IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.
Year: 1866

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Carter and George Henry Edwards, 'both of
Dempsey Street, in the County of Middlesex, Gunmakers, for the' İnven-
tion of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.'
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Carter and George
Henry Edwards at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 20th September 1866.
We, HENRY CARTER and GEORGE HENRY EDWARDS, both of Dempsey Street,
in the County of Middlesex, Gunmakers, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as
follows:-
For closing breech-loading fire-arms we employ a sliding plug or piston
which always remains in the line of the barrel; this plug or piston, which is
of some considerable length, is fitted and slides in a cylinder screwed into the
breech end of the barrel, or it may be otherwise connected or form a con-
tinuation thereof. The nose end of this plug is fitted to the rear end of the
bore, and enters therein, say, half an inch; it is furnished with a thumb or
hand lever by which the plug is manoeuvred. An opening is cut in the top or

page_text: side of the cylinder, just in the rear of the breech, of sufficient size to admit of
the cartridge being dropped in; the thumb lever projects through this opening
and may be slid therein, moving together with the plug the length necessary
to admit the cartridge; at the fore end of this opening is a slot extended side-
ways, into which the neck of the thumb lever enters when the breech is closed,
the plug moving and being held up to the bore in the manner of a bayonet
joint. Diametrically opposite to this fastening we provide parts forming a
second bayonet fastening, constituted by a longitudinal groove cut in the plug
or piston the length necessary for its travel, and a lateral extension at the
back end which receive a stud projecting from the inner surface of the cylinder,
thus providing a double hold and abutment for the plug. The thumb lever is
provided with a spring catch when in the locked and closed position, which
catch it is necessary to release before the lever can be moved; this, however,
is done by gripping or pressing the lever (the detent being in part in the lever)
in the act of unlocking and opening the breech, and does not require any
separate motion or action. The plug or piston is divided into two parts which
abut end to end in the form of a screw, so that if one be partially rotated and
the other stationary they will recede a little from each other; the striker rod
or hammer (being for central-fire cartridges) is fixed to the rear and short
part of the plug, while it passes up a hole in the centre of the front half of the
plug. The cock or detent of the plug is mounted on a fulcrum supported
from the under part of the cylinder, the nose of the said cock entering through
a slot therein, and at the proper time entering a notch in the back end of the
plug and holding it and the striker rod at full cock. The tail end of the cock
or detent lever is carried forward towards and under that part of the cylinder
at which the cartridge is inserted for a purpose to be herein-after explained;
this lever as also the sear are acted on by springs as usual. The sear is
mounted on an axis and supported between the cylinder and the cock; a pin
projecting from the rear part of the plug takes effect on the tail end of the
sear in cocking the gun, causing it to cant or throw it over, whereby it allows
the cock or detent to advance and enter the notch in the striker part of the
plug, whereby it is held until discharged by the trigger. We make the foot
of the sear of such form that it bears with a flat surface on the arm of the
cock; when the tail end thereof is raised by the trigger that point of the sear
which is thrown over and rubs on the arm of the cock in the act of cocking
the gun being nearly a right angle; this point also forms a stop for the sear
when it resumes its position in discharging the gun by coming against a right-
angled shoulder on the cock lever.

