IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING BREECH-LOADING INTO MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARNS
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Wilson, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Mechanical Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING BREECH-LOADING INTO
MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARNS."
Sealed the 10th February 1865, and dated the 18th August 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Wilson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th
August 1864.
I, THOMAS WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Mechanical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING BREECH-LOADING INTO MUZZLE-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
My improvements in breech-loading fire-arms have special reference to the
conversion of the ordinary muzzle-loading service rifles into breech-loading
rifles.
My said improvements may, however, be carried into effect without
reference to the conversion of muzzle-loading fire-arms into breech-loading
fire-arms.
For convenience of description 1 will describe my improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms as carried into effect in connection with an ordinary service
rifle.

page_text: According to one of my improvements I take out the ordinary breech pin
and shorten the breech end of the barrel about three-eighths of an inch; I
afterwards cularge and deepen the hole in the breech, and cut therein a fresh
thread. I screw into the said hole a short tube or breech box, having a bore
somewhat larger than that of the barrel; the said bore extends nearly but not
quite the whole length of the breech box. I cut an opening through the top
of the breech box for the introduction of the cartridge; and the lock side of
the said breech box is also cut away as far as the bore, for the purpose of
saving the wood of the stock on that side. To the top, and near the forward
end of the breech box, I hinge a plate, to the under side of which plate is
attached a block, which works or slides in dovetails formed in the said plate.
When the plate is lowered the lock fills up the space or opening in the breech
box. The sliding block has a hole and screw thread cut in its axis, in which
screwed hole a screw pin works. The said screw pin has a shoulder or collar
on its rear, which said shoulder abuts against a shoulder in the rear of the
breech box, when the said pin is screwed home, thus retaining the breech
block in its placo during fire. The forward end of the breech block is made
to enter and fit the breech of the barrel when screwed up; all escape of gas
during firing is thus prevented. Instead of making the breech block enter
the barrel, the breech screw may pass through the block and its forward end
be enlarged into a head which enters and fills up the breech. The breech
screw is turned by a handle or thumb-piece on its rear, which handle also
serves to raise the breech block and plate for loading. Or instead of the
sliding block described, a fixed eye or boss may be formed on the under sido
of the plate or cover, and a screw pin working in the said eye or boss made
to close the breech of the barrel. The plate or cover has in this modification
a slot or opening in it, which takes on to a lump on the side of the breech
piece. The said lump supports the plate or cover during discharge. Instead
of hinging the screw box in which the plug screws to the forward part of the
breech box, it may be hinged to the lower side or bottom of the breech box,
and at its rear end. In this case the under side of the screw box has a pro-
jection on it, which takes into a slot in the breech box, and by which slot and
projection the screw box is supported during discharge.
My improvements consist further of the following arrangements for con-
verting muzzle-loading into breech-loading rifles. I screw into the rear of the
barrel a breech box, similar to that herein first described, but somewhat longer.
I cut away the lock side of the box, as herein-before described, but leave a
short length of the box at its rear, and cut a slot through the top of the said
short length. I fit into the breech box a sliding plug for closing the breech;

page_text: The plug is moved
tongue raised and
a vertical slot or opening is cut through the said plug, and a steel plate or
tongue is fitted into the said slot, and jointed at its forward end. On the
under side of the steel tongue is a projection which takes into a slot formed
in the rear of the breech box. The said projection abuts against the end of
the said slot, and is sustained by it in position during fire.
backwards and forwards in the breech, and the steel
lowered in the following manner:-To the rear of the breech box and under-
neath the sliding plug, an arm or lever is jointed, one end of the said arm is
connected to the lower or under side of the steel tongue, and on turning the
said arm on its joint by a handle attached to it, the steel tongue is raised from
its slot in the barrel or breech piece, and the breech plug made to slide back
and open the barrel. The charge may then be introduced, and on returning
the handle to its first position the breech will be closed for firing. The steel
tongue described may be jointed at the rear end instead of at the front end of
the plug, the said plug in this case being lengthened so as to bring the
projection on its under side to the position it occupies in the arrangement just
described. In new breech-loading fire-arms, the breech piece in this and in
the previously described arrangements may be formed in one piece with the
barrel.
My improvements consist further of the following arrangement of the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms. I make the breech end of the barrel square or nearly
square at its rear, the bore of the barrel extending through the breech end; I
drill or bore through one side of the breech (by preference the side opposito
the lock) a hole or opening somewhat larger in diameter than the bore of the
barrel. I fit into the said opening a slightly conical cross plug or stopper.
The small end of the plug is reduced, and has a screw formed upon it, which
takes into the lock side of the breech, and holds the plug in position during
fire. The plug has a cross slot or groove cut in its side, the said slot or
groove being so situated that on turning the said plug the groove is brought
to coincide with the bore of the barrel, and the said barrel opened from end
to end. The charge may now be introduced. On turning the plug through a
quarter revolution, the breech may be closed, and the gun made ready for
firing. The plug is moved by means of a handle on its end. A groove or
opening is cut along the head of the stock to allow the cartridge to be inserted
into the barrel. The said groove is covered by a plate or cover, which may
be actuated by the handle attached to the plug.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in constructing
the breech ends of breech-loading fire-arms. I attach to the breech of the
gun a breech box about three or four inches long, the said breech box having

