CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MUZZLE-LOADING GUNS, APPLICABLE FOR MILITARY AND SPORTING PURPOSES, PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN DESCRIPTIONS OF PISTOLS AND BREECH-LOADING GUNS, AS ALSO IN THE MANNER one on CONNECTING BAYONETS TO MILITARY GUNS
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ebenezer Hollis, Gun and Pistol Manufacturer, of
Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, for the Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN MUZZLE-LOADING GUNS, APPLICABLE FOR MILITARY AND
SPORTING PURPOSES, PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN
DESCRIPTIONS OF PISTOLS AND BREECH-LOADING GUNS, AS ALSO IN THE MANNER
one on CONNECTING BAYONETS TO MILITARY GUNS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ebenezer Hollis at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 21st
July 1860.
I, EBENEZER HOLLIS, Gun and Pistol Manufacturer, of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MUZZLE-LOADING GUNS, APPLICABLE FOR MILITARY
AND SPORTING PURPOSES, PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN
DESCRIPTIONS OF PISTOLS AND BREECH-LOADING GUNS, AS ALSO IN THE MANNER
OP FIXING OR CONNECTING BAYONETS TO MILITARY GUNS," to be as follows
(that is to say):-
My improvements consist, firstly, in the heel plate, which I construct with

page_text: a strap at the toe end, which, being let into the butt of the stock, affords more
strength and durability at this part.
Secondly, in applying a trap or recess either to the heel plate or other parts
of the butt end of the stock of a gun. I purpose so making or constructing the
joint or hinge of the cover for covering the recess, that the axis on which it
works shall be entirely hid from external view.
Thirdly, my improvements relate to the screw or side pin cups, and which
consist in forming them with a strap for receiving a screw, for the purpose of
securing them to the stock.
Fourthly, my Invention relates to an important improvement in gun
triggers, which consists in elevating the fulcrum on which the trigger works,
so as to increase its leverage; and to the part that comes in contact with the
seer of the lock I apply a tumbler, which works on a small axis or pin,
thereby allowing this part to maintain its position while the trigger is being
elevated for discharging the piece, which it does with greater leverago and
diminished friction, and consequently with more case. The part of the tum-
bler in contact with the scer I prefer hollowing out and accommodating or
shaping the part of the seer that rests on it in the same way.
Fifthly, my improvements in gun locks simply consist in applying a stop
working on a pin on the outside of the lock plate, and on the front part of the
base of the hammer or cock notches are formed, into which the stops fall,
either to hold the cock or hammer on the spring just above the nipple, that,
supposing a cap to be placed on it, it becomes impossible that. any blow or
accident will cause the piece to explode by the striking down of the hammer
or cock on the cap. This advantage I also effect when the hammer is placed
at half-cock, as the stop will follow up its position as the hammer is lifted up
from the nipple, and retain it in that position, and so prevent the possibility of
the hammer descending on the nipple without the removal of the stop, as
before stated; but in pulling back the hammer from half-cock to full-cock,
the stop will fall free and allow the hammer full play to descend on the nipple
or cap when desired for discharging the piece.
Sixthly, my improvements relate to the back sights for rifle guns, and which
improvements consist in reversing the graduates for regulating the elevation
of the sight, by which means the flap and the whole sight is more compact and
projects less from the barrel than the ordinary sight.
Seventhly, my improvements relate to the bands for uniting or holding the
barrel to the stocks of guns, which I construct as follows:-The lower band is
transversely divided with hinge joints, the front parts clipping the barrel and

