annular
washer in connection with an internal cup flanged radially outward at
its front end. This annular wad rests upon the rear washer, into which
concentrically and extending rearwards a flanged cup is secured for
holding the percussion cap and anvil.
In adapting my improved cartridge to breech-loaders, as described
at Fig. 18, Sheet Two of the Drawings of my Specification of Patent
No. 2711, 1866, I can proceed two ways, first, by forming a longitudinal
slot on the rear top side of the barrel for a projecting pin on the cart-
ridge to work in, which provides the means for extracting it, the escape
of gas being prevented by the washers at the rear end of the cartridge,
or the hollow cup for receiving the cap for exploding the cartridge may
be extended, as before described, and an opening formed in the plug into
which the cup or rear end of the cartridge fits as the plug is elevated in
discharging the piece. And I will here remark that I sometimes extend
the chamber of the cartridge for holding the anvil and cap inwards by
preference of a greatly reduced size, on which reduced part I fix a
washer, between which and the flange I place a wad or backing of any
suitable material, or filled with boxwood, if desired, and the metal
washer being in front forms a face for the recoil before arriving at the
wad or packing behind.
But in making cartridges wholly of linen, with the exception of the
chamber for the anvil and washer at its extreme end, I proceed in the
following manner:-I drive the chamber on a mandrel with a small
square point at its end and wind a strip of linen upon it, which linen is
covered with shellac or other adhesive material, which strip of linen has
upon its extreme end a square piece, so that when the strip has been
wound sufficiently to form a base for the cartridge, and of the requisite
diameter, the square part follows and forms the case part of the cartridge,
thus making the cartridge wholly of one material independently of the
chamber mentioned; or I may wind a thin metal strip in like manner,
and afterwards apply a plain or vandyked cup, as before referred to, to
secure the parts together.
In making a permancut cartridge case with which loose powder may

page_text: be used, should the user be without ammunition, I do not employ any
backing whatever to the washer, but make the washer and the chamber
out of one solid piece, say about a quarter of an inch thick, or more, and
cupped out on its inside towards the powder. In the centre of this piece
I drill a hole (to fit the outside of the caps I may use) which extends so
far inwards that the point of the drill just shows itself through the solid
picce, into this I insert a small piece of tube to form an anvil for
exploding the cap small enough for the cap to fit over it, this tube
projecting to nearly the length of the cap, say, a sixteenth of an inch;
thus the cap will extend into the cartridge case head to shut off the
gases, sufficient remaining outside to enable the user to take the
exploded cap away with a slight leverage by the thumb and finger.
I hard solder the small tube into the solid head simultaneously as I
solder this head into a strong steel tube. At the mouth of the steel tube
I cut an annular recess, slightly slanting about an eighth of an inch
deep to receive the ball, this recess being sufficiently small as to require
pressure on the bullet to fix it after placing the powder in the case, thus
by the bullet going such a slight distance in (the bullet being free to go
down the barrel any distance) I am enabled to make a very strong steel
tube to contain the powder, the greater length of the interior holding
the necessary quantity of powder although its diameter is reduced.
In modifying or adapting my improvements to sporting guns I have
only to apply my improved actions herein before described, as applied to
single-barrelled military guns, to single and double barrelled sporting
guns, with the exception that the action must be reversed for each side
of the barrels, in which case, viz., doubled-barrelled guns, I also apply
the double bolt as in my former Patent, and also the method of
extracting the cartridge by the angle or flange by the rear ends of the
cartridges dropping into the face of the plungers and thereby making
the plungers the extractors; or I place spring clips running up the
interior of the plungers, which in forcing them home spring over the
rim of the cartridge. And here I may remark that extractors heretofore
when made of a spring description have always been screwed upon or
fixed by other means at the outside of the plungers, thereby rendering
double guns ineffective. The locks are connected together by a strap at
each end, the breech or lock screws passing through the centre of each
strap and through lumps formed on the under side of the barrels, thereby
firmly holding the locks and barrels together. I sometimes use a spring

page_text: seat to the plunger in accordance with my former Patent before referred
to. For double-barrelled guns the triangular rod before described is
particularly applicable as it runs underneath and between the barrels,
the rod being united to the two plungers. At the rear ends of the plugs
I place the handle for advancing and retiring the same, these being
connected to the handle by two side screws, the face of the handle being
cupped to receive the rounded ends of the said plugs, the screws forming
when screwed into the handle, and a plain portion of them jutting into
the plunger, joints or pivots upon which the handle works to keep the
said handle in its place, and to prevent the plungers starting from their
position. A spring piston is placed in the rib lying between the barrels,
so that when the plungers are pushed home it brings the face of the
handle in contact with the spring piston, forcing it inwards, the handle
rising over a stud placed in the stock at the extreme end of the handle,
which having been pushed home the piston returns to its normal position
the handle snapping over the stud retaining it in position during the
discharge of the piece. Upon again withdrawing the handle the upper
part strikes against the upper portion of the face of the barrels, and
thereby creating a leverage to slightly withdraw the cartridges before
completely withdrawing them, thereby overcoming the difficulty hitherto
experienced of extracting two cartridges at one time. The spring ex-
tractors in the interior of the plungers above described in connection
with double-barrelled guns are also applicable to single-barrelled guns.
In forming my locks when let up from the bottom or let in from the top
I am enabled to form a strong lump on the lock plate through which the
axis of the hammer lever works, thereby affording much support to the
action which enables me to dispense with the bridle, and as a con-
sequence greatly diminishes the cost, and ensuring a much better and
quicker mode of manufacture. In giving effect to that portion of my
Patent of 1866, dated October 19th, for actuating the vertical bolt to lock
the plunger I used a long swivel pin; I now find that by connecting an
arm to the tumbler I get a more certain action and increased power in
the blow, as the mainspring is relieved of much of its work.
And here I may explain as another inexpensive mode of converting
the Enfield muzzle-loader in conjunction with the alteration of the lock
just described, that instead of a spring guide being applied to the
plunger, as shown at K, Figure 1, Sheet 1 of the Drawings of my Patent
of October 19th, 1866, I have a long strong wire running along the whole