page_text: a bore or opening nearly through it, somewhat larger than the bore of the
barrel. A part of the rear of the breech box is solid, the said solid part
having a hole in it through which the stem of the breech plug or closer works.
The said solid part of the breech box joins the inner sides of the said box near
its rear end. The breech box has an opening in its top, through which the
cartridges are introduced. The plug or closer consists of a steel rod or stem
.having at one end a stopper or head, and at its other and rear end an enlarged
screw, which screws when pushed towards the barrel into a screwed opening
made in the extremo rear of and beyond the solid end of the breech box. By
screwing the said screw into the screw box, the breech plug or closer is
secured in its place during fire. The screwed rear end of the plug or closer
is provided with a milled knob or head, by which the said plug is turned.
When the plug or closer is pushed up after the introduction of the cartridge
through the top of the breech box, the stopper or head of the plug pushes the
cartridge before it into the barrel, and the stopper prevents the escape of gas
on discharge. The solid breach of the breech box acts as a stop to the plug
or closer, and as a guide to the said plug or closer. The screws of the plug
or closer and breech box may be cut away on two sides, so that after the said
screw has been pushed into its placo by then giving it a quarter of a rotation,
the said scrow is made in to engage with the breech box, and secure the plug
or closer. Or in place of the screws described the rear end of the plug may
be provided with one or more excentric projections or lugs which on turning
the said plug are made to enter a recess or recesses formed in the breech box.
In converting the ordinary service rifles into breech-loading rifles according
to this part of my Invention, I prefer to employ a breech box cut away in
the manner herein first described, and to employ one excentric projection or
lug taking into the side of the breech box. Instead of making the rear end
of the breech box solid, as described, it may be screwed in from the rear..
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms, for discharging cartridges of the kind called self-igniting
cartridges. I clongate the breech end of the barrel some six or seven inches
and bore out the said elongated part of a somewhat larger diameter than the
bore of the barrel. I cut an opening through the top of the elongated breech
for the introduction of the cartridge. Into the elongated breech I fit a
sliding tube or block. The said block is hollow or tubular a considerable
portion of its length, and has a small hole drilled through its solid front end,
in which hole a steel pin or striker works; the rear end of the said striker
projects a little into the hollow or tubular part of the block. In the hollow
part of the block, and in the rear of the steel pin or striker, is fitted a cylindrical

page_text: steel sliding hammer, behind which is fitted a coiled spring for actuating the
hammer. The rear of the sliding block is closed by a short screw which
serves as an abutment against which the spring bears. The sliding block with
its steel pin hammer and spring is introduced into the elongated breech, and
the end of the said breech closed by a short screw. The sliding block is
moved backwards and forwards by a lever, one end of which is jointed to the
rear of the elongated breech. The sliding block is attached to about the middle
of the lever by a plate or strap, the forward end of which is jointed to the
sliding block. By raising and lowering the lever, the sliding block is made
to open and close the breech of the barrel. The lever is formed with a lump
or projecting piece upon its under side, which lump when the lever is shut
down fills up the space between the rear of the sliding block and the end of
the elongated breech, and thus retains the block in position during the
discharge of the
gun.
The hammer and striker for igniting the cartridge are actuated as follows:-
A notch or bent is formed in the under side of the hammer, and a sear is
fitted in a slot in the elongated breech. The upper end of the said scar passes
through a slot in the hollow block and bears against the under side of the
hammer. When the sliding block is drawn back by the lever it passes
freely over the sear, but on closing the breech after the introduction of the
cartridge the sliding hammer is arrested by the sear falling into its bent.
This causes the block to advance without the hammer, and compresses the
spring behind the hammer, and effects the cocking of the gun. On disengaging
the sear by pulling the trigger, which may be of the ordinary kind, the hammer
is forced suddenly by the spring against the pin striker, which said striker is
driven into the cartridge, and ignites it, thus discharging the gun. Instead of
cocking the gun by the act of closing the breech, it may be cocked after the
breech is closed, which action I effect as follows:-1 fit in the rear of the
spring a short piston with its stem passing through a small hole in the end of
the elongated breech. When the breech is closed, and it is desired to cock
the gun, the said piston is pushed forward, thereby compressing the spring
and cocking the gun. The piston or stem is provided with notches or bents to
hold it in the required position till liberated by the return action of the sliding
block. Instead of actuating the sliding block by a lever, as described, it may
be actuated by a handle fastened directly to it, the said handle being turned-
into a slot or opening similar to that of an ordinary door bolt. The sliding
block is by this means held firmly in position during the discharge of the gun.
In applying this part of my Invention to the conversion of the service rifles
into breech-loading rifles, I dispense with the ordinary lock and nipple, and I