page_text: part of the stock on each side, if preferred, and the lower parts terminates the
clipping of the stock, and which parts are attached and tightened up with a
screw on the lower side in the usual way. The advantage of this construction
of band is, that it admits of being let into the wood of the stock, which not
only increases its neatness of appearance, but however the stock may swell and
sink from exposure, the band will be safe, and the screw at the bottom by
which it is united and tightened up admits of a neck rim being screwed on it,
which always unites the screw to one or other of the connecting parts to which
it is applied. The middle band I prefer constructing of two parts jointed at
the bottom and partially let into the wood of the stock, as before described,
and held in position by a screw which passes through from side to side, screw-
ing them together untill they thoroughly and completely clip the stock and
barrel. The top band is made of the ordinary shape, but formed of steel, and
so set that when unscrewed by the back screw it shall spring open and relieve
itself from its imbeded position in the stock, but when put on and screwed up,
this band, like the others herein-before described, is partially sunk transversely
into the wood of the fore end of the stock, rendering it impossible for it to fall.
or get off' without being first relieved by the screw, to which screw I apply a
collar or neck, that when unscrewed, the screw and swivel shall still be attached
to the side of the band to which it is applied.
Eighthly, my improvements relate to the construction and manner of
applying ramrods to the stocks of guns, which consist in cutting away the
part of the nose cap where the ramrod lies in, and in its place and down the
groove of the stock I apply a spring, so made, that at its top end it shall be
finished with a kind of projecting bead, which exerts its force outward against
the ramrod; and at that part of the ramrod in contact with it I also form a
projecting bead around it, so that in returning the ramrod into the groove of
the stock, the projecting bead will come in contact with and pass over the
projecting bead of the spring, which it will deflect in passing over it, but when
down, the bead of the spring will again project above the bead of the ramrod
and prevent it voluntarily falling out, yet offer an agreeable resistance in the
act of withdrawing it.
And, lastly, my improvements relate to the manner of attaching the sockets
of bayonets in position at the muzzle end of guns, which consist in fitting a
band or collar to the socket of the bayonet beyond the sight of the gun, and
into this collar a notch is formed in a line with the slot of the socket, so that
in applying the bayonet the band before named becomes fixed to the sight of
the gun, but allows the socket and bayonet to be turned around, so as to bring

page_text: the sight to the termination of the transverse slot of the socket, in doing which
it is held in this position by a detent, very much in the form of the key of a
flute or musical instrument, which works in ears formed on the socket of the
bayonet, and catches against a stop formed on the top edge of the band before
named. In the act of removing the bayonet from the gun, the position of the
detent is such, that the finger at once presses on it, and the quarter turn given
to the socket of the bayonet allows it to be drawn off.
Having now given a general description of my improvements, I will observe
that they may be used wholly or separately, as preferred, and are as applicable
to breech-loading as to muzzle-loading guns, although the rod in the latter
case instead of being required for charging would be principally used for
cleaning or occasional charging at the muzzle, as may be required. And my
improvements named under the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and
eighth head, are applicable to double or single-barrelled private or birding guns
as they are for military or defensive purposes; and the third, fourth, and fifth
part of my improvements are applicable to pistols for military and other
purposes.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Ebenezer Hollis in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th January 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EBENEZER
HOLLIS, Gun and Pistol Manufacturer, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Ebenezer Hollis, Her special license that I, the said Ebenezer Hollis,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said.
Ebenezer Hollis, 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 "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN MUZZLE-LOADING GUNS, APPLICABLE FOR MILITARY AND SPORTING

page_text: PURPOSES, PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN DESCRIPTIONS OF
PISTOLS AND BREECH-LOADING GUNS, AS ALSO IN THE MANNER OF FIXING OR CON-
NECTING BAYONETS TO MILITARY GUNS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Ebenezer Hollis, by an instrument in writing under my hand
and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Ebenezer Hollis, do hereby declaro
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 (that is to say):-
My improvements in fire-arms are various, and in some respects applicable
to breech as well as muzzle-loading guns; and for the sake of simplifying the
description, I will class them under their several heads, commencing the same
with my improvements in heel plates, which are applicable to military as well
as sporting guns, whether breech or muzzle-loading, having no reference to the
description of metal or metals of which the heel plates may be composed,
which heel plate I construct or form with a strap at the toe end, extending
some two or three inches, more or less, as desired; and which strap I purpose
letting into the toe of the stock, which will afford much additional strength
and durability at that part, and be capable of resisting the force of an acci-
dental blow or rough usage without bending or setting the metal of which the
plate may be formed and thereby splitting the wood of the stock, which now
frequently occurs.
Secondly, my improvements consist in constructing the joint or hinge of
traps or covers for covering over recesses formed generally in the heel plate or
thick part of gun stocks, and which joint I make with the axis on which the
trap or cover works, obscured from the outside, whether this trap be formed in
the heel plate before described or otherwise.
Thirdly, my improvements relate to the screw or side pin cups, which con-
sist in forming them with a strap or straps for receiving a screw or screws, or
other means, by which the cup may be secured to the stock, thereby preventing
the liability of the cup or cups falling out by the withdrawal of the screws, by
which the gun lock is held in position.
Fourthly, my improvements relate to the construction of gun triggers, and
which consist in providing a compensating seat for the seer of the lock to
rest on, and which seat is attached to the lower edge of the trigger blade, by