page_text: length of the upper part of the butt of the stock and keying into the
hole of the plunger there shown, instead of the spring guide; this wire
works as a spring by its length, and also as a catch to retain the plunger
in its place after tlie same has been pushed home, and when desired to
reload the wrist coming in contact with this wire depresses the same and
allows the plunger or plug to be withdrawn for that purpose. The head
of the gun instead of being cut entirely through, as in my Patent above
referred to, has in this case a tubular lining of tin, brass, or iron placed
therein.
It has been usual in locking the trigger as a safety in full-cock
weapons to modify or alter the trigger, but I find by screwing a straight
spring upon the strong part of the guard, and by having a return end to
the same of sufficient width and thickness, and bringing it at the back
part of the trigger, and free of the trigger plate, a notch being placed in
the same, the return end of the spring not having its notch in a line
with the trigger the trigger cannot be pulled at full-cock, until by the
pressure of the forefinger in the act of discharging, the notch is brought
opposite the back of the trigger.
As a final remark, I do not intend to confine myself to any system of
guide or guides for a plunger or plug in making a gun to do without a
breech block or shoe for the purpose of guiding a plunger or plug to its
normal position or otherwise; but what will form an important feature
of novelty of my present application will be a breechless breech-loader
with guides of any kind, shape, or number (for I intend to use one or
more should I so desire), showing that what is new is the dispensing
in connection with my claim for guides with any form of breech or shoe
for plungers or plugs.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Thomas Restell in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 24th December 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
RESTELL, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Mechanical
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of June, in the year a

page_text: of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Thomas Restell, Her special license that I,
the said Thomas Restell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Thomas Restell, my executors, administrators,
or 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 MILITARY
AND SPORTING GUNS, AND IN THE CARTRIDGES TO BE USED WITH THE SAME, WHICH
SAID CARTRIDGES MAY BE ADAPTED FOR CERTAIN OTHER GUNS," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas Restell, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, 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 Thomas Restell, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement (that is to say) :-
I will first describe my improvements as applicable to certain descrip-
tions of military breech-loading guns, such as guns technically known as
cap guns, in which case I purpose removing the nipple and enlargening
the hole so as to make it less oblique, and into this I fit a cylinder, in
which a spring piston works, having a sharp lower end with an external
projection on its top end to receive the blow from the hammer. This
arrangement enables me to fire or discharge cartridges, the undischarged
or case portions of which, should any remain, are intended to be pushed
forward by the succeeding cartridge, and carried away by the succeeding
discharge.
The construction of cartridges adapted for this arrangement consists
in having a small annular perforated cup concentric with a base washer
of the cartridge case, the periphery of which must be smaller than the
bore of the piece. Around this perforated cup I place detonating powder,
protecting the same with a film or coating of thin paper or other suitable
material, and over this I place an annular wad, the internal diameter

page_text: being equivalent to the external diameter of the perforated cup and
priming, and which annular wad I place over this cup until it rests on
and is in contact with the washer before referred to and ready to be
encompassed by the outer case of the cartridge, whether paper, linen,
prepared skin, or other suitable material, into which the powder is
placed, and the ball secured to complete the cartridge for use or dis-
charging, which is effected by placing it within and closing the breech
of the gun arranged for its discharge, which is effected by the hammer
striking the spring piston above described, the inner sharp end of which
punctures the annular wad, ignites the detonating powder, and explodes
the cartridge.
But when using a central-fire cartridge, as described in a Patent
granted to me October 19th, 1866, I effect the discharge by an auxillary
lever and incline in connection with the outer end of the needle, the
lever being corrected in its position by a small spring, and I connect the
auxillary lever to the protuberance or lump for percussioning. In
applying this general arrangement to converted guns I may state it is
particularly applicable to what is known as the "Terry gun;" but when
converting the Enfield I prefer applying a bolt entering a portion of the
barrel in a slanting direction through the percussioning lump, which
bolt is connected by a lateral strap to a spring piston placed at the same
angle as the bolt, the spring correcting its position and presenting a
striking surface to the face of the hammer. The front of the bolt proper
is so formed that as it comes in contact with the head of the needle
it forces the needle forward to explode the cartridge in the act of firing.
The bolt thus described with its action and parts for actuating the
needle in no way interferes with the action of the breech plug and
breech pin, which may be constructed as in my former Patent of
October 19th, 1866; but as an improvement I now introduce a spring
catch, which consists of the catch proper, secured or fastened to an arm
working centrally through a hole in the rear of the plug, ensuring
sufficient play for the catch to be depressed in a recess formed for it
level with the external surface of the plug. On the opposite side of the
arm from, the catch I place a spring which always holds the catch in a
projected position, sufficient room being allowed for it to be depressed
within the circumference of the plug by any suitable convenient means,
such as a small pin working freely at right angles through the side of
the plug screwed into the arm before described. This breech plug I
purpose guiding in its action by a triangular rod in contradistinction to

page_text: a round rod described in my former Patent before referred to, notwith-
standing a lengthened guide rod, whether triangular or other shape, may
be dispensed with if preferred.
As an inexpensive mode of converting the old muzzle-loading Enfield
or other guns into a breech-loader, or constructing new guns adapt-
able for my improved cartridge hereafter described, or the Boxer or
other like cartridges, I cut away the top portion of the breech end
of the barrel between the percussioning lump and the sight down level
or slightly below the bottom side of the bore, but to counteract any
real or apparent weakness I purpose brazing or forming a rib along the
underneath part of the barrel where cut away, which said additional.rib
lies in a recess formed in the stock. The part cut away I make good
by a moveable lump or breech block stamped or otherwise formed to
the desired shape working on a strong vertical pin in a horizontal or
lateral direction from the left side of the arm, so that when this breech.
block is at a convenient angle the cartridge may be easily pushed in,
when the breech block may be brought in position with the barrel and
held by a spring catch, the discharge being effected by a needle passing
slightly oblique through the breech block.
After a gun so constructed has been discharged by means of one of
my improved cartridges, as described in my Patent of 1866 before
referred to, I require no extractor, as it is only to relieve the part and
remove it laterally from the breech when the end of my cartridge will
be exposed, its peculiar construction readily admitting of its being:
extracted by the finger and thumb, an operation that may be performed
more readily than described, notwithstanding this construction of
arm readily admits the use of the Boxer or other like cartridge, in which
case extractors would be necessary, and which I purpose effecting by an
additional action of the finger and thumb, or with the lateral placement
of the breech block in opening; nor does this form or construction of
breech-loaders render locks necessary, as I am enabled by this lateral
moving breech block to dispense with the ordinary lock action by means
of a plug in connection with a pin working throug the vertical pin
forming the axis of its movements.
I have described the breech block as working horizontally, but as a.
modification it may work vertically, all the attendant parts being so
arranged to suit this construction, the cartridge being removed as before
described by the finger and thumb. And with this construction of