page_text: screw the elongated breech on to the ordinary barrel, and attach the other
parts in the manner described. I fill up the hole occupied by the lock with
wood, and thereby strengthen and improve the stock.
My Invention consists lastly, in converting breech-lodding into muzzle-
loading fire-arms, in the following manner:-I take a copper cylindrical cup,
of a diameter proper to fit the bore of the barrel, and of a depth about equal
to its diameter. I fill the said cup to about two-thirds its depth with an alloy
of tin and lead or other soft metal or alloy, and on the top of this soft metal I
put a layer of grense. This cup is placed in the barrel, the closed end being
turned towards the breech. On firing the gun, the open mouth of the cup is
expanded, and the grease pressed out so as to close and make air-tight the
space between the cup and the barrel. The soft metal is by the reaction of
the explosion made slowly to expand the cup, which cup fits the barrel moro
tightly after each discharge of the gun.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filod
by the said Thomas Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th
February 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
WILSON, 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 Eighteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight bundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Thomas Wilson, Her special licence that I, the said Thomas
Wilson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Thomas Wilson, my 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 "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING BREECH-LOADING INTO
MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Thomas Wilson, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner

page_text: +
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 Wilson, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say :-
My improvements in breech-loading fire-arms have special reference to the
conversion of the ordinary muzzle-loading service rifles into breech-loading
rifles. My said improvements may, however, be carried into effect without
referenco to the conversion of muzzle-loading fire-arms into breech-loading
fire-arms. For convenience of description I will describe my improvements
in breech-loading fire-arms as carried into effect in connection with an
ordinary service rifle.
According to one of my improvements I take out the ordinary tail pin and
shorten the breech end of the barrel about three-eighths of an-inch. I after-
wards enlarge and deepen the hole in the breech and cut therein a fresh
thread. I screw into the said hole a short tube or breech box baving a bore
somewhat larger than that of the barrel; the said bore extends nearly but
not quite the whole length of the breech box. I cut an opening through the
top of the breech box for the introduction of the cartridge, and the lock side
of the said breech box is also cut away as far as the bore for the purpose of
saving the wood of the stock on that side. To the top and near the forward
end of the breech box I hinge a plate, to the under side of which plate is
attached a block which works or slides in dovetails formed in the said plate.
When the plate is lowered the block fills up the space or opening in the
breech box. The sliding block has a hole and screw thread cut in its axis in
which screwed hole a screw pin works. The said screw pin has a shoulder or
collar on its rear which said shoulder abuts against a shoulder in the rear of
the breech box when the said pin is screwed home, thus retaining the breech
block in its place during fire. The forward end of the breech block is made
to enter and fit the breech of the barrel when screwed up, all escape of gas
during firing is thus prevented. Instead of making the breech block enter
the barrel the breech screw may pass through the block and its forward end
be enlarged into a head which enters and fills up the breech. The breech
scrow is turned by a handle or thumb piece on its rear, which handle also
serves to raise the breech block and plate for loading. Or instead of the
sliding block described a fixed eye or boss may be formed on the under side
of the plate or cover, and a screw pin working in the said eye or buss made

page_text: to close the breech of the barrel. The plate or cover has in this modification
a slot or opening in it which takes on to a lump on the side of the breech
piece. The said lump supports the plato or cover during discharge. Instead
of hinging the screw box in which the plug screws to the forward part of the
breech box it may be hinged to the lower side or bottom of the breech box
and at its rear end. In this case the under side of the screw box has a pro-
jection on it which takes into a slot in the breech box, and by which slot and
projection the screw box is supported during discharge.
My improvements consist further of the following arrangements for con-
verting muzzle-loading into breech-loading rifles. I scrow into the rear of
the barrel a breech box similar to that herein first described but somewhat
longer. I cut away the lock side of the box as herein-beforo described, but
leave a short length of the box at its rear, and cut a slot through the top of
the said short length. I fit into the breech box a sliding plug for closing the
breech. A vertical slot or opening is cut through the said plug and a steel
plate or tongue is fitted into tho said slot and jointed at its forward end. On
the under side of the steel tongue is a projection which takes into a slot formed
in the rear of the breech box. The said projection abuts against the end of
the said slot and is sustained by it in position during fire. The plug is moved
backwards and forwards in the breech and the steel tongue raised and lowered
in the following manner:-To the rear of the breech box and underneath tho
sliding plug an arm or lover is jointed; one end of the said arm is connected
to the lower or under side of tho steel tongue, and on turning the said arm on
its joint by a handle attached to it, the steel tongue is raised from its slot in
the barrel or breech piece, and the breech plug made to slide back and open
the barrel. The charge may then be introduced, and on returning the handle
to its first position the breech will be closed for firing. The steel tongue
described may be jointed at the rear end instead of at the front end of the
plug, the said plug in this case being lengthened so as to bring the projection
on its under side to the position it occupies in the arrangement just described.
In new breech-loading fire-arms the breech piece in this and in the previously
described arrangements may be formed in one piece with the barrel.
My improvements consist further of the following arrangement of the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms. I make the breech end of the barrel square or nearly
square at its rear, the bore of the barrel extending through the breech end.
I drill or bore through one side of the breech (by preference the side opposito
the lock) a hole or opening somewhat larger in diameter than the bore of the
barrel. I fit into the said opening a slightly conical cross plug or stopper.
The small end of the plug is reduced and Iras a screw formed upon it which