page_text: thickening and dividing the plate at that part for receiving and securing it by
a pin passing through the thickened part and the lower end of the seer seat
or tumbler before referred to, by which means a compensating action is
imparted to the trigger to meet the difference of the radial action of the
trigger blade and the lock seer. This contrivance will be found to be of
importance to the users of fire-arms, as the power and action of the trigger in
lifting the seer is much increased, and the friction reduced to the mercst
nominal amount, rendering the action pleasant and agreeable.
Fifthly, my improvements relate to gun locks, and simply consist in applying
a stop working on a pin on the outside of the lock plate, and on the front part
of the base of the hammer or cock I form notches, into which the stop falls,
either to hold the cock on the spring just above the gun nipple in such a
position that, supposing a percussion cap to be placed on it, it becomes
impossible that any accidental blow or concussion can cause the hammer to
descend on or explode the cap, nor can the cap free itself from its position on
the nipple. This security or control of the cock I also effect when the
hammer is placed at what is technically termed "half-cock," as tho stop will
follow up its position as the cock or hammer is lifted up from the nipple, but
in pulling back the hammer from half to full-cock the stop will fall free, and
allow the hammer full play to descend and explode the cap when it is desired
to discharge the piece. By this contrivance the danger in handling loaded
fire-arms, either for sporting or military purposes is much decreased, at the
same time it may be charged and capped for instant use.
Sixthly, my improvements relate to what are called "back sights," as
applied on the top of the barrel near the breech end of rifled guns, and
consist in not only reversing the position of the graduates by which the
elevation of the sight is regulated (according to the range required), but the
graduates are so shaped that the slide requires no exact place or position for
resting on them, as the slide has a considerable range up or down for resting
on each division (of the graduates) without affecting or altering the range of
sight, and from the graduates being reversed the whole sight is rendered more
compact, and projects less from the barrel than the ordinary sight, as now
commonly constructed.
Seventhly, my improvements relate to the manner of constructing the bands
generally used in military guns or rifles for connecting or uniting the fore end
of the stock to the gun barrel, for which purpose in a general way three aro
used.
And my improvements in the lower band consist in forming it of three
parts, the main portion clipping the barrel terminating with hinge joints, to