page_text: breech I will describe my new action, which consists of an arrangement
enabling me to dispense with the mainspring universally adapted in gun
locks by employing a helical or spiral spring placed in a recess made in
a square box, and in connection with the said spring a tumbler is placed
in which the bents are cut as usual, into which my combined seer and
trigger, patented by me in my Patent before referred to, works. The axis
of the tumbler which catches in the inner end of the helical spring
projects through the box, on which axis the hammer is fixed, thus greatly
economizing and simplifying the lock action. On the middle part of the
guard a pedestal is formed, which forms a seat and means of securing
the rear end of the barrel or the portion forming the shoe or opening
part for charging, which may be screwed to the barrel proper. With
this arrangement I purpose adhering, on account of its convenience, to
the central-fire principle, actuating the needle or spring piston by means
of a projecting pin screwed into the needle at right angles, the hammer
striking the said pin. In some instances I purpose making the needle
of square wire, working in a round hole formed in the plug, thus
taking away as much frictional surface as possible; and to prevent
rusting I prefer gilding the said needle, the same being regulated in its
action by a small pin working in a notch filed out underneath it, and
whereby I am enabled to keep it in one uniform position to receive the
blow, and dispense with the use of a helical spring.
In applying my improvements to the conversion of the Chassepot gun
into my principle or system of breech-loading for the discharge of
central-fire cartridges I form a double strap with projecting pins at the
ends and thumb pieces on the opposite side by means of dies and a
common stamp, and after clipping, dressing, and finishing the same I
reheat the part and bend it into a loop form in order that the two
projecting pins shall be brought into a parallel line and enter two
corresponding parts formed in the rear end of the barrel, thus forming
the axis on which it works. This loop part is so filed, faced, or fitted
as to entirely cut off the escape of gas at its rear end, and yet to be so
firmly united by the side arm and axis as to resist all backward pressure
in the discharge of the piece. Thus in using a gun so constructed I
lift up this loop from its seat and throw it forward, exposing the breech
end of the barrel, into which I insert the cartridge, as described in my
former Patent before referred to, as far as regards the projecting
flanged cup for receiving the cap, as it presents the means after dis-

page_text: charging the cartridge of readily withdrawing it by the finger and
thumb, which cartridge may be discharged by means of a bent hammer
similar to the one described in my former Patent of 1866, at Fig. 16;
thus I am enabled to construct a breech-loading arm of great efficiency
without any rear bolt or secondary agency beyond the loop action.
My improvements in bayonets consist in making them triangular at
the base, which is usually connected with the barrel of the gun, and
making the hole for receiving it of a corresponding shape. I fasten a
spring on this base part of the bayonet which will spring into a recess
made in the lump formed in the barrel for receiving it, thereby firmly
fixing the bayonet to the barrel, which can only be withdrawn by
pressing on a small jutting knob, one motion only being required to
effect this object instead of three, as is the case with bayonets ordinarily
constructed, besides making the joint considerably firmer by this
arrangement.
My improvements in bands consist in passing a large headed screw
through the bottom side of the band from its inside, but instead of
nicking the head I nick the other end of the screw, and when the band
is placed loosely in position on the stock and barrel, having allowed
for swelling of the stock by damp or otherwise, I screw up the pin
by means of the nick, whereby I am enabled not only to tighten the
band, but to readily remove it when required.
In describing my improved cartridge in my Patent before referred to
I merely referred to its form and general character without describing
ready means of manufacture, which I have since discovered and wish
to secure, which consists in forming the hollow shank or cup for
receiving the cap and anvil with the flange and uniting the same to
one or more metal washers, over which I pass by preference a thin
unsoldered metal case composed of thin zinc, tinned iron, tinned brass,
or other suitable metal, taking care that in forming the said case it shall
be slightly smaller in its circumference than the washer, that in applying
the two together the case shall spring out to encompass the washers,
which being made of tin or zinc enables me to readily unite the washers
with their cup and flange by means of soft solder and an ordinary
soldering iron, as well as to solder the joint of the case, thus making
by certain systematic and ready means a cartridge case strong, inexpen-
sive, and certain in its size, particularly applicable for continuous use:

page_text: When constructing a cartridge of the Boxer kind by my improved
means I form the back washer larger in its circumference, so as to form
a jutting edge around the cartridge for extraction as ordinarily pursued,
but I sometimes extract the cartridge by cupping out the washer on
the inside or forming an inner flange on my own cartridge in contra-
distinction to an exterior one, so that the spring clip will snap into the
interior of this part instead of clipping the exterior, as before referred to,
thus dispensing with an external rim in both the Boxer and my cartridge
described in my Patent before referred to. Sometimes I prefer passing
over the washer an open cup with a concentric hole sufficiently large to
pass over the flange cup. The edge of this cup is serrated or vandyked
into a series of divisions to the angle of its construction, and this cup I
solder to the case simultaneously with the rest of its parts. The object
of the serrated or vandyked rim is to admit of the expansion of the
washer by the heat and force generated in exploding the cartridge,
which while it fills up and cuts off escape of gas rearwards it prevents
jamming or sticking fast in the breech. Cases thus formed may be
charged and recharged if used with care many times. The ball is secured
either by paper or slightly cupping.
As a modification I have found it desirable for the sake of shortening
the cartridge to keep the portion holding the ammunition, more parti-
cularly for small-bore guns, as large as I can, and to fit on the powder
within the case a split lubricated felt or cotton wad. I prefer its being
split or divided on its outer edge on account of its size, which in the
discharge forms itself into a cup and is driven through the barrel so as
to adapt itself to and clear the bore in its flight or passage through it.
Concentrically on this split wad I place the ball, which has an annular
fulling on its lower or base part to fill up the difference between its
diameter and the diameter of the metal case holding the powder, and
which case I gather in over the fulling or annular wad around the ball;
but in some cases to prevent the escape of gas from explosion I use
an annular wad in connection with an internal cup flanged radially
outwards at its front end. This annular wad rests upon the rear washer,
into which concentrically and extending rearwards a flanged cup is
secured for holding, the percussion cap and anvil.
In adapting my improved cartridge to breech-loaders, as described at
Fig. 18, Sheet 2 of the Drawings of my Specification of Patent No. 2711,
1866, I can proceed two ways, first, by forming a longitudinal slot on