page_text: takes into the lock side of the breech and holds the plug in position during
fire. The plug has a cross slot or groove cut on its side, the said slot or
groove being so situated that on turning the said plug the groove is brought
to coincide with the bore of the barrel and the said barrel opened from
end to end. The charge may now be introduced. On turning the plug
through a quarter revolution the breech may be closed and the gun made
ready for firing. The plug is moved by means of a handle on its end. A
groove or opening is cut along the head of the stock to allow the cartridge to
be inserted into the barrel. The said groove is covered by a plate or cover
which may be actuated by the handle attached to the plug.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in constructing
the breech ends of breech-loading fire-arms. I attach to the breech of the
gun a breech box about three or four inches long, the said breech box having
a bore or opening nearly through it somewhat larger than the bore of the
barrel. A part of the rear of the breech box is solid, the said solid part having
a hole in it through which the stem of the breech plug or closer works. The
said solid part of the breech box joins the inner sides of the said box near its
rear end. The breech box has an opening in its top through which the
cartridges are introduced. The plug or closer consists of a steel rod or stem
having at one end a stopper or head and at its other and rear end an enlarged
screw which screws when pushed towards the barrel into a screwed opening
made in the extreme rear of and beyond the solid end of the breech box. By
screwing the said screw into the screw box the breech plug or closer is secured
in its place during fire. The screwed rear end of the plug or closer is pro-
vided with a milled knob or head by which the said plug is turned. When
the plug or closer is pushed up after the introduction of the cartridge through
the top of the breech box, the stopper or head of the plug pushes the cartridge
before it into the barrel, and the said stopper prevents the escape of gas on
discharge. The solid breech of the breech box acts as a stop to the plug or
closer, and as a guide to the said plug or closer. The screws of the plug or
closer and breech box may be cut away on two sides, so that after the said screw
has been pushed into its place by then giving it a quarter of a rotation the said
screw is made to engage with the breech box and secure the plug or closer.
Or in place of the screws described, the rear end of the plug may be provided
with one or more excentric projections or lugs which on turning the said
plug are made to enter a recess or recesses formed in the breech box. In
converting the ordinary service rifles into breech-loading rifles according to
this part of my Invention, I prefer to employ a breech box cut away in the
manner herein first described, and to employ one excentric, projection, or lug

page_text: taking into the side of the breech box. Instend of making the rear end of
the breech box solid as described it may be screwed in from the rear.
My Invention consists, further, of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms for discharging cartridges of the kind called self-igniting
cartridges. I elongato the breech end of the barrel some six or seven inches,
and bore out the said elongated part of a somewhat larger diameter than the
bore of the barrel. I cut an opening through the top of the elongated breech
for the introduction of the cartridge; into the elongated breech I fit a sliding
tubo or block. The said block is hollow or tubular a considerable portion of
its length, and has a small hole drilled through its solid front end, in which
hole a steel pin or striker works; the rear end of the said striker projects a
little into the hollow or tubular part of the block. In the hollow part of the
block, and in the rear of the steel pin or striker is fitted a cylindrical steel
sliding hammer, behind which is fitted a coiled spring for actuating the
hammer. The rear of the sliding block is closed by a short scrow which
serves as an abutment against which the spring bears. The sliding block,
with its steel pin, hammer, and spring, is introduced into the elongated breech,
and the end of the said breech closed by a short screw. The sliding block is
moved backwards and forwards by a lever, one end of which is jointed to the
rear of the elongated breech; the sliding block is attached to about the
middle of the lever by a plate or strap, the forward end of which is jointed to
the sliding block; by raising and lowering the lever the sliding block is made
to open and close the breech of the barrel. The lever is formed with a lump
or projecting piece upon its under side, which lump, when the lever is shut
down, fills up the space between the rear of the sliding block and the end of
the elongated breech, and thus retains the block in position during the dis-
charge of the gun.
The hammer and striker for igniting the cartridge are actuated as follows:
- A notch or bent is formed in the under side of the hammer, and a sear is
fitted in a slot in the elongated breech. The upper end of the said sear passes
through a slot in the hollow block, and bears against the under side of the
hammer. When the sliding block is drawn back by the lover it passes freely
over the sear, but on closing the breech after the introduction of the cartridge,
the sliding hammer is arrested by the sear falling into its bent; this causes
the block to advance without the hammer, and compresses the spring behind s
the hammer, and effects the cocking of the gun. On disengaging the sear
by pulling the trigger, which may be of the ordinary kind, the hammer is
forced suddenly by the spring against the pin striker, which said striker is
driven into the cartridge and ignites it, thus discharging the gun.