page_text: which the side parts are attached for clipping the stock, and which lower parts
are united by a tightening up screw, so that however much the wood of the
stock may shrink or contract, nevertheless, the band by means of the screw
may be made to securely clip the parts. And to prevent the possibility of
losing the tightening up screw, apply an inner collar to the said screw,
by which means the screw, though left free to turn around in the heel of tho
part of the band to which it is attached, nevertheless it cannot be separated
without removing the screw forming the collar. The advantage of this con-
struction of band, independant of its expanding and contracting quality, also
admits of being let into the wood of the stock, which not only improves the
general appearance, but, however the stock may swell or shrink from exposure,
the band cannot move from its position. The middle or intermediate band I
construct of two parts, jointed or halved together at the bottom, and applied
by being partially sunk in the wood of the stock, for the purposes before
described, and held in this position by a stout pin or screw, which having a
head at one end and tapped at the other, passes through one half or side of
the band, through the wood of the stock that it clips, and through the tapped
hole at the other side of the band; thus, by means of a common screw driver,
the band may at all times be made to thoroughly clip the parts under all
changes or climates. The top band I purpose making of the ordinary shape,
but formed of steel properly tempered and set, that when unscrewed or freed
by the back screw commonly applied to such bands, it shall expand and relieve
itself from the stock; but when screwed up in position, this band, like the
others herein-before described, I purpose partially sinking or letting into the
fore end of the stock, rendering it impossible to fall and get loose without
being first relieved by the screw, to which screw I also purpose applying a
collar or neck, as before described in connection with the lower band for
uniting the screw to the band, and to which screw the swivel may also be
applied in the ordinary way by a projecting strap passing between the open
mouth of the band.
Eighthly, my improvements relate to the manner of applying ramrods to
the stocks of guns, and to the parts by which the rod is retained when so
applied, which consist in cutting away or reducing that part of the nose cap
in contact or proximity to the ramrod when in place, and in the fore end of
the groove of the stock for receiving the ramrod I apply a spring, so made
that its top end shall be finished with a round projection or bead, the spring
exerting its force outward against the ramrod, and near the top end of which I
also form a projecting bead around it, so that in returning the ramrod into the

page_text: groove of the stock, and pushing it down home, the projecting bead near
the end of the rod will come in contact with and pass over the projecting bead
of the spring, deflecting the spring in passing over it; but when down the
bead of the spring will again press out and project over the the bead of the rod,
thereby preventing it from voluntarily falling out, and yet affording only an
agreeable resistance to its being drawn when required for charging the piece;
or otherwise. The ramrod I purpose making of steel, in the ordinary way in
which ramrods for military guns are usually made.
And, lastly, my improvements relate to the manner of fixing bayonets in
position at the muzzle end of guns, and which consist in forming a band.or
collar around the socket of the bayonet in that part of the socket that comes
in contact with the fore sight of the gun, and into this collar a notch is formed
in a line with a parallel slot, usually formed in bayonet sockets, so that in
applying the bayonet the band before named becomes fixed to the sight of the
gun, but allows the socket and bayonet to be turned around one-fourth of the
circumference of the barrel, which will bring the sight to the termination of
the transverse slot formed at right angles with the slot before named, and in
doing this the bayonet becomes fixed in this position by a detent very much in
the form of the key of a flute or musical instrument, and works in ears on a
fulcrum formed on the outside of the socket of the bayonet, and catches into a
stop formed on the top edge of the band before named. In the act of applying
the hand to remove the bayonet from the gun, the position of the detent is
such that the edge of the hand presses on the lever of the detent, which allows
the bayonet to be reversed a quarter, and slid off perpendicularly in the
ordinary way.
I will observe that the various improvements herein referred to may be used
wholly or separately as preferred, and are applicable to guns that are loaded
at the breech as well as to guns that are loaded at the muzzle; but in the
former case the ramrod would only be required for cleaning the interior of the
barrel, or to occasionally load at the muzzle, according to the description of
ammunition desired to be used. And the improvements named under the
first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth heads are applicable to double
as well as single barrelled guns, whether such guns be used for private or
military purposes; and the third, fourth, and fifth parts of my improvements
are also applicable to pistols, whether used for military or other purposes.
And in order that I may be thoroughly understood as to the exact nature
and character of my various improvements, I will now describe them as
represented in the Drawings hereunto annexed.

