IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MANUFACTURE OF BULLETS OR SHOT OR PROJECTILES
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert James Mary'on, (Engineer Civil,) of No. 37,
York Road, Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MANUFACTURE
OF BULLETS OR SHOT OR PROJECTILES."
Sealed the 31st July 1855, and dated the 3rd February 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert James Mary'on
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
3rd February 1855.
I, ROBERT JAMES MARY'ON, (Engineer Civil,) of No. 37, York Road,
Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND
MANUFACTURE OF BULLETS OR SHOT OR PROJECTILES " to be as follows, viz. :-
My Invention consists of constructing bullet or shot (either large or small)
with external curvilinear incline planes formed thereon, extending from the
striking or fore part towards the cartridge end of the bullet to the extent of
about one-third the length of the shot, as may be practically found best,
of greater or of shorter length; and these angular incline planes I form of a
wedge shape, and of so much of a turn of a screw as is practicable for to suit
various purposes as may be preferred. I compass the cutting front edge of

page_text: my bullet or shot of as much of a curve as I think or find necessary. Some-
times I form the cutting edge square across at a right angle with the
cylindrical body of my screw shot, in order to apply a V hardened wrought
metal striking wedge to my cast-iron bullet, which I do also by these
methods.
First, I form a dovetail groove or V slot in the front edge of my external
screw bullet or shot; then I forge a wedge to insert, or by rolling mills or by
any suitable pressure, in long lengths (similar to the method of forming railway
tram irons, and of such resemblance, only more sharp or conical towards the
front cutting edge); after the bar wedge is formed I cut off suitable lengths
and harden; I insert one in each shot to form the finish of my bullet or shot
wedge incline plane. I secure this striking section in my shot by steady pins,
or by running in hot lead, or such equivalent metal, or by mastic, such as
marine glue, or any equivalent material which may from time to time be
found best. I also construct my striking wedge of wrought metal angle
plate iron, extending through the centre of my bullet cylinder or shot; I cast
an aperture through the shot or in halves, to receive the plate section of my
sectional wedge; this wrought. plate I form of a wedge shape to correspond
with the cast part section, forming a shoulder on each side of the plate at the
finish of the wedge, which I form to receive pressure. I rivet the striking
plate with the cylindrical body of my shot; this I do to prevent cast-iron shot
from breaking, when employed against a battery; thus my principle of con-
struction in manufacture is cheaper than forming shot of all wrought metal;
but, if preferred, for cheapness, I cast my bullets or shots in the solid or hollow
to receive any kind of combustible. The cartridge end of my cylindrical
screw shot I form as usual concave or flat, as may be preferred. I form the
cartridge end of my iron shot with a chamber in addition to the concave part;
this chamber I construct of wrought metal sheet or plate iron by the following
mechanism I cut sheet or plate iron into sizes in proportion to the charge
or cartridge it has to conceal or receive partially therein, say, for example, I
cut this sheet iron into twice the length of the charge or cartridge; the half
of the length, or about, I then connect with the shot by means of casting; one
or two or more grooves or sunk channels I form round the cylindrical body
of my shot; this sheet or plate iron I cut of a size sufficient to just meet on
bending round the cylinder body of my shot; I apply pressure to the shot or
bullet by passing the shot between corresponding grooved rollers, which by
pressure forces the wrought metal sheet or plate into the grooves, and chan-
nels of the shot, thus the connection of my wrought metal contracting or
expanding chamber is connected with the cast section of my shot;, the joint