page_text: the rear sides of the barrel for a projecting pin or pins on the cartridge
to pass in, which provides the means for extracting it, the escape of gas
being prevented by the washers at the rear end of the cartridge; or the
hollow cup for receiving the cap for exploding the cartridge may be
extended as before described, and an opening formed in the plug, into,
which the cup or rear end of the cartridge fits as the plug is elevated in,
discharging the piece. And I will here remark that I sometimes extend:
the chamber of the cartridge for holding the anvil and cap inwards by
preference of a greatly reduced size, in which reduced part I fix a washer,
between which and the flange I place a wad or backing of any suitable:
material, or filled with boxwood if desired, and the metal washer being.
in front forms a face for the recoil before arriving at the wad or packing.
behind, as above referred to.
But in making cartridges wholly of linen, paper, or thin metal, or linen,.
paper, and metal combined, with the exception of the chamber for the
anvil and washer at its extreme end, I proceed in the following:
manner-I drive the chamber on a mandril with a small square point
at its end and wind a strip of linen, paper, or metal, which material>
whether fabric or metal, or in combination, I cover with shellac or other!
adhesive material, which strip has upon its extreme end a square or:
rectangular piece, so that when the strip has been wound sufficiently:
to form a base for the cartridge, and of the requisite diameter, the.
square or rectangular part follows and forms the case part of the.
cartridge, thus making the cartridge independently of the chamber.
mentioned.
In making à permanent or portable cartridge case with which loose
powder may be used, should the user be without ammunition, I do not
employ any backing whatever to the washer, but make the washer and
the chamber out of one solid piece, say, about a quarter of an inch thick,
or more, and cupped out on its inside towards the powder. In the centre
of this piece I drill a hole (to fit the outside of the caps I may use)
which extends as far inwards that the point of the drill just shews itself
through the solid piece, into this I insert an anvil for exploding the cap
small enough for the cap to fit over it, this tube or anvil is screwed on
or otherwise secured to a shank extending the whole length internally of
the case.
Into the recess for receiving the anvil I place the percussion
cap by which the ammunition is exploded, and as the shank works freely.
through the base of the case the exploded cup may be easily removed

page_text: by the internal shank before described being pressed on by the finger
for that purpose. The gas is prevented from escaping around the case
by means of an annular wad, which may be conveniently made of
india-rubber, and applied to the rear end of the case. At the mouth
of the steel tube I cut an annular recess slightly slanting about an
eighth of an inch deep to receive the ball, this recess being sufficiently
small as to require pressure on the bullet to fix it after placing the
powder in the case, thus by the bullet going such a slight distance in
(the bullet being free to go down the barrel any distance) I am enabled
to make a very strong steel tube to contain the powder, the greater
length of the interior holding the necessary quantity of powder although
its diameter is reduced.
As a modification it is not essential to provide the steel case for
receiving the ball, as the ball may be wrapped in paper and placed in
the barrel from the open breech to the desired depth, easily guaged by
the finger, and on the ball loose powder may be poured in, and next to
which a long india-rubber or other suitable compound wad is placed,
constructed as follows:-The wad is placed over a steel or other metal
bush secured to a rear washer extending slightly larger in diameter than
the bore and elastic wad, and on the fore end of the metal bush another
metal washer is placed slightly smaller than the bore of the gun and
elastic wad. This washer is secured by a hollow screw with a projecting
head, the screw passing through a concentric hole in the washer screwing
into the interior of the bush, the hollow screw forming a clear passage
to the charge from the cap, which is placed concentrically in a recess
formed in the rear washer, the exploded cap being removed as in the
former case.
In modifying or adapting my improvements to sporting guns I have
only to apply my improved actions described in my former Patent of
1866, No. 2711, at Figure 3, as applied to single-barrelled military guns,
to single and double-barrelled sporting guns, with the exception that
the action must be reversed for each side of the barrells, in which case,
namely, double-barrelled guns, I also apply double bolts, as applied singly
in my former Patent above referred to, and also the method of extracting
the cartridge by the angle or flange by the rear ends of the cartridges
dropping into the face of the plungers, and thereby making the plungers
the extractors; or I place spring clips running up the interior of the
plungers, which in forcing them home spring over the rim of the

page_text: cartridges; and here I may remark that extractors heretofore when
inade of a spring description have always been screwed upon or fixed
by other means at the outside of the plungers, thereby rendering double
guns ineffective. The locks for double guns are to be connected together
by a strap at each end, the breech or lock screws passing through the
centre of each strap, and through lumps formed on the under side of the
barrels, thereby firmly holding the locks and barrels together. I some-
times use a spring seat to the plunger, as also in accordance with my
former Patent before referred to and exhibited at Figure 12 of that Speci-
fication. For double-barrelled guns the triangular rod before described
is particularly applicable, as it runs underneath and between the barrels,
the rod being united to the two plungers. At the rear ends of the
plugs I place the handle for advancing and retiring the same, these being
connected to the handle by two side screws, the face of the handle being
cupped to receive the rounded ends of the said plugs, the screws forming
when screwed into the handle, and a plain portion of them jutting into
the plungers, joints or pivots upon which the handle works to keep the
said handle in its place, and to prevent the plungers starting from their
position. A spring piston is placed on the rib lying between the barrels,
so that when the plungers are pushed home it brings the face of the,
handle in contact with the spring piston, forcing it inwards, the handle
rising over a stud placed in the stock at the extreme end of the handle,
which having been pushed home the piston returns to its normal position,
the handle snapping over the stud retaining it in its position during the
discharge of the piece. This mode of securing the plugs or plungers in
position may be as efficiently applied to single barrels of like con-
struction. Upon again withdrawing the handle the upper part strikes
against the upper portion of the face of the barrels, and thereby creating
a leverage to slightly withdraw the cartridges before completely with
drawing them, thereby overcoming the difficulty hitherto experienced
of extracting two cartridges at one time. The spring extractors in the
interior of the plungers above described in connection with double-
barrelled guns are also applicable to single-barrelled guns. And although
I have mentioned applying the plugs to a guide rod working on the
under side of the barrels, nevertheless the same may be applied between
the two barrels on the top side with equal efficiency, employing the same
means for detaining them in position as well as the extraction of the
cartridge. In forming my locks when let up from the bottom or let
n from the top I am enabled to form a strong lump on the lock plate,