page_text: The action of loading this gun is simple, and as follows:-After discharging
when it is desired to reload it is simply necessary to partially rotate the fore
part of the plug or piston (the rear part being hindered from rotating by a pin
in a groove) by the thumb lever before mentioned, say, the tenth part of a
turn, more or less, the lever being released from its catch at the same time by
the gripping or pressing on the lever, as before mentioned; when rotated
sufficiently to release the lever from the abutment it is simply slid back the
distance to admit the cartridge, which is inserted at the opening, as before
explained; the plug is now returned to the closed position by the reverse
movement pushing the cartridge before it and into the barrel. Thus one
simple action suffices to open or close the breech, which at the same time
effects the cocking of the gun. It was before mentioned that the point of the
striker rod was withdrawn within the nose of the plug by the rotating action
of unlocking; this withdrawal of the striker prevents the possibility of a
cartridge being discharged unless the breech is properly secured by the thumb
lever being moved round on its abutment, as the striker would not protrude at
the nose of the plug although discharged. A helical spring is disposed in the
cylinder behind the plug or piston, which operates and forces forward the
striker part when it is released for firing.
Thus far we have referred only to introducing the cartridges. We also
construct our gun so as to discharge the spent cartridge cases; it is effected
thus: A small rod lies in a groove along the lower part of the cylinder and
cavity receiving the cartridge and below the plug or piston, this rod has a
small hooked end which is situated forward of the lip on the metal cap or end
of the cartridge, and is carried forward by it when it is introduced. When
the plug is drawn backwards the cartridge case is drawn out of the barrel,
when sufficiently retrograded it receives a sharp blow underneath from a
pin mounted on a spring entering through a hole in the under part of the
cylinder, which throws it out of the cavity in the cylinder. This spring is
fixed on the under part of the cylinder, and is cocked or set by the tail end of
the cock lever, and as before alluded to this tail end is furnished with a
canting piece which allows of its passing the cartridge discharging spring in
one direction without affecting it, while in the other (during the act of cocking
the gun) it is raised and released so as to impart the blow required to throw
out the cartridge case as described. The cartridge extractor lying in the
groove before mentioned is operated from the plug or piston by a part pro-
jecting into a groove therein at right angles to the line of the bore, which
admits of the rotation of the plug without its being affected. To the thumb

page_text: lever we apply a cover or sheath, which fits close to and slides upon
the outside of the cylinder; this cover is of sufficient area to cover and
close in the opening at which the cartridge is inserted. The spring
operating the striker instead of being behind the plug might be inserted in a
cavity therein.
'
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Carter and George Henry Edwards in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 20th March 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, HENRY
CARTER and GEORGE HENRY EDWARDS, both of Dempsey Street, in the County
of Middlesex, Gunmakers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, in the thirtieth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said Henry Carter and George Henry Edwards, Her special licence
that we, the said Henry Carter and George Henry Edwards, our executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said Henry Carter and
George Henry Edwards, executors, administrators, and assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the
said Henry Carter and George Henry Edwards, our executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under our, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the 'Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Henry Carter and George Henry
Edwards, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement, reference being had to the three

page_text: Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say) :-
For closing breech-loading fire-arms we employ a sliding plug or piston
which always remains in the line of the barrel; this plug or piston, which is of
some considerable length, is fitted and slides in a cylinder screwed on to the
breech end of the barrel, or it may be otherwise connected or form a continua-
tion thereof. The nose end of this plug is fitted to the breech at the rear end
of the bore and enters therein, say, half an inch; it is furnished with a thumb
or hand lever by which the plug is manoeuvred. An opening is cut in the top,
or side of the cylinder, just in rear of the breech, of sufficient size to admit of
the cartridge being dopped in; the thumb lever projects through this opening
and may be slid therein, moving together with the plug the length necessary
to admit of the cartridge; at the fore end of this opening is a slot extended
sideways, into which the neck of the thumb lever enters when the breech is
closed, the plug moving and being held up to the bore in the manner
of a bayonet joint. Diametrically opposite to this fastening we provide parts
forming a second bayonet fastening, constituted by a longitudinal groove cut in
the plug or piston the length necessary for its travel, and a lateral extension at
the back end which receives a stud projecting from the inner surface of the
cylinder, thus providing a double hold and abutment for the plug. The thumb
lever may be provided with a spring catch when in the locked and closed
position, which catch it is necessary to release before the lever can be moved;
this, however, can be done by the same act of gripping or pressing the lever
(the detent being in part in the lever) for the purpose of unlocking and
opening the breech, but we prefer a spring obstruction which merely offers a
certain amount of resistance to moving the lever either in the one direction
or the other. The plug or piston is divided into two parts, which abut end
to end in the form of a screw, so that if one be partially rotated and the other
stationary they will recede a little from each other; the striker rod (being for
central-fire cartridges) is fixed to the rear and short part of the plug con-
stituting the hammer, while it passes up a hole in the centre of the front part
of the plug. The cock or detent of the plug is mounted on a fulcrum
supported from the under part of the cylinder, the nose of said cock entering
through a slot therein, and at the proper time entering a notch in the back
end of the plug, thereby holding it and the striker rod at full cock. The tail
end of the cock or detent lever is carried forward towards and under that part
of the cylinder at which the cartridge is inserted for the purpose to be herein-
after explained; this lever, as also the sear, are acted on by springs as usual