page_text: slit I leave open, by expanding it after the connection is formed, for the purpose
of spring to fit more tight the chamber of the gun (which can be easily
compressed by hand when loading); I apply to generate more force to the shot
grooves or channel, after the wrought part is connected, my gas expanding
lubricating felt, or my friction metallic packing ring or rings, to keep more
tight and parallel the bullet or shot in the bore chamber of the gun. I do
apply my gas expanding packing rings thus:-I force on by pressure, when in
an expanded state, by agency of heat or steam or fluids; consequently these
packing rings or ring will contract in the grooves, and by my mode of gas
expansion assist to tighten the shot in the bore of the gun; the packing may
when dry be rolled in lubricating matter. I sometimes cut my wrought iron
large enough to lap over on bending round the shot; I then place the bullet or
shot in a furnace, withdrawing and working the same between dies or rollers
which will weld together, or by first receiving pressure from hammers, thus I
strengthen the cast cylindrical section of my shot; and the action of the charge
is to expand my wrought metal chamber, and thereby effect tightness of the
bullet or shot or projectile, thus I retard the too sudden expulsion of the shot.
I prefer ignition to take place at the base of the bullet or shot by a tube I
form in the centre of the cartridge leading fair with the touch-hole, but this
I do not confine myself to.
I wish this to be particularly understood that what I do claim as my
Invention is,
Firstly, the construction of and manufacture of bullets or shot (cast or
wrought, solid or hollow, single or coupled, link-packed,) formed with external
curvilinear incline planes, acting on the principle of a wedge and screw, and of
any pitch, for the purpose of effecting a rotatory action of motion while
forcing or travelling through the air or water elements, and the rotatory
action is effected by air or fluid pressure on the external curvilinear incline
planes of my shot, serving the twofold purpose of floatation and that of a
wedge, either cast or wrought, to more perfect and facilitate the destruction of
bodies or constructed bodies, such as batteries, or animal or living substances.
I either form these shot in iron or lead, or in any metal or metals, cast,
pressed, or wrought, or by the two combined metals cast and wrought, com-
bined to act as one of a cylindrical form, either conical or square, or curved at
the striking wedge-cutting section or solid part of my projectile, acting on
the principle of a screw. I apply my wedge external screw bullets or shot
to every class of bore or gun, either for large ordnance guns or for small
fire-arms of a repeating breech or muzzle loading class, and as given in my
first description in detail.

page_text: Secondly, I claim the construction of, as given in my description of forming
and manufacturing shot, bullets or other missiles fitted with my iron cylinder
chamber socket of wrought or cast malleable iron connected to a cast or
pressed iron or lead shot, for the construction of expanding shot, whereby I
do increase force and I strengthen the shot. I apply my shot to muskets, rifled
or plain, of round or oval, or any kind of bore gun, as my iron expanding
cylinder external screw shot or my contracting and expanding external screw
shot is applicable to every class of gun or fire-arm (and is much cheaper than
the lead shot known as the expanding shot). My combined metal shot is sure
to excel by reason of my shot receiving indentations form the threads sinions of
rifled bore guns without leaving any deposit therein after each discharge,
thereby I prevent corrosion or fouling of the sinious threads or of the plain
bore of guns, whereby I effect a tight discharge; it will, therefore, be seen by
this line of contrast the advantage of my principle of constructing shot. I
apply either my contracting slit or closed expanding chamber to small fire-
arms (in lieu of closing or shutting my wrought metal socket or chamber after
bending round my cylindrical grooved bullet or shot, as given in my second
description. I do shut this cylinder socket or expanding chamber (previous to
forming the connection with my iron or lead shot) by means of welding or
dovetailing, or by soldering, or brazing, or rivetting, or any equivalent, or by
pressure formed in the solid, out of sheet or plate iron or malleable iron; I
form the connection with my shot by indentation; I force the wrought or
cast-iron cylinder socket into a hot, expanded, or in a cold state into a groove
or grooves I form in the shot or projectile when I apply my external screw
expanding shot to rifled bore guns. I construct my curvilinear screw shot of
a corresponding pitch with the sinious curves of the bore of the gun to obtain
the same rotatory action of the shot after expulsion from the rifled bore of the
gun or pistol. (I sometimes apply a usual cap, formed of metal or any water-
proof material, such as gutta percha, or any rubber or fatty paper, to form a cap,
so as to cover in the charge or cartridge which I insert in my iron improved
connected expanding chamber, but this description of covering cap I mention
only to shew in what manner such usual appliance may become applied to my
Invention, which therefore I do not claim.) But what I do claim is, my
construction of and manufacture of my. Invention of my external screw
wedge or angular incline planes shot or projectile, either fitted with or
without my connected contracting or expanding iron socket chamber, and as
given in my second section of my description, and in my second claim, with
all mére modification of my principle of construction herein contained of shot,
constitute my first and second claims.
+1
114

page_text: Thirdly, I claim the principle of my construction of that section of my
Invention consisting of shot expanding packing. I form these expanding
packings of metal or any metallic or fibrous material slit or endless; I expand
the packing by action of force generated by ignition of the charge; I make
available by introducing under the packing the gas (or a portion of the powder
charge previous to ignition), by means of a centre hole or passage, which I
form in the shot, communicating with angle holes which I form in the packing
groove; or (in lieu of this means) I sometimes form in the exterior of my
cylinder screw shot channels in a right line with the cylindrical body of my
shot, communicating with my packing groove or grooves, which I cover by
my iron expanding socket, and a second covering consisting of my expanding
metallic or fibrous packing or packing ring or rings, whereby I effect a more
equal expansion of shot, whereby I gain a more steady fire and a more tight
discharge, consequently I generate force by good use of the powder or charge.
This my principle of obtaining action by my gas-expanding shot packing,
constitute my
third claim, and any part or section of my Invention I apply to
steam guns, or air guns, or any class of fire-arms or shot, with all modifications
of the same.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Robert James Mary'on in the Great Seal Patent Oflice on
the 2nd August 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
JAMES MARYON, (Engineer Civil,) of No. 37, York Road, Lambeth, in the
County of Surrey, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Robert James Maryon, Her special licence that I, the said Robert James
Maryon, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Robert James Maryon, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and. vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MANUFACTURE OF BULLETS OR