page_text: .
Fig. 1 represents the flat view of a heel plate; and Fig. 2 a section of the
same, as taken through the dotted line a, a, in this Figure, the strap for pro-
tecting the toe is represented marked b, and in addition to its being secured
by sinking it into the stock, provision is made for applying a screw through
the countersunk hole c, while the plate itself may be secured in the ordinary
way by screws passing through the holes d, d.
Fig. 3 represents a trap as suited for the heel plate Figure 1, united to the
part by a pin passing through from f to f, the screw hole g is for uniting this
part by means of a screw to the heel plate, while the smaller hole h is for
receiving a screw for holding a spring, the thin end of which bears on the top
of the trap preventing it from shaking or opening without being intentionally
lifted up, and by the same means the trap will be held in the position shown
in Figure 2, which represents a section of the trap and the axis f on which it
works and the screw 9, by which the part e is united to the heel plate. And
in this Figure the spring i is represented secured by the screw h.
Fig. 4 simply represents the part e detached, showing the pin f which forms
the axis of the trap as well as the means of connection. This will be found
a neat and an efficient mode of hanging or hinging traps, and does away with
the necessity of boring a deep hole across the heel plate, and exposing the ends
of the pin or axis when finished. And in carrying out this improvement for
traps to be applied to other parts of a gun stock, the part e I purpose shaping
and connecting to an external plate or rim to be sunk in the wood of the stock,
and secured by screws or other convenient means.
Fig. 5 represents a frout or flat view of my improved side pin cup, in con-
nection with the strap j, by which means the cup can be secured to the side of
the stock, and under no circumstances be liable to be lost. Fig. 6 is a section
of the same, as taken through the dotted line k, k; not that I purpose confining
myself to the shape of the strap j, as it may be otherwise formed, if desired, or
have a strap also in the other direction, for the sake of uniformity.
Fig. 7 represents a side view of a gun trigger made according to my
improvements, showing the position of the seer when the lock is at full-cock,.
and which seer is marked Z, and the trigger blade m working on the fulcrum
or axis n, which passes through two vertical supports forged with or secured to
the trigger plate o, o, the back part of the trigger blade is thickened and
divided as at p, between which the seer seat 9 is placed working on the pin
or fulcrum r, which forms the chief feature of my improvement, as the action;
of the trigger ou the seer is confined to this pin, which readily meets or moves

page_text: to compensate for the difference of the radius of the seer working on the axis s,
and the trigger plate working on the axis n, and which difference of radius is
shown in the dotted curves starting from the centre of the seer seat or tumbler q,
and terminating at t and u. This difference is defined at Fig. 8, which
represents also a side view of my improved trigger, reversed in its position to
Figure 7, showing the seer behind the trigger plate, and its angular or pro-
jecting part w resting on the seat q, the distance between the parallel dotted line
v, v, and the lower angle of the part of the seer marked w, defines the range of
the action of the trigger, and the curved dotted lines from the lower angle of the
part w, down to the parallel dotted line v, and drawn from the respective axis of
the seer s, and the trigger plate n shows the amount of compensating action
required for the seat or tumbler q to move through while working on its axis
during the time of its elevation from the position represented at Figure 7 to
that here shown, and although this is but slight, nevertheless, this amount of
frictional dragging action consequent on constructing the trigger plate and seat
for the seer of one piece, as now ordinarily practised, makes the action of the
present triggers stiff and unpleasant, and which is entirely avoided by my
improvement. The part 9 I have represented detached at Fig. 9; and
Fig. 10 represents a back edge view of the trigger and plate, showing
the thickened opened part p, p, for receiving the part q, the axis on which it
works being drawn long and projecting each side marked r, r, for better
definement. The thickened part p, p, passes down through a corresponding
hole in the trigger plate o, that when the trigger is at full-cock, it is flush with
its under surface.
Fig. 11 represents a top or inside view of the trigger plate o, an edge view
of the lock plate marked x, x, and the seer / working on the axis or screw 5, 8,
and the several parts in their relative positions.
Fig. 12 represents a side view of as much of a military rifle necessary for
exhibiting my improvements in gun locks and sights; the first by the applica-
tion to the lock plate of the stop y, which works loose on the screw, and is
now represented in position for holding the cock just above the nipple, rendering
the piece, though it may be capped and loaded, perfectly safe for general
handling, and yet ready for instant use; and this same security is further
afforded when the hammer may be placed at half-cock, at which position the
apex of the stop y will fit into the notch of the hammer marked a', but
in pulling the hammer back to full-cock the stop y will fall free, and
hang in the pendulous position exhibited in dotted lines, thus allowing
the cock, in the act of discharging the piece, to fall free from all impedi-
ment on to the nipple. represents a side view of my improved sight with