page_text: in ordinary guns. The sear is mounted on an axis and supported between
the cylinder and the cock; a pin projecting from the rear part of the plug
takes effect on the tail end of the sear in cocking the gun, causing it to cant
or turn over, whereby it allows the cock or detent to advance and enter the
notch in the striker part of the plug, whereby it is held until discharged by
the trigger. We make the foot of the sear of such form that it bears with a
flat surface on the arm of the cock; when the tail end thereof is raised by the
trigger that point of the sear which is thrown over and rubs on the arm of the
cock in the act of cocking the gun being of a right angular form; this point
also forms a stop for the scar when it resumes its position in discharging the
gun, it coming against a right-angled shoulder on the cock lever.
The action of loading this gun is simple and as follows:-After discharging,
when it is desired to reload it is simply necessary to partially rotate the fore
part of the plug or piston (the rear part being hindered from rotating by a
pin traversing a groove) by the thumb lever before mentioned, say, the tenth
part of a turn, more or less, the lever being released from its catch at same
time by gripping or pressing on the lever as before mentioned; when rotated
sufficiently to release the lever from the abutment it is simply slid back the
distance to admit the cartridge, which is inserted at the opening as before-
mentioned; the plug is now returned to the closed position by the reverse
movement pushing the cartridge before it into the barrel; thus one simple
action suffices to open or close the breech, which at same time effects the
cocking of the gun. It was before mentioned that the point of the striker rod
was withdrawn within the nose of the plug by the rotating action of unlocking;
this withdrawal of the striker prevents the possibility of a cartridge being
exploded unless the breech is properly secured by the thumb lever being
moved round on its abutment, as the hinder part of the plug could not advance
sufficiently to protrude the striker at the nose of the plug although discharged.
A helical spring is disposed in the cylinder behind the plug or piston,
which operates and forces forward the striker part when it is released for
firing.
Thus far we have referred only to introducing the cartridges. We also con-
struct our gun so as to extract and throw out spent cartridge cases; it is effected
thus: A small rod lies in a groove along the lower part of the cylinder and cavity
receiving the cartridge and below the plug or piston; this rod has a small
hooked end which is situated forward of the lip on the metal cap or end of
the cartridge, and is carried forward when it is introduced. When the plug
is drawn backwards the cartridge case is drawn out of the barrel; when

page_text: sufficiently retrograded it receives a sharp blow underneath from a pin mounted
on a spring entering through a hole in the under part of the cylinder, which
throws it out of the cavity in the cylinder. This spring is fixed on the under
part of the cylinder, and is cocked or set by the tail end of the cock lever
before alluded to; this tail end is furnished with a canting piece which allows
of its passing the cartridge discharging spring in one direction without affecting
it, while in the other direction (during the act of cocking the gun) it is raised
and released so as to impart the blow required to throw out the cartridge case
as described. The cartridge extractor lying in the groove before mentioned
is operated from the plug or piston by a part projecting into a groove therein
at right angles to the line of bore, which admits of the rotation of the plug.
To the thumb lever we sometimes attach a cover or sheath, which fits close
to and slides upon the outside of the cylinder; this cover is of sufficient area to
cover and close in the opening at which the cartridges are inserted; this cover
may be hinged or otherwise applied. The spring operating the striker instead
of being behind the plug may be otherwise disposed and operate on a pivotted
hammer instead of its being of one piece with the striker rod as above
is necessary to illustrate our Invention, according to which it is constructed;
Figure 2 is a plan, and Figure 3 a longitudinal vertical section of the same;
Figure 4 represents a similar view of Figure 1, but with the stock removed;
and Figure 5 a longitudinal vertical section of the same; while Figures 6,
7, and 8 represent detached views of the plug or sliding cylinder, with the
striker withdrawn and protruding.
A, A, is the hollow cylinder screwed to the breech end of the barrel B, as
seen; it has a bore somewhat larger than the bore of the barrel and is accu-
rately fitted with the solid cylinder or plug C, which is free to slide therein.
Cylinder A has an opening D (see Figure 2) in the upper part, or it may be
in the side, of sufficient area to readily admit the cartridge, which is dropped
in sideways; this opening also admits of the sliding motion of the thumb
lever a projecting from C, said opening having a narrow extension d in the
rear permitting the complete motion of the lever a and cylinder C, and a
lateral extension a¹ to permit of the partial rotation of C and locking thereof
in the closed condition of the breech. The cylinder or plug C consists of two
parts C and C', the main piece C, the nose of which enters and closes the