page_text: SHOT OR PROJECTILES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Robert James Maryon, 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 monthis next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent."
:
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert James Maryon, do hereby declare
the nature of my 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:-
My Invention consists of constructing bullet or shot (either large or small)
with external curvilinear inclined planes formed thereon, extending from the
striking or fore part towards the cartridge end of the bullet, to the extent of
about one-third the length of the shot, as may be practically found best,
of greater or of shorter length; and these angular incline planes I form of
a wedge shape, and of so much of a turn of a screw as is practicable to suit
various purposes, as may be preferred. I compass the cutting front edge of
my bullet or shot of as much of a curve as I think or find necessary; sometimes
I form the cutting edge square across at a right angle, with the cylindrical
body of my screw wedge shot, in order to apply a V hardened wrought metal
striking wedge to my cast-iron bullet, which I do also by these methods.
First, I form a dovetail groove or V slot in the front edge of my external
screw bullet or shot, then I forge a wedge to insert, or by rolling mills, or by
any suitable pressure, in long lengths (similar to the method of forming railway
tram irons, and of such resemblance, only more sharp or conical towards the
front cutting edge); after the bar wedge is formed I cut off suitable lengths
and harden; I insert one in each shot to form the finish of my bullet or shot
wedge incline planes. I secure this striking section in my shot by steady pins,
or by running in hot lead or such equivalent metal, or by mastic, such as
marine glue, or any equivalent material which may from time to time be found
best. I also construct my striking wedge of wrought metal angle plate iron,
extending through the centre of my bullet cylinder or shot. I cast an aperture
through the shot or in halves, to receive the plate section of my sectional
wedge; this wrought plate I form of a wedge shape, to correspond with the cast
part section, forming a shoulder on each side of the plate at the finish of the
wedge which I form to receive pressure. I rivet the striking plate wedge
with the cylindrical body of my shot; this I do to prevent cast-iron shot from
breaking when employed against a battery: thus my principle of construction in
manufacture is cheaper than forming shot of all wrought metal; but, if pre-

page_text: my
ferred, for cheapness, I cast my bullets or shot in the solid or hollow, as
usual, to receive any kind of combustible. The cartridge end of my cylindrical
screw shot I form as usual, concave or flat, as may be preferred. I form the
cartridge end of
iron shot with a chamber in addition to the concave
part; this chamber I construct of wrought metal sheet or plate iron by
the following mechanism :-I cut sheet or plate iron into sizes in proportion
to the charge or cartridge it has to conceal or receive partially therein;
say, for example, I cut this sheet iron into twice the length of the charge or
cartridge; the half of the length, or about, I then connect with the shot by
means of casting; one, two, or more grooves or sunk channels I form around
the cylindrical body of my shot; this sheet or plate iron I cut of a size
sufficient to just meet, or bending round the cylinder body of my shot. I
apply pressure to the shot or bullet by passing the shot between corresponding
grooved rollers, which by pressure forces the wrought metal sheet or plate
into the grooves or channels of the shot; thus the connection of my wrought
metal contracting and expanding chamber is connected with the cast section of
my shot. The joint slit I leave 'open, by expanding it after the connection is
formed, for the purpose of spring, to fit more tight the chamber of the gun,
(which can be easily compressed by hand when loading). I apply, to generate
more force to the shot grooves or channel, after the wrought part is connected,
any usual gas-expanding, lubricating felt, or friction metallic packing ring or
rings, to keep more tight and parrellel the bullet or shot in the bore chamber of
the gun. I do apply gas expanding packing thus:-I force on by pressure when
in an expanded state, by agency or steam or fluids; consequently these packing
rings or ring will contract in the grooves, and by my mode of gas expansion assist
to tighten the shot in the bore of the gun; the packing may when dry be rolled
in lubricating matter. I sometimes cut my wrought iron large enough to lap
over or bending round the shot. I then place the bullet or shot in a furnace,
withdrawing and working the same between dies or rollers, which will weld
together, or by first receiving pressure from hammers, thus strengthen the cast
cylindrical section of my shot, and the action of the charge is to expand the
wrought metal chamber, and thereby effect tightness of the bullet or shot or
projectile; thus I retard the too sudden expulsion of the shot. I prefer ignition
to take place at the base of the bullet or shot by a tube in the centre of the
cartridge, leading fair with the touch-hole, but this I do not confine myself
to. I wish particularly this to be understood that what I do claim as my
Invention is,
Firstly, the construction of and manufacture of bullets or shot (as may be
cast or wrought, solid or hollow, single or coupled, link-packed), formed with'