page_text: through which the axis of the hammer lever works, thereby affording
much support to the action, which enables me to dispense with the
bridle, and as a consequence greatly diminishes the cost, and ensuring
a much better and quicker mode of manufacture. In giving effect to
that portion of my Patent of 1866, dated October 19th, for actuating
the vertical bolt to lock the plunger I used a long swivel pin, I now
find that by connecting an arm to the tumbler I get a more certain
action and increased power in the blow, as the mainspring is relieved
of much of its work.
And here I may explain as another inexpensive mode of converting the
Enfield muzzle-loader in conjunction with the alteration of the lock
just described, that instead of a spring guide being applied to the plunger
as shown at K, Figure 1, Sheet 1, of the Drawings of my Patent of
October 19th, 1866, I have a long strong wire running along the whole
length of the upper part of the butt of the stock and keying into the
hole of the plunger there shown instead of the spring guide. This
wire works as a spring by its length and also as a catch to retain
the plunger in its place after the same has been pushed home, and
when desired to reload. The wrist coming in contact with this wire
depresses the same and allows the plunger or plug to be withdrawn for
that purpose.
The head of the gun instead of being cut entirely
through, as in my Patent above referred to, has in this case a tubular
lining of tin, brass, or iron placed therein.
It has been usual in locking the trigger as a safety in full-cock
weapons to modify or alter the trigger, but I find by screwing a straight
spring upon the strong part of the guard, and by having a return end to
the same of sufficient width and thickness, and bringing it at the back
part of the trigger and free of the trigger plate, a notch being placed in
the same, the return end of the spring not having its notch in a line with
the trigger, the trigger cannot be pulled at full cock until by the pressure
of the forefinger in the act of discharging the notch is brought opposite
the back of the trigger.
J
:
As a final remark I do not intend, to confine myself to any system
of guide or guides for a plunger or plug in making a gun to do without
a breech block or shoe for the purpose of guiding a plunger or plug to
its normal position or otherwise, but what forms an important feature of
novelty of my present Patent is, a breechless breech-loader with guides
of any kind, shape, or number (for I intend to use one or more should

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Figure 1, Sheet One, represents as much of the breech part and stock
of a gun necessary to illustrate my improvements on the description of
fire-arms known as cap guns, my object being to dispense with the cap
and convert them into central-fire guns, which I effect by removing the
ordinary nipple and applying a spring piston marked a, the upper or
apex of which ranges with the throw of the hammer, the normal position
being represented in dotted lines, but on receiving the blow of the
hammer the piston would be driven down, as here exhibited, and by a
strap here exhibited coming in contact with the corresponding rear part of
the needle (which is held back by the elastic force of the spring marked b
until the blow is given) forces the needle c forward as here exhibited for
discharging the piece, which when down the breech plug A may be
drawn back until by means of a longitudinal grove on the under side of
the plug its termination marked d is brought in contact with a projection
at the rear end of a groove in which it works marked e. This projection
may be further utilized as a stop for a spring to glide over fastened to the
plunger for holding it in position, but in some cases I may use a spring
and stop, as exhibited here in a side sectional view and in a top sectional
view at Figure 2 exhibited at right angles to that shown at Figure 1, in
which case the stop f is attached to the rod g with a head or lateral
termination as large as the orifice in which it works, which is large
enough to allow a thin spring to be placed underneath the rod g, the
force of which always keeps the stop fin a laterally extended position,
but by pressing on the thumb bit i the rod g with the stop ƒ may be
readily depressed for relieving and withdrawing the plunger at the time
of recharging.
Figure 3 represents as much of the breech end and breech pin of a gun
necessary to illustrate my mode of converting a cap gun into a central

page_text: fire as in the last instance, but for explicitness I have adapted my
improvements to what is known in the trade as the "Terry gun," although
the plan can be applied to other guns. The mode I adopt is simply to
remove the nipple and plug up the orifice, which affords me a projection
for receiving an angular bar, here shewn in a side view marked j, working
on an axis at k; the lower end of this bar strikes on the rear end of the
needle, which as in the former case is retired by a helical spring. The
position in which the bar j is exhibited is that of being struck down by
the hammer shown in dotted lines, thereby projecting the needle. On
the front of the plunger B a concentric nose is secured, partly removed
on one side, as here exhibited, for the purpose of allowing the rear end of
my cartridge as described in my Patent of October 19th, 1866, and here
exhibited at Figure 4, by which means the cartridge case is withdrawn
after discharge, thereby rendering an additional extractor unnecessary.
The elevation of the hammer will permit the angular part to rise by the
force of the spring underneath it, marked 1, until its lower portion is
entirely clear of the orifice of the bore.
In reference to my mode of converting Enfield muzzle-loaders into
breech-loaders or constructing new guns, Figures 5 and 6 will clearly
exhibit my mode of giving effect to this part of my Invention. I purpose
cutting away the upper breech part of the barrel, as exhibited in a
separate side and top view at Figures 7 and 8, strengthening the
remaining lower portion by a strong rib, exhibited at Figure 7, marked
C, C, which may be extended more or less to ensure solidity without
cutting away too much of the stock into which it beds. Into the
opening I fit the breech block marked D, Figures 5 and 6, which block
is attached to the barrel by means of a strong vertical pin or screw
marked E passing through the block and screwed into the rear lump
of the barrel, marked F in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8. This plug has a
lateral range of action on the axis E, as exhibited in dotted lines at a
Figure 5, for the purpose of disclosing the rear end of the barrel for the
insertion of a cartridge, the left side of the plug being grooved or
hollowed, as will be hereafter referred to, for giving space and guidance
to the cartridge. The block is held in position by the spring clip G
when at half bent, but its functions are very slightly required, as the 3
act of discharging closes or corrects and holds the breech block in
position from the striking part of the needle being placed on a lateral or
right-handed side, as at H, in range for the fall of the hammer I, the

page_text: needle being shewn in a separate view at Figure 9, its range of action
being restricted between the shoulders m and n and are forced out by a
helical spring working over the forward or point end.
In this conversion and construction of gun I have introduced a mode
of extracting the cartridge case by the finger and thumb being applied to
the projecting knobs J and K, and in a separate sectional view at
Figure 10, and a rear end view at Figure 11. This extractor I have
arranged by way of adapting any improvements for the use of the
"Boxer" cartridge, which consists of two side slides to which the knobs
J and K are attached, concealed at right angles at the rear end, which
has a projection at p curved to the same radius as the case of the
cartridge recessed for receiving the flange of the same, from which it
will be readily seen that by means of the finger and thumb pressing rear-
ways against the force of a small helical spring, shewn at Figure 10,
marked g, or other equivalent means, the cartridge case will be extracted
and readily fall by its own gravity.
I have not thought proper to describe or define parts which are in
themselves old, as they will be readily understood by a skilled workman
connected with the trade..
i
Instead of extracting the cartridge by a direct and separate action as
last described the same may be effected by the lateral action of the
breech block, as exhibited, marked D, in a top and side view at Figures 12
and 13, in which views I have simply confined myself to the mechanism
of the breech part without lock, stock, or hammer, notwithstanding the
pin or axis on which the breech block works I have exhibited at L,
Figure 13, as going through the guard, stock, and breech block merely
to show that I am not restricted in the means for giving effect to my
improvements, in fact in constructing new guns I think this plan
In this view
preferable than having a tail pin and second breech screw.
the same means may be used as at G, Figure 5, for holding the breech
block in position, but I prefer covering this spring with an additional
lever marked M, terminating with a thumb bit at N, for the purpose of
affording me more control over the action of the breech block, because
by smartly pressing it laterally for opening I extract or flirt out the
cartridge case, which is shown in dotted lines, as if just expelled, at
Figure 12. The manner of extracting it is by an angular tumbler
exhibited separately in a top and rear view at Figure 14. The front end
of the plug has a groove nearly through it at right angles with the axis