page_text: '
Instead of cocking the gun by the act of closing the breech, it may be
cocked after the breech is closed, which action I effect as follows:-I fit in
the rear of the spring a short piston with its stem passing through a small
hole in the end of the elongated breech. When the breech is closed, and it
is desired to cock the gun, the said piston is pushed forward, thereby com-
pressing the spring and cocking the gun. The piston or stem is provided
with notches or-bents to hold it in the required position till liberated by the
return action of the sliding block. Instead of actuating the sliding block by
a lever, as described, it may be actuated by a handle fastened directly to it,
the said handle being turned into a slot or opening similar to that of an
ordinary door bolt; the sliding block is by this means held firmly in position
during the discharge of the gun.
In applying this part of my Invention to the conversion of the service rifles
into breech-loading rifles, I dispense with the ordinary lock and nipple, and I
screw the elongated breech on to the ordinary barrel, and attach the other
parts in the manner described. I fill up the hole occupied by the lock with
wood, and thereby strengthen and improve the stock.
My Invention consists, lastly, in converting breech-loading into muzzle-
loading fire-arms in the following manner :-I take a copper cylindrical cup
of a diameter proper to fit the bore of the barrel, and of a depth about equal
to its diameter; I fill the said cup to about two-thirds its depth with an alloy
of tin and lead or other soft metal or alloy, and on the top of this soft metal I
put a layer of grease; this cup is placed in the barrel, the closed end being
turned towards the breech. On firing the gun, the open mouth of the cup is
expanded and the grease pressed out so as to close and make air-tight the
space between the cup and the barrel. The soft metal is, by the reaction of
the explosion, made slowly to expand the cup, which cup fits the barrel more
tightly after each discharge of the gun.
Having explained the nature of my Invention, I will proceed to describe,
with reference to the accompanying Drawings, the manner in which the same
is to be performed.
In the accompanying Drawings I have only represented the essential parts
of the guns constructed according to my Invention, the stock-percussioning
and other parts not necessary for the understanding of my Invention being
generally omitted.
Figure 1 represents in longitudinal vertical section a breech-loading gun
constructed according to one of the arrangements of my Invention, the gun
being represented closed ready for discharge. a is the barrel, into the breech
end of which the short tube or breech box 6 is screwed, the said breech box b

page_text: having a bore somewhat larger in diameter than that of the barrel a, as repre-
sented; the bore of the breech box 6 is not of the same diameter throughout,
a shoulder at c being situated at the rear end. The top of the breech box b
is cut away, and through the opening made the cartridge is introduced into
the barrel, and the closing mechanism is raised from or lowered into the
breech box b. The breech box b is also cut away at the lock side as far as
the boro for the purpose of saving the wood of the stock on that side. To
the top, and near the forward end of the breech box b, a plato d is hinged
at d³, to the under side of which hinged plate a block is connected, the said
block being capable of a sliding motion on the said plate by means of a
dovetail on tho said block working or sliding in a dovetail groove 9 in the
said plate. In the axis of the sliding block a screwed holo is made in which
a quick threaded screw pin h works; the said screw pin h has a shoulder or
collari on its rear end, which abuts against the shoulder c at the rear of the
box & when the said block a has been lowered into the said breech box, as
illustrated in the Drawing. A handle or thumb-piece & (similar to that repre-
sented in Figures 4 and 6) is fixed on tho end of the pin h, by which handlo
the said pin is turned; the said handle also serves to raise the breech block e
from or lower it into the breech box b; the breech block e is made at its
front end of a sizo proper to fit tightly in the front of the breech box b. After
the cartridge has been introduced into the barrel through the opening in the
top of the breech box b, the plate d is depressed, and the breech block 6 and
parts carried by it aro lowered into the breech box b, the said plate when shut
down covering the opening in the top of the said breech box 6; by then
giving a partial rotation to the screw pin h by the handle or thumb-piece k,
the breech block e is advanced in the breech box, and its small end made to
enter and close tightly the breech of the barrel. The block e is supported
during discharge by the shoulder i on the pin h abutting against the shoulder c
at the rear of the breech box b. In order to open the breech of the barrel,
and clear the breech box for recharging, the pin h is partly rotated by the
handle k, so as to withdraw the small end of the breech block from the end
of tho barrel, when the said block and cover can be turned on the joint d³,
and removed from the breech box, and the said box made clear for re-
charging.
Figure 2 represents in longitudinal vertical section a breech-loading gun
similar to that represented in Figure 1, but modified in the following respects.
The breech block e, Figure 2, slides on the under side of the plate or cover d,
in the manner described with respect to Figure 1. The screw pin h passes
through the said block e, and has its and onlarged into a plug or head h³ which