page_text: external curvilinear incline planes, acting on the principle of a wedge and
screw and of any pitch, for the purpose of effecting a rotatory action of
motion while forcing or travelling through the air or water elements; and the
rotatory action is effected by air or fluid pressure on the external curvilinear
incline planes of my shot, serving the twofold purpose of floatation and that
of a wedge, either cast or wrought, to more perfect and facilitate the destruction
of bodies, or constructed bodies, such as batteries, or animal or living sub-
stances. I either form these shot of iron or lead, or in any metal or metals,
cast, pressed, or wrought; or by the two combined metals, cast and wrought,
combined to act as one, of a cylindrical form, cither conical or square, or
curved at the striking wedge-cutting section or solid part of my projectile,
acting on the principle of a screw. I apply my wedge external screw bullets
or shot to every class of bore or gun, either for large ordnance guns or for
small fire-armis of a repeating breech or muzzle loading class, and as given in
my first description in detail, and more fully shewn in my accompanying
Drawing at Fig. 1, and the several views in detail thereof, combining the
wedge and screw by means of double screwed planes.
Secondly, I claim the construction of, as given in my description of forming
and manufacturing shot, bullets, or other missles, as fitted with my improved
connected usual iron cylinder chamber socket, of wrought or cast malleable
iron, connected to cast or pressed iron or lead shot, for the construction of ex-
panding shot, as shown in detail in Fig. 2, in Fig. 3, Figs. 4, 5, 6, as described
thereon in detail, whereby I do increase force and I strengthen the shot.) I
apply my shot to muskets, rifled or plain, of round or oval, or any kind of
bore gun, as my improved iron expanding shot, cylindrical external screw
wedge shot, or my contracting and expanding external screw wedge shot is
applicable to every class of gun or fire-arm, (and is much cheaper than the
lead shot known as the expanding shot.) My improved combined metal shot
is sure to excel by reason of my shot receiving indentations from the threads
sinuous of rifled bore guns, without leaving any deposit therein after each
discharge; thereby I prevent corrosion or fouling of the sinuous threads, or
of the plain bore of guns, whereby I effect a tight discharge. It will there-
fore be seen by this line of contrast the advantage of my principle of
constructing shot. I apply either contracting, slit, or closed expanding
chamber shot to small fire-arms, in lieu of closing or shutting my improved
connected wrought metal socket or chamber after binding round my cylindrical
grooved bracket bullet or shot, as given in my second description. I do shut
this cylinder socket or usual expanding chamber previous to forming the
connection with my iron or lead shot by means of welding or dovetailing, or

page_text: by soldering or brazing, or rivetting, or any equivalent, or by pressure formed
in the solid out of sheet or plate iron. I form the connection with my shot
by indentation, as shewn in Fig. 2. I force the usual wrought or cast iron
cylinder socket in a hot, expanded, or in a cold state into a groove or grooved
brackets I form in the shot or projectile (when I apply my external screw
expanding shot to rifle bored guns; I construct my curvilinear wedge screw shot
of a corresponding pitch with the usual sinuous curves of the bore of the gun
to obtain the same rotatory action of the shot after expulsion from the rifled
bore of the gun or pistol). I sometimes apply a usual cap, formed of metal
or any waterproof material, such as gutta percha, or any rubber or fatty paper,
to form a cap, so as to cover in the charge or cartridge which I insert in my
iron improved connected expanding chamber; but this description of covering
cap I mention only to shew in what manner such usual appliance may become
applied to my Invention, which therefore I do not claim..
But what I do claim is, my construction of and manufacture of my
Invention of my external screw wedge, or angular incline planes wedge shot
or projectile, either fitted with or without my grooved bracket, connected
contracting or expanding iron socket chamber, and as given in my second
section of my description, and in my second claim, and in detail of Figs. 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, with all mere modification of my principle of construction herein
contained of shot, constitute my second claim.
Thirdly, I claim the principle of my consti✓ ✓iction of that section of my Inven-
tion consisting of shot expanding packing. I form these expanding packings
of metal or any metallic or fibrous material, slit or endless. I expand the
packings by action of force, generated by ignition of the charge; I make
available my introducing under the packing the gas, (or a portion of the
powder charge previous to ignition,) by means of a centre hole or passage
which I form in the shot communicating with angle holes which I form in
the packing groove, as shewn in detail in Fig. 16; or in lieu of this means
I sometimes form in the exterior of my cylinder screw shot channels in a
right line with the cylindrical body of my shot, communicating with my
packing groove or grooves, which I cover by any iron expanding socket; and
a second covering, consisting of any usual expanding metallic or fibrous
packing ring or rings, whereby I effect equal expansion of shot, whereby I
gain a more steady fire and a more tight discharge, consequently I generate
force by good use of the powder or charge. This, my principle of obtaining
action by my gas channels, shewn in detail in Fig. 17, for expanding shot
packing, constitute my third claim; and any part or section of my Invention
I apply to steam guns, or air guns, or any class of fire-arms or shot, with all