page_text: breech of the barrel, as seen in Figure 5, while part C' is separate therefrom
and abuts against it by reason of the force of the helical spring E. The abutting
surfaces of C and C¹are inclined or screw like that shown at b, b, being like
a double-threaded screw, the effect of rotating the one part while the other
remains stationary being to extend the length of the whole somewhat. To
part C is fixed the striker e, and a consequence of the partial rotation is to
force C¹ backwards, so as to withdraw the nose or striker rod e within the
body of C, which it effects while unlocking and opening the breech by
the lever a; part C' slides freely in A, but is prevented turning therein by the
head of screw f projecting through a slot g in A which it traverses; the
spring E constantly presses the part C¹ forward, being enclosed within A and
confined by a cap h. The part C', which may be termed the hammer, is held
by a detent or sear H when cocked, the nose of the sear entering the recess m
in C', as seen at Figure 3; this sear is mounted on a fulcrum i between two
plates fixed to A. I is what we term the tumbler, supported on an axis
fixed in the plates k; n is the tumbler spring fixed to the sear H, and o is the
sear spring fixed to cylinder A; L is the trigger bearing on the tail of the
sear, and p a stop to limit the movement of the sear when operated by the
trigger L, and the nose discharged from recess m. Supposing the breech to
be closed and the cylinder C forward, as represented in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5,
the part C is first partially rotated by the lever a moving it out of the lateral
traverse a'; this has the effect of forcing back the hammer C¹ and striker
rod e, seen by reference to Figures 6 and 7, so as to withdraw the striker e
within the limits of cylinder C; the lever and cylinder O are then thrust back-
wards compressing spring E, as seen in Figure 3; in the backward motion the
screw head f effects contact with the tail of the tumbler, throwing it over and
allowing the nose of the sear H to enter recess m in C¹, which is retained in
the position shown until discharged by the trigger; in this condition the
cartridge is dropped into recess or opening D; the cylinder C and lever
handle are then slid forwards carrying the cartridge with it and forcing it into
the barrel B; during this time the hammer C' is held at full cock, and sup-
posing it were to be released before the breech was properly closed (that is to
say, lever a rotated into a²) the cartridge would not be discharged, for this
reason, that the striker e would not protrude from C, as required for that
purpose; so soon as the lever is rotated and secured in a' the breech closing
is secured and the gun free and in condition to be discharged, see red position
of cylinder, Figure 3. The lever a has a strong square shank inserted in the
cylinder C, in which it is fixed by a screw r. To keep the lever a and cylinder C

page_text: in the secure and closed or unclosed position we apply and fix a spring to A
with a swells at the end, over which the shoulder of the lever a has to pass
and depress it in moving in either direction. In order to give further support
to the cylinder C than that afforded by the lever a we insert a pint through
cylinder A, the nose of which enters a slot u, u, in cylinder C, seen dotted,
Figure 5, and having a branch u¹ at right angles to permit of the rota-
tion of C, and at same time form an abutment to keep it up to the breech
during the explosion. In order to extract the cartridge case from the barrel we
dispose a thin flat bar or rod K in a chase formed in the interior of cylinder A
below cylinder C; it is furnished with upturned ends v, w, the whole being
curved in cross section to the circumference of cylinder C; the forward nib v
remains always in front of the metal lip or flange of the cartridge, while the
other is received in a recess x, best seen in Figures 3 and 6. This cartridge
extractor participates in the longitudinal motion of the cylinder C, but not to
the full extent by reason of the length of the recess x, during the traverse of
which on w it remains stationary; it is however sufficient to draw out the
cartridge case from the barrel by the backward movement of the cylinder C,
bringing the metal end immediately over a, party projecting through a slot in
cylinder A and formed on a spring M; this takes place in the act of cocking
the gun on completing the backward traverse of C, as before explained, as the
tumbler I is thrown over, allowing the nose of the sear to snap into the recess;
at this moment the tail end of the sear carrying a little cam piece z acts
rigidly on the free end of spring M, passing and at same time depressing it, as
shown dotted, its release following immediately the part y gives the cartridge
case a smart tap and throws it out of the gun, the piece z returns freely past
the spring M without affecting it, being mounted on an axis to rock in the one
direction for that purpose but is furnished with a stop and spring ; to hold it
rigidly in the other, as described and required. The lateral extension of recess x
allows the rotation of C without affecting the extractor K. When the sear
is discharged by the trigger the tumbler I by reason of its spring immediately
rights itself again, and, as at Figure 5, in readiness for reloading and cocking
as before. In order to cover up opening D when the gun is out of use
we have represented a flat hinged lid N mounted on pivots P, P, at either
end and acted on by a spring Q to press it either in the closed or open
positions; in the latter case it folds down on the side of the stock, as seen in
Figure 1. The spring Q bears on one of two sides of a right angle near the
axis. In the closed position the lid or cover simply lies flat over the opening D,
but is kept so by the spring Q, as described. As regards the stock and the