page_text: plug by turning the handle k can be made to enter the breech end of the
barrel a, and close it or be withdrawn from the breech end when the block e
is to be raised for charging. The breech block e is supported during the dis-
charge of the gun by the rear end of the said block abutting against the
shoulder or end of the breech box at c.
Figure 3 represents in longitudinal section another arrangement of my
Invention, and Figure 4 is a plan of the upper side of the same partly in
horizontal section.
In this arrangement of my Invention, I connect to the under side of the
hinged plate or cover la fixed eye or boss m, or I make, the plate and boss'in
one piece. In the eye or boss m the screw pin n works, having at its end the
plug or bend o for closing the breech of the barrel a. The plate or cover / is
the side of the breech
supported during fire by a lump p (see Figure 4,) on
box 6, with which lump p a slot or opening 9 in the cover l engages when the
said cover is shut down in the manner represented in Figures 3 and 4. The
handle or thumb plate by which the screw pin n is partly rotated for driving
home the plug into the breech of the barrel or withdrawing it therefrom is
marked . Instead of hinging the screw box or boss m in which the screw
pin 2 carrying the closing plug works to the forward end of the breech box 6,
as in the arrangement last described, the said screw box or boss may be hinged
to the lower side or bottom of the breech box, and at or near its rear end, as
illustrated in section in Figure 5, and plan in Figure 6. In this modification,
Figures 5 and 6, the under side of the screw box or boss m has a projection
s on it which takes into a slut at t, in the bottom of the breech box b, and by
which slot and projection the screw box or boss is supported during discharge.
The plate or cover and block are raised by the plate or handle s².
Figure 7 represents in longitudinal vertical section another arrangement of
my Invention, and Figure 8 is a plan of the upper side of the same; 6 is the
breech box screwed into the breech end of the barrel a, the said breech box
being nearly similar to those berein-before described and represented, but is
somewhat longer. I cut away the greater part of the lock side u of the said
box as well as the top, leaving a portion or short length 6 at the rear end,
and make a slot at through the said short length. In the breech box ba
sliding plug e for closing the breech is situated, the said plug being moved
backwards and forwards in the breech box in the manner herein-after ex-
plained. The said plug has a longitudinal slot cut in its middle in which slot
a steel plate or tongue vis fitted. The said tongue v is jointed at v, to the
forward end of the plug e and its rear end is connected to the arm or lever w,
at w. The lever w is fixed on the axis x and to one end of the said axis x

page_text: and projecting from the side of the stock, the handle or thumb plato y is
fixed. On the under side of the steel tongue v is a projection, which takes
into a slot in the bottom of the breech box 6 when the said tongue is de-
pressed into the position represented in Figure 7. The said projection of
the tongue abuts against the end of the said slot & and is sustained by it,
and the plug e jointed to the said tongue thus supported during fire. By
raising the handle y in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 7, the
joint w of the arm or lever w rises, turning upon the axis a as a centre, the
steel tonguo v is thereby raised in the slot in the plug e and the projection,
lifted from the slot 6. By the continued motion of the tongue v, the breech
plug is made to slide back and open the barrel. The charge can now bo
introduced through the open top of the breech box into the barrel. By depress-
ing the handle y into the position represented in Figure 7 the steel tongue v
is again lowered into its slot in the plug, and the said plug at the same time
advanced into and made to close, the breech of the barrel for firing the said plug
being supported during fire by the projection, of the tongue ventering the
slot in the box b and abutting against the end of the said slot, as illus-
trated in Figure 7. The plug e is guided in its motion to open or close tho
barrel by working under the short length &, at the roar of the breech box b.
The steel tongue v may be jointed to the rear end of the plug instead of at
the front end, as illustrated in tho Drawing. The said plug in this case is so
lengthened that the projection on the under side of the steel tongue is made to
occupy the same position as it occupies in the arrangement represented in
Figuro 7. In new breech-loading fire-arms the breech piece or box in the
arrangements represented in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may bo formed
in one piece with the barrel.
Figure 9 represents in horizontal section a breech-loading gun made
according to another part of my Invention, and Figure 10 is a portion of the
same separately. a is the breech of the barrel made square or nearly so, the
bore of the said barrel extending through the said breech end a. I drill or
bore through the side of the breech, by preference the side opposite the lock, a
conical hole or opening at 6, and into the said opening a conical cross plug or
stopper c is fitted. This plug is shown separately in Figure 10. The small
end of the said plug works in a recess in the lock side of the breech, and has
a screw d made upon it, which takes into the said lock side and holds the
plug in position during fire. The plug c has a slut or groove e cut or made
in one side of it, and transverse to the axis of the said plug. By turning tho
plug c into one position the said slot or groove e is made to coincide with the
bore of the barrel, and the said barrel is opened from end to end, and by