page_text: modifications of the same, as given in my accompanying Drawings of Figures
numbered from 1 upwards to 17, shewing various modes of applying my
Invention to suit various purposes.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert James Maryon, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Second day of August, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
ROBERT JAMES MARY'ON. (L.S.)

page_text: to
This sheet of drawings of working lines represents the practical mechanism of constructing my Improved Wedge Screw Shot on the principle of double screwed incline planes whereby I de Combine the principle of the Screw and
Wedge for to obtain perfection of Retetery Action of motion and give unto my Shot sufficient clearance for the Air to act on my Screwed double planes and pass away without causing centrifugal recoil action of Atmosphere, thereby ensuring a
certain and steady Flight of my Shot, combining the advantage of a Wedge for the better penetration of Battery or animal Substance, I give the advantage by constructing my Shot Cylindrical (riz) a Parallel discharge from the Bere, of either
heavy Ordnance er ef Small Arms (but Treserve the right of constructing Conical Shot of all grades with my application of my double Screwd Wedge principle of so much of a convolution of about half a turn, but I wish it to be
understood that I here make this application enly stop out meddlers as I do not recommend Conical Shot, my Cylindrical Wedge Screw double plane Shot are much better) and this Class of Wedge Screw double plane Shot I apply to every Class of Solid or Hollow Shot,
(either percussioned capd to strike in front or Fuseed in the breech as is usual so to do with ordinary shot) the point of the Wedge may be Case hardned or Steel pointed to pierce with more facility or fitted with a wrought Metal Striking plate at desire I bevil the front
of the Cutting Edge of my Shot double to strengthen the striking part shewn in Fig 4-at A fitted with a wrought metal striking plate, (B) the main Cylindrical body (C) the Spherical Cavity cast with a Core(dd) the channels of suspension of this Core and means of
liberating the Core after casting the use of this hollow is to equilibrate the centre of Gravity (marked +) which should for true aim be in the centre of the extreme length, of the Shot, but which I do not confine myself to, as it may be given a little in favour of the
outer half, if prefered to practice. (1 the breech recess to give additional compensation to the Centre of Gravity which is of the usual kind of Concavity and of any grade) EE the Wedge Screwed inclined planes, consisting of about one half of a convolution of a
Screw of a double plane. (in like manner to the double Bladed Screw propeler) and of a true Screw, so
o nearly.
so as can be practically formed thereon, and of any desired pitch but I propose the pitch to be thrice the diameter of the shot, the length of the shot is shewn
at one and two thirds its diameter Fig 2 shews an end view entire as cast of Fig 3 lettered the same, which is a round nose shot fylindrical in half section cast on my grooves connecting principle, of Wrought Socket as usual of Malleable Iron or Zinc packed with Gasket,
on any Fibrous packing, whereby the Gas expansion shall exert its force as usual inside the socket, and by compression of my packing grooves a so prevent windage and retard expulsion without any wad for Iron Shotender this class of Combined Shot equal to the the well-
known expanding lead shot) I will here observe that I know Iron Sockets are very common and therefore I wish this to be particularly understood that what I do claim is the mode of Connecting by the Cast bracket grooves (a a a)packed as described with Fibrous packing to strengthen
receive friction, and prevent contact, of the usual Iron Wrought Socket, against the Bore of the Ordnance whereby 1 perfect this Class of Shot and my Wedge Screwed double planes Construction, whereby I combine the Wedge and Screw.
(Fig 3a