page_text: on which it works below the centre, as exhibited in a detached end view
of the block at Figure 15, marked v, the stop for striking the extractor
being marked w, and into this groove the part of the extractor marked r
passes until it comes to the end of the groove, when, according to the
force of the lateral displacement of the block, the extractor is placed
in the position as shown at Figure 12, thereby flirting out the cartridge
by its curved inner portion, as at 8, Figure 14, clipping a portion of the
case underneath the flange. The correction of the position of the
extractor is effected by a spring marked O secured to a part filed and
fitted to the barrel, as at P, Figure 12, for supporting the extractor.
Figures 15 and 16 simply represent the rear, end, side, and top views
of the barrel and rear part exhibited in Figures 12 and 13 without the
breech block extractor or spring, and Figure 17 exhibits a detached side
and top view of the breech block D.
I have before drawn' attention to the advantage of a longitudinal recess
formed in the breech block to give guidance to the cartridge in loading
or extracting, and this recess I have exhibited in a transverse section of
the block at Figure 18, taken through the dotted line t, t, of Figure 17,
the recess being marked u.
When using cartridges constructed under a Patent granted to me in
1866, No. 2711, with this description of fire-arm, extractors are not
essential, as I recess the front end of the breech block, as exhibited in
a reverse side view at Figure 19, which not only shows the recess u
to give room and guidance to the cartridge, but exhibits the opening
marked a for passing over the end of the cartridge, Figure 4, marked y.
Figure 20 represents the front end of the breech plug, Figure 19, in its
natural position instead of being upside down, as at Figure 19, showing
the opening in which the end of the cartridge passes.
As a further modification of arranging and adapting the breech block
herein-before described with its lateral action and working on a rear
vertical centre to a breech-loading gun with all the attendant advantages
for removing or extracting the cartridges, I so arrange the parts as to
permit the needle to work perfectly central, and extend beyond the
block passing through the vertical pin on which the block works. This
arrangement I have exhibited at Figure 21, Sheet Two, in which I have
dispensed with the usual lock; the barrel, rib, and breech block being
exhibited in section for the purpose of exhibiting the action of the
trigger upon the part substituted for the ordinary lock; as will be under-

page_text: stood from the following description:-The breech block is marked D,
the needle bar a' terminating with a thumb piece marked Q, the collar
of which marked b' fits in a recess in the rear of the barrel, and is
encaved to fit over the end of the breech block D. The needle bar
works through the vertical pin R, which fits and works in a circular
recess formed in the lump, and as the hole through the lump or rear
in a line with the barrels is larger than the needle bar it permits
(when the needle bar is drawn back by the thumb piece Q and retained
by the part d' being elevated by its own tension, it being in reality a
steel spring), the block D being turned in a lateral direction for the
purpose of charging it being recessed for the same object and purpose,
as before described, the part d' is fitted in and screwed to the block D
and moves with it, and we will suppose that the piece has been charged
and the block D restored to its position, as here shown, the gun will
be perfectly secure as here exhibited, as the trigger cannot possibly
affect its action; but by pulling the needle bar still further back until
the shoulder e' of the needle bar snaps over the end of the part d' the
piece will be full cocked, and the leverage afforded by the trigger will
bring its upper part over the inclined lower end of the part d', and so
far depress it as to permit the needle and bar to go forward by the force
of the spring and explode the cartridge; thus a very efficient and safe
arm with the advantage of rapid loading and certain action may be
economically produced. The restoration of the piece to half bent is
simply effected by the slightest pressure on the trigger to sufficiently
depress the spring or part d' at the same time the needle bar is being
I have endeavoured
carried forward slowly and firmly to the half bent.
to arrange this and carry on my ideas with the producing or arranging
my improvements in this Figure as suitable for a carbine, in which case
I have slightly modified also, not in principle but in shape, the extractor,
as described at Figures 5 and 6, Sheet One, notwithstanding the former
may be used if preferred; but here I apply the reacting spring for
retiring the extractor in a hollow plate marked f¹, f', still preserving
the projections J and K for the finger and thumb, as exhibited in a
lateral section at Figure 22, and in a transverse sectional view at

page_text: Figure 24, for securing the end of a pin screwing through the convexed
.side of the rear end of the breech block until the end of the screw enters
into the recess which prevents the breech pin falling out.
Figure 25 represents a further modification both as to the means of
opening and closing the breech as well as the means of discharging
the same, where the ordinary lock action or mainspring with the
attendant parts are dispensed with by forming the axis part of the
hammer with a square shank which passes into a box, with a collar
and square hole for receiving the shank, on which collar a projecting
pin or catch is placed for receiving the end of an ordinary timepiece or
box spring. As the square shank of the hammer, after passing through
the square hole in the collar continues in a round form for receiving a
screw on the other side to retain it in position the base of the shank
of the hammer is enlarged for receiving the bent and full-cock catches;
thus the inner end of the helical spring being fastened to the stop on
the inner collar through which the square part of the shank of the
hammer passes while the outer end of the spring after being wound up is
caught by a stop in the square box just in proportion to the number
of turns that has been imparted to the spring, and that face, being
connected to the collar and square of the shank of the hammer so the
cock exerts its force to actuate the needle in discharging; but instead
of moving my breech block laterally, as herein-before described, I here
move it vertically, placing the axis horizontally; but in adopting this
arrangement I prefer keeping the striking part for actuating the needle
below the axis on which the breech plug works. The dotted lines forward
merely show the bore of the barrel, and the dotted lines rearward show
the position of the breech block when the piece is ready for charging.
In converting the Chassepot barrel into my system of breech-loading,
but which may be readily applied to other barrels requiring conversion
or for new manufacture, I stamp a clip, marked U, in the plain or flat
form, as exhibited in a flat and edge view at Figures 26 and 27, and bend it
at right angles into a clip, as exhibited in a sectional form at Figure 28,
as connected to the rear end of a barrel, also shown in section by two
screws marked S, S. In this case I effect the discharge by means of a
short needle attached to a striking plate fastened on the top side of a
the breech clip. or loop, as exhibited at Figure 29, the barrel proper
being marked T and the striking plate h¹, which is attached to the loop
by a top strap, and actuated by a small spiral spring. The interior of