page_text: turning the plug into a position at right angles to that last described, the uncut
part of the plug is brought opposite the bore and the said bore closed. When
the plug is in the first-described position the cartridge may be introduced
through the open end of the breech into the barrel, and by giving the plug
the necessary motion the said breech is closed and the gun made ready for
firing. The plug c is moved by means of the handle or thumb plate f. A
groove or opening may be cut in the head of the stock forming a prolongation
of the bore of the barrel to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the barrel.
The said groove in the stock may be covered by a plate or cover, which may
be actuated by the bandle fattached to the plug c.
'
Figure 11 represents in plan a portion of a breech-loading gun made
according to another part of my Invention, the breech being represented
partly opened. a is the barrel, and 6 the breech box. The said breech box
is open at top, and has a bore or opening nearly through it somewhat larger
than the bore of the barrel a. The breech box b is solid at c near its rear
end, the said solid part c joining the sides of the said breech box. The solid
part of the breech box has a hole made in it, through which the steel rod
or stem d of the plug or closer works. The said rod or stem d has a stopper.
or head e at one end, which enters the breech of the barrel, and an enlarged
screw at the other end. The breech box 6 has a screwed opening g beyond:
the solid part c, into which the screw f of the plug or closer may be made to
enter, the said screw being turned by the milled head h. After the introduc-.
tion of the cartridge through the open top of the breech box, the plug is
advanced towards the barrel and the screw screwed into the opening 9. By
this motion the cartridge is pushed by the stopper or head e into the barrel,
and the breech closed by the said stopper, and the plug fixed by the screw f,
as described; the gun is then ready for discharge. After discharge, by
unscrewing the screw f from the opening g, the plug or stopper e can be with-
drawn from the breech of the barrel, and another cartridge introduced. The
solid part c of the breech box b acts both as a guide and stop to the plug or
closer, and the said part c of the breech box may be screwed in from the rear.
instead of being formed solid with the breech box. Instead of making tho.
threads of the screws ƒ and g continuous they may be cut away on two sides.
In this case the screw f is introduced into the screw 9 in such a position that:
its screwed parts enter the cutaway parts of the screw 9, and after the
screw has been pushed home by giving it a quarter of a rotation its screwed
parts engage with the screwed parts of the screw g, and secure the plug or
closer in its place. Or in place of the screws described, the rear end of the
plug may be provided with one or more excentric projections or lugs, which.

page_text: on turning the said plug are made to enter a recess or recesses formed at the
rear of the breech box b, and fix the plug during fire.
In converting the ordinary service rifles into breech-loading rifles according
to the arrangement of my Invention represented in Figure 11, I prefer to
employ a breech box cut away in the manner herein-beforo described with
respect to Figure 1, and to employ one excentric projection or lug taking into
the side of the breech box.
Figuro 12 represents in longitudinal vertical section a breech-loading gun
constructed according to my Invention for discharging cartridges of the kind
called self-igniting cartridges, the parts being represented in the positions
which they respectively assume when the gun is ready for firing. a is the
elongated breech of the barrel, having a bore somewhat larger in diameter
than the bore of the barrel. An opening is cut at 6 through the top of the
elongated breech a for the introduction of the cartridge. Sliding in the said
breech is a tube or block c. This block or closer is hollow or tubular a
considerable part of its length, and has a small hole drilled through its solid
front end c. In this hole a steel pin or striker d works, its rear end being formed
into a head e, which projects into the hollow of the block or closer c. Tho
pin or striker d, e, is pressed from the front of the solid end of the block c by
the coiled spring f. Behind the striker d, e, and working in the hollow of tho
block c, is a cylindrical steel sliding hammer 9 pressed towards the pin .or
striker d, e, by the coiled spring h. The rear of the block c is closed by a
short screw i, which serves as an abutment against which the spring h
bears, as represented; is the self-igniting cartridge in front of the block c.
The block or closer c containing the parts described and represented, is moved
backwards and forwards in the elongated breech a and supported therein
during discharge by a lover / jointed at m to the rear of the elongated breech a.
The sliding block c is jointed to the lever by a strap or plato n, one end of
which strap is connected to the lever at about its middle, and the other end is
jointed to the front of the block c. The lever has a lump or projection l'
upon its under side and near its jointed end, which lump when the lever is
shut down, as represented in the Drawing, passes through the opening in the
top of the breech, and fills up the space between the rear of the block c and
the end of the breech a, and thus retains or supports the block c in position
during discharge. On raising the lever the lump l' is first lifted from behind
the block or closer c, and the said block afterwards moved back, so as to open
the breech of the barrel and uncover the opening 6 in the breech end.. After
the introduction of the cartridge into the barrel tho lever is shut down, when
the block is advanced in the breech end, and made to close the barrel and tho