page_text: fitting and fixing of the parts together it is unnecessary to detail them, the
same being sufficiently obvious to gunmakers.
Figures 10 to 26, inclusive, of the annexed Drawings represent a gun
having some modifications of the parts. In this gun the arrangement and
action of the cylinder or breech-closing plug O in the cylinder A is the same
as before, as also its lever a and locking parts a¹, u, u', and t, the latter not
being shown in these Drawings to avoid confusion, and therefore need not be
further recapitulated. The opening D and its cover is the same as in the gun
first described. In this arrangement of the breech-loading gun we have
dispensed with the sliding hammer C' as before, and adopt in lieu thereof a
hammer mounted on a fulcrum; by this means we are enabled to shorten
materially the hollow cylinder A; the effect however of the inclined back end
of C on the hammer is the same as before, viz., to force the hammer back-
wards by the rotation of the plug or cylinder C and present an obstacle to the
complete fall of the hammer and the discharge of the cartridge excepting with
the plug C in the closed and locked position. The extractor K, v, w, as also
its fitting and action, is as before described, but there is some modification of
the parts giving effect to the spring which throws out the cartridge after being
extracted from the bore, as will be herein-after described.
Figure 10 represents a side view of the gun with parts of stock and barrel;
Figure 11 a plan, and Figure 12 a longitudinal vertical section of the same,
but with the cylinder plug C drawn back; Figure 13 is a cross section on
line o, o, Figures 10 and 11; Figure 14 shows a side view of the breech-
loading parts unstocked; Figure 15, a plan (the lever a and cylinder O being
drawn backwards), and Figure 16, a longitudinal vertical section of the same;
Figure 17 is an end view of Figure 14 viewed from the barrel end; and
Figure 18 is a cross section on j, j, Figure 15; Figure 19 is a side view of
the cylinder or plug C; Figure 20 a longitudinal section, and Figure 21 a
cross section of the same; Figure 22 is an under side view of plug C, while
Figures 23 and 24 show end views of the same in the different positions it
assumes when locked and unlocked by the rotating movement.
In this gun S is the hammer mounted on a fulcrum 1, as will be seen in its
different positions; it is in this case detached from the striking rod e, which is
loosely but accurately fitted in the interior of C. The extent of its movement
is limited by a stop 2, see Figures 20 and 21, a recess being cut in the side
of e for it. T is the sear mounted on a fulcrum at T', and U its spring, and V
the trigger; the action of these parts on the tumbler Z and hammer S will be
readily understood without description. W is the hammer spring fixed at 3