page_text: the box V contains the tumbler and trigger as usual in connection with
a hammer, the striking portion of the hammer being so curved as not
only to form a rim or cover to the box V but to meet the requirement
to fall in range with the striking plate h¹ in the act of firing. The
position of the loop or breech clip assumes when elevated for loading is
exhibited in dotted lines.
Taking my improvements in rotation as noted in my Provisional
Specification, I will describe my improved bayonet, which simply con-
sists in rolling, swaging, or forging them of a triangular form at the
base or shank, and the forming of a corresponding internally shaped
socket on the fore end of the barrel for receiving it, in which socket the
bayonet is held, as exhibited at Figure 30, by a spring lying within a
cavity formed in the shank end of the bayonet with an opening in the
forward end of the socket for a projection or thickened part of the spring
to pass through which thickened part is marked . The lower end of
the bayonet shank is slightly bevelled off on the two shortest angles for
more ready application, while the act of removing the bayonet is effected
by pressing on the projecting part of the spring k¹, while the other
hand is applied to its withdrawal with one direct motion.
Figure 31 simply shows the muzzle end of the gun, the bayonet
socket, and triangular form of the shank end of the bayonet.
My improvements in bands are simply confined to the use of a
tightening up screw, as exhibited at Figure 32, with its largest part on
the interior of the band having no projection or head on the nick end.
The benefit of this is expressive, as the larger surface of the screw by
being turned around by the ordinary screw drive applied to the nick Su
presses on the stock and thereby affords means for tightening. I form
a recess around the screw hole of the band for the head to lie, as shown
in dotted lines.
Figure 33 represents in section an improved cartridge preserving the
extended neck and flange described in my Patent of 1866, No. 2711,
my object being to so construct the case that in discharging or firing
the cartridge the discharge shall have no tendency to divide the
case, an objection as the part divided may remain in the barrel
without presenting means of ready extraction, to prevent which in an
inexpensive manner I make the base of the cartridge by casting.
or otherwise of the shape exhibited at Figure 34, and in section at
Figure 33, the part marked being intended for receiving the

page_text: percussion cap and anvil by which the cartridge is discharged, and
over the shank m' I spring an india-rubber washer, and over that
annex metal straps connected to a cup base such as may be formed
as exhibited at Figure 35, the same being stamped and raised as at
Figure 36; or instead of adopting this mode I may use metal shaped, as
at Figure 37, the lower edge being flanged inwardly to form the cup while
the two ends marked o¹, o¹, may be soldered together, but prefer
adopting the mode as described at Figures 35 and 36; and on a mandril
the exact periphery of the internal capacity of my cartridge, I wind or
wrap very thin metal the exact width of the length of the case, brass
being very suitable, and over this I place the strapped cup, as exhibited
at Figure 36, passing down the interior of the case an india-rubber or
felt washer marked ¹, Figure 33, the elastic nature of which enables
me to pass the part thus connected over the part m³, and by suitable
tools and pressure to force the washer below the projecting lip of
this concentric internal flange, thus affording an amount of elasticity
with great strength of construction, the straps being soldered or
otherwise united at their extreme ends only to the thin brass lining
ready for capping, charging, and receiving the bullet. In some
instances thicker metal may be used, and instead of using long straps
as at Figures 36 and 37, a cup with a vandyked or serrated edge
as exhibited at Figure 38, may be used, still possessing an expanding
and contracting force for holding together the parts; and in applying
this mode of constructing cartridges to what is termed the "Boxer"
cartridge, I dispense with the part marked at Figures 33 and 34, and
use only the internal neck in connection with the outer flange, as
exhibited at Figure 38, but instead of a projecting flange at the base
of the cartridge larger than its diameter I may adapt a washer in
connection with an internal neck, as at m', but the periphery of the
metal and washer I preserve the same size as the barrel, the said washer
being sufficiently thick to permit of a concentric internal flange
formed on its base or rear end, as exhibited in section at n', Figure 39,
finishing the other portions of the cartridge as last described, by this
means with this arrangement an expanding spring clip may be applied
in the fore end of the plunger, as at p¹, Figure 40, the expanding end
of the clip passing over the concentric flange affording ready means
of withdrawing the cartridge. In adapting my improved cartridge
to small-bore guns I prefer making the case smaller at its forward or
ball end, or rather by increasing its bulk rearways I am enabled to

page_text: use a shorter cartridge yet holding the same quantity of powder.
This I have exhibited with the ball end in section at Figure 41, in which
case I apply on the powder a split wad, as exhibited at Figure 42, which
admits of being passed down the contracted end of the case, assuming
a concave form, as exhibited, marked ¹, but which wad will expand
in the discharge, follow the ball, and clean the barrel from former
fouling. It may in some instances be preferable to combine thin metal
cartridge cases with thicker metal for their base, or make up the
additional strength at the base by taking a strip of thin metal, or linen,
as exhibited at Figure 43, and wind from the narrow end, say at t and
finishing at u; the necessity for forming the cup or base portion is thus
rendered unnecessary.
Figure 44 represents in section my improved portable charger made of
steel, as here exhibited in section, around the base portion of which I
sink a groove, and into which I spring or pass over an india-rubber band
marked v', the ball being held in by the concentric groove at the front
end, being under cut. I have adopted a rear flange as of the "Boxer"
kind, notwithstanding a projecting neck as at 1, Figure 33, may be used,
and to get rid of the exploded cap I have connected with the anvil a
long shank marked w', which readily admits of pressure from the end
of the finger to expel the discharged cap; but to do away with the
necessity of a portable charger for holding the powder I use a thick wad,
such as exhibited at Figure 45, marked a', passed over a metal flange
marked y¹, and concentric shank, with an additional metal washer
marked z', and held in position by a screw; the whole having a hole
all through with anvil and shank, as also a recess for receiving the cup
as at Figure 44. This is only requisite in the field in the absence of
cartridges, as this compound wad may be applied in the breech of the
gun, and the gun loaded from the muzzle end either with shot or ball,
and the piece discharged just the same as if a complete cartridge had
been used or the ball or shot charge may be applied at the open breach
of my lateral moving breech block herein-before described, and next
the powder, and then the wad here described, care being taken that no
space is left between the shot or ball and the wad but what is filled
up by the ordinary charge of powder.
In my Patent of 1866, No. 2711, I omitted to state that a suitable
cartridge might be made for the gun, as exhibited at Figure 18 of that
Specification, by forming the metal base of the cartridge with metal