page_text: said block supported by the lump of the said lever l; as illustrated in
Figure 12. The hammer g and striker d, e, for igniting the cartridge k, are
actuated in the following way:-A notch or bent g³ is made in the hammer g
and a sear o is fitted in à slot in the elongated breech a, the pointed end of
the said sear passing through a slot p'in the hollow block c, and may enter
the notch g³, or bear against the under side of the hammer g. The end of
the scar o is connected with the trigger of the gun, the said trigger being of
the ordinary construction. When the sliding block or closer ċ is drawn back
by the lever aftor discharge, the hammer 9 passes freely over the sear o,
depressing its pointed end into the slot p in the block or closer c.
On closing
the breech after the introduction of the cartridge, the sliding block or closer is
advanced, the motion of the sliding hammer g being arrested by the pointed
end of tho sear o, dropping into the notch 9%, the block c now advances
without the said hammer and compresses the spring h behind the said
hammer, the pressure of the said spring causing the said hammer to act upon
the sear o, and effect the cocking of the gun. On disengaging the sear o
from the hammer g by the pulling of the trigger of the gun, the said hammer g
is forced suddenly by the compressed spring h against the pin or striker d, e,
which said striker is driven into the cartridge k, and ignites it and discharges
the gun.
A hook or cartridge extractor is fixed on the face of the closer, by which
tho
case of the exploded cartridge is withdrawn on the opening of the
breecli.
.
Instead of cocking the gun by the act of closing the breecb, as illustrated in
Figure 12, it may be cocked after the breech is closed, which action I effect
as follows: I fit in the rear of the spring a short piston; the stem of which
passes through à sinall hole in the end of the block c. When the breech is
closed and it is desired to cock the gun, the said piston is pushed forward,
thereby compressing the spring hand cocking the gun. The piston or stem
is provided with notches or bents to hold it in the required position till'
liberated by the return action of the sliding block. Instead of actuating the
sliding block c by the lever 7, as described and represented, it may be actuated
by a handle fastened directly to it, the said handle being turned into a slot or
opening similar to that of an ordinary door bolt. The sliding block is by this
indaos held firmly in position during the discharge of the gun.
In applying this part of my Invention to the conversion of the service
rifles into breech-loading rifles, I dispense with the ordinary lock and nipple,
and :1 screw tlie elongated breech on to the ordinary barrel, and attach the
B

page_text: other parts in the manner described. I fill up the hole occupied by the lock
with wood, and thereby strengthen and improve the stock.
Figure 18 represents in longitudinal section the cylindrical cup which I use
for converting breech-londing into muzzle-loading fire-arms. The said cup
consists of a cylinder of copper a of a diameter proper to fit the bore of the
barrel, and of a depth about equal to its diameter. The said cup is filled to
about two-thirds of its depth with an alloy of tin and lead or other soft metal
marked b, and upon the top of this a layer of grease c is put. The cup a is
placed in the barrel, the closed end being turned towards the breech. On
firing the gun the open mouth of the cup a is expanded and the grease c
pressed out, so as to close and make air-tight the space between the cup and
barrel. The soft motal 6 is by the reaction of the explosion made slowly to
expand the cup a, which cup fits the barrel more tightly after each discharge
of the gun.
Having described and ascertained the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that
I do not limit myself to the precise details herein described and represented
in the accompanying Drawings; but I claim as my Invention,-
Firstly, the improvements described and illustrated in the accompanying
Drawings of attaching breech boxes to the barrels of muzzle-loading guns to
convert them into breech-loading guns, that is to say, taking out the tail pin
and cutting away a portion of the barrel and percussioning prior to inserting
the breech box, the parts cut away from the end of the barrel being restored
by like parts on the breech box.
Secondly, the several improvements in working and supporting the plugs or
closers by which the breeches of breech-loading fire-arms are opened and
closed, herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
and 8 of the accompanying Drawings.
Thirdly, the improvements in breech-loading fire-arms, herein-before
described and illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying Drawings,
that is to say, opening and closing the breech by means of a rotating plug
crossing the barrel, the said plug having an open slot on one sido by which
the cartridge is readily introduced into the barrel.
Fourthly, the improvements in guiding and fixing the plugs or closers of
breech-loading fire-arms, herein-beforo described and illustrated in Figure 11
of the accompanying Drawings and the modifications thereof described.
Fifthly, the general arrangement or combination of parts of breech-loading
fire-arms for discharging central fire-cartridges, herein-before described and

page_text: illustrated in Figure 12 of the accompanying Drawings and the modifications
thereof described.
Lastly, the instrument or apparatus for converting breech-loading into
muzzle-loading fire-arms, herein-before described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings, that is, a metallic cup partly filled with soft metal
or alloy, and partly with grease or lubricating matter.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Wilson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
THOMAS WILSON. (L.B.)