page_text: the tumbler Z (which is of a piece
The spring W is doubled back, the
to the lower part of A and operating on
with the hammer S) through a link 4.
other limb M carrying the cartridge discharger y as before, but these springs may
be separate and independent springs, and, in fact, act so in this case, although
of one piece. On the side of the hammer S is mounted a friction roller 5;
an incline 6 on the end and under side of C bears on this roller 5 in the act
of drawing cylinder C backwards (that is to say, after it is rotated and
unlocked from a¹); this depresses the hammer S to the position seen in
Figure 12 and puts it at full cock, the sear T holding it in that position till
discharged by the trigger, as will be readily understood. The cartridge on
being dropped in front of C is pushed forwards into the barrel by the advance
of plug C, and supposing the striker e to be protruding at the time from C the
pressure on the cartridge will push it backwards till it assumes the position
seen in Figure 12, that is to say, projecting at the back end, so that on the
breech being locked and ready for discharging, the hammer S when released
by the sear T, strikes the rod e, protruding the point rapidly and forcibly from
the nose of C into the cartridge and so exploding it. Supposing from any
cause the hammer is released before the plug C is rotated and locked the
cartridge cannot explode by reason of the hammer S falling on the inclined
projecting part 6 of C, which receives the blow and prevents the rod e being
struck. Figure 23 represents the position the parts C, b, would occupy under
such circumstances; Figure 24 shows the locked position of C in which the
hammer is free to fall on rod e.
As before mentioned the cartridge discharger is operated somewhat different
to that in the gun first herein described. For this purpose I mount a sliding
plate X, see Figure 18, against the side of hollow cylinder A and its
depending cheek. This plate is separately represented at Figures 25 and 26,
Figure 25 being an inside view of the plate, and Figure 26 a view of the fore
end of the same; it is dovetailed between the upper part and two screws 6, 6,
carrying it below, but slides freely a short distance by reason of the action of
a tappet 7 fixed in the cylinder C; this tappet 7 slides in a slot or chase Y,
seen dotted in Figure 14, and takes effect on two projections 8, 8, fixed in
plate X. When the cylinder C is moved backwards the plate X is moved
backwards during the completion of the stroke to the extent shown dotted,
5 say about half an inch, more or less, and in the reverse direction with the
forward movement of the cylinder C. On plate X is an inclined doubled-
edged projection 9, which in its traverse operates on a like projection 10,
formed on the end of spring M. During the retrograde movement of the

page_text: cylinder C, and after the extractor K has brought back the cartridge case to
the position with the metal head over y, as before mentioned, projection 9
takes effect on 10, depressing the spring M and releasing it suddenly, causing
projection y to strike the cartridge case and throw it out of recess D, which is
then free for the insertion of another cartridge. The effect of projection 9 on
10 in the forward direction is simply to raise the spring a little in passing.
A vertical slot is made in the side of A coinciding with slot 11 in plate X
when in its forward position and at the fore end of chase Y to allow of the
rotation of tappet 7 with the cylinder C; tappet 7 is simply the head of the
screw forming stop 2 before referred to.
Figure 27 shows a modified arrangement of the cartridge extractor K
designed with a view to ensure the cartridge case being always extracted from
the barrel even should the cartridge be pushed forwards into the barrel in
front of said extractor. For this purpose we make a recess below the extractor
extending about half its length, so that on the extractor advancing in the rear
of the cartridge and abutting against the flange of the same it will be
depressed, the end passing under and springing up in front of the flange in
readiness for withdrawing the discharged case.
Although we have only described these improvements with reference to
single guns they are equally applicable and we reserve the right of such
application to double guns, and which will be readily understood without
further description. Further, these guns may be used without the cartridge
case "discharger" and parts operating it, as by tilting the gun on one side while
in the horizontal position the extracted case will fall out of the cavity D.
Having described the nature of our Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, we declare that what we claim as our Invention to be protected by
the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The combination and arrangement of parts represented in Figures
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Drawings hereunto annexed, constituting a
breech-loading gun. We further claim the combination and arrangement of
parts applied to the aforesaid breech-loading gun for extracting and throwing
out the cartridge cases, as herein-before described.
Secondly. The combination and arrangement of parts represented in Figures
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 of the
Drawings hereunto annexed, constituting a breech-loading gun. We further
claim the combination and arrangement of parts applied to the aforesaid breech-
loading gun for extracting and throwing out the cartridge case, as herein-before
described.

page_text: Thirdly. We claim the application of a sliding and partially rotating plug or
cylinder closing the breech of a gun in which an incline or surface in a certain
position of its rotation prevents the hammer or striker exploding the cartridge,
as and for the purposes herein-before described.
In witness whereof, we, the said Henry Carter and George Henry
Edwards, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Nineteenth day
of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
sixty-seven.
0
Witness,
W. CLARK, Patent Agent,
HENRY CARTER.
(L.S.)
GEORGE HENRY EDWARDS. (L.S.)
53, Chancery Lane,
London.