page_text: arms, as here shewn at Figure 46, still preserving the central-fire principle,
the projecting arms a" affording means for extracting the cartridge by
providing a groove on each side of the extreme breech of the barrel, as
at Figure 47, for the arms to pass through, the said arms sufficiently
projecting for the thumb and finger to extract the cartridge.
My improvements in sporting double-barrelled guns are in com-
bination and extension of a portion of my Patent of 1866, No. 2711,
wherein I described a long guide rod attached to the plunger, and I do
the same under my present Patent, taking advantage of the usual rib
connecting double barrels together to use it as the means of guidance,
and of a triangular form to adapt it to the junction of the barrels, and
to this rod I connect the plungers, as will be understood by referring to
Figure 48. W, W, are plungers connected together at the rear ends by
a plate of iron marked X, to which the guide rod Y is also secured,
6, 6, being the holes for the vertical bolts to pass up in locking the
plungers and discharging the piece; the projecting pins or screws C¹¹, C¹¹,
are for forming an axis for the handle, hereafter described, to work.
Figure 49 represents as much of a pair of barrels and stock necessary
for my purpose, the barrels being marked A¹ and B', united together
by the rib C in the usual manner. The plungers are represented in
dotted lines in position, but to withdraw them I lift up the handle D'
over the stud d", and as it is elevated working on the axes described
at Figure 48, its upper and centre portion depresses a small spring piston
always tending to keeps the handle in the front of the stud; but when
the rear end of the handle is lifted over the stud d" the plungers may
be pulled back guided by the rod, part of which is here shewn
extending beyond the barrels marked Y' for charging the plungers,
being fixed and held in the act of discharging by the vertical bolts
described in my former Patent herein-before referred to. The means of
extracting the cartridge may be by expanding spring clips, as exhibited
in dotted lines in connection with a cartridge constructed as described in
my former Patent, or as at Figure 33; but sometimes I apply the breech
blocks for securing the breech end of the barrels to the rib that lies
between the barrels on the top side, in which case it becomes a spring
guide rod, regulated in its range of action by a small tube between the a
barrels, here shewn marked f", in, which a rod works, secured to the
spring rib or guide rod F¹ by screwing or otherwise. This arrangement
prevents all looseness, either laterally or otherwise, and when the breech

page_text: of the barrels is opened the blocks lie on the top of the barrels, as
exhibited at E, Figure 50, which represents a side view of a double-
barrelled gun with the breech end of the barrels exposed ready for
loading; the mode of discharge being by the hammer striking the
protruding ends of needles described at Figures 5 and 6, Sheet One.
Figure 51 is simply a top view shewing the guide rod F¹ fixed to the
two plugs E', E', by the spring rib F' being enlarged to admit of being
attached by means of screws to the plugs. g, g", are two projecting
studs, the depression of which releases the detents which retain the plugs
in position when restored for the purpose of discharging the piece; this
is effected by a strong division piece G', Figures 50 and 51, through which
holes are made as at h" and i", for receiving the ends of the catches.
This arrangement will be best understood by referring to Figure 52, which
is a horizontal section of the breech blocks E taken through the dotted
line, k, which show that these breech blocks are hollow for the
purpose of lightening the gun. In this view it will be seen that the
catch working on a fulcrum and held in the position shewn by a
spring, it is only to press on the stud g" when the catch ¹¹ will be
elevated out of the holes in the division plate G', and in like manner the
opposite side may be simultaneously operated on to elevate the breech
blocks, and thereby expose the breech end of the barrels for loading.
Figure 53 represents the rear end of the blocks E', E', riding on each
side of the rib G¹. The parts m", m", are extractors, that when the plugs
lie on the tops of the barrels, as at Figure 50, they are long enough for
their lower curved edges to spring over the curved flanges of the
cartridge cases and extract them, a corresponding part being cut
away from the rear of the barrels for these parts to descend in, which
parts removed from the breech of the barrels are made good by pro-
jections on the front of the blocks, as shown at n", at Figures 50 and 51,'
the metal or stock each side of the rib G¹ against the break-off being cut
away for the extractors to lie in; and I may observe that although the
outer or striking parts of the needles are on each side, nevertheless their
angular direction is such as to allow them to protrude perfectly centrally
on the forward end of the blocks when struck. It is not essential that
the rib or spring F' should lie on the top sides of the blocks, as a thin
rod, rectangular at its bottom side but spreading at the top of the barrels
to the shape of their transverse section, may be used, the said guide rod
being secured at the front end of the barrels so far that the remaining
bortion shall form a spring, and extending to the break-off, in which

page_text: case a clear opening is left between the two blocks by which they may.
be elevated and pushed forward, thereby only slightly elevating the,
spring rib instead of elevating it to the extent of the plugs as exhibited
at Figure 50.
My improvements in connection with gun locks for elevating the
vertical bolt referred to in my Patent No. 2711, 1866, will be understood
by referring to Figure 54, in which I have shewn the bridle removed to.
exhibit the tumbler with its projecting arm for actuating the bolt by:
means of a lever working on the fulcrum p", a slot being formed in the
lever marked q" for the arm or stud of the tumbler to work in. The
advantage of this arrangement in contradistinction to the bolt H', being
elevated by a lever worked by a swivel pin as therein described, is that
the action is direct, sudden, and more certain, and occupying and
consuming less power of the spring.
Figure 55 represents a safety spring, which will be found of advantage,
more particularly in sporting guns. It may be secured conveniently
under the rear part of the guard, projecting on the right-hand side when
the piece is in position for discharging, and as the finger is passed under
the trigger the finger will at the same time press on the stud u", and
press the same to the left until the thin blade of the trigger comes
opposite the notch ", which frees the action of the trigger, allowing
it by the pressure of the finger to discharge the piece, but the moment
the finger is taken from the trigger the force of the spring will restore
the stud to the position here shewn, rendering it impossible, however
rough the gun may be handled, to be accidentally discharged.
Having now fully described and exhibited my various improvements,
I desire it to be understood that I do not purpose limiting myself to the
exact detail or form or mode of realizing the same, provided the
general object and spirit of my improvements are substantially obtained,
as it must be well known to any party conversant with manufacture that
taste and tact with workmen often varies in means of producing the
same object, as for instance, in converting the Enfield or other like guns
into my system of breech-loading, the strengthening rib beneath the
opening and slightly below the bore must always assume at the part in
contact with the barrel its transverse circular form, as exhibited in one
end view at Figure 6º, Sheet One, the external shape of such strength-
ening rib being variously formed without in any way affecting the
principle, but in new guns as before stated the strengthening rib would

page_text: be formed solid and with the barrel; and again as to the straps or
vandyking on the cartridges described at Sheet Two, their form or
character may be altered without affecting the principle or object of
construction; but what I claim in relation to the foregoing description
is, the general adaptation and combination, with their variously expressed
and capable means of realization, of the various improvements in military
and sporting guns, with their attendant parts and cartridge, herein
fully described and set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Restell, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of December, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
Witness,
JAMES S. COCKINGS,
Patent Agent,
Birmingham.
THOMAS RESTELL. (L.S.)