page_text: the flap elevated, and the slide c¹ placed at the top, that when the flap
is lying down parallel with the barrel the slide will rest on the part d';
and according to the elevation required, so this slide can be placed down
the flap to rest when in use on either of the graduates e, f, or g', and by
forming the graduates as here shown, the slide requires no exact adjustment
for adapting the elevation of the sight to either of them, in fact the slide may
be said to have a range of some three-eighths of an inch, up or down, for each
elevation, without elevating or depressing the sight, as shown by the radial
dotted lines bisecting the circular dotted line through which the sight at the
end of the flap moves. I profess no further novelty in the construction of
the sights than that of reversing the position and shape of the graduates, as
here shown, but which alteration I believe will be found of importance from
being more handy and agreeable in use than the sights as ordinarily constructed.
h¹ represents a side view of my improved jointed lower band, clipping the
barrel and stock in which it is partly imbedded, secured in position by the
screw, the end of which can only be seen in this view marked i¹, and this band
I have exbibited in a flat and reverse side view, showing the head of the screw
at Fig. 13. The lower part of the band marked m¹ and n', are united to the
part h' by the pin or joint . The screw is united to the part n' by the collar k³,
which is convexed on the side nearest the head of the screw, as shown by
dotted lines, and that part of the band marked n' is rendered concave to cor-
respond, while the hole for the shank of the screw to pass through in this part
is made of an oval shape, in order that the screw shall freely accommodate itself
to the different degrees of expansion or contraction that the band may be subject
to. In applying this band, the screw has only to be unturned until the part m²
is entirely freed, when both parts m' and n' with the screw can be turned back,
freely admitting of the part h' being passed down so as to clip the barrel, and
ん
partially clip the stock, when by pressing the lower parts together and turning
around the adjusting or tightening-up screw, the band will be firmly secured in
position, as shown in Figure 12.
Fig. 14 represents in a side and edge view the manner I
purpose making
the middle or intermediate bands as usually applied to military rifles, and this
band I purpose making either of iron or steel, or other metal, as preferred, in
two parts, halved together at the bottom, and which parts are marked o¹ and p',
and secured by a screw, which passes through the wood of the stock, shown in
dotted lines, the conical head of which is partly sunk into the part of the band
marked p¹ and tapped and screwed through the part marked o¹, and by which
means the band is not only made to securely clip the stock and barrel, but is
also firmly united to the stock, and may or may not be partly imbedded in it.

page_text: Fig. 15 represents a flat and edge view of my improved steel band for clipping
the barrel and fore end of the stock connected with a swivel in the ordinary way.
The band being made of steel I purpose hardening and setting that it shall
be partially expanded, so that in applying it in position it shall be further
opened to again partially collapse by the contracting force of the setting of the
steel, and then to be tightened up by the screw 71, as here shown, and
which screw with the loop t¹ I also have shown at Figure 13, secured to
the side of the band marked u' by applying a collar or neck to the shank of
the screw as at v¹, so that by turning the screw the part of the clip marked w¹
only becomes free.
Fig. 16 represents a side view of the muzzle end of a rifled musket, with a
bayonet fixed in position, also the band described at Figure 15, and from there
to the fore end the stock is represented in section marked a³, a³, as also the nose
cap marked y', which is secured by the screw 21, and by drawing this part in
section I am enabled to show the spring a", which is represented in a flat and
edge view at Fig. 17, held in its position by the screw ". The ramrod is
marked c¹¹, and before it can be withdrawn the projecting bead formed around
it marked d" must pass over the projecting bead of the spring, tho spring
deflecting to allow it to pass. This simple contrivance, as herein-before stated,
will offer an agreeable resistance to the withdrawal of the ramrod, but will at
all times prevent its voluntary falling out when the muzzle of the piece is held
down, however loose the remaining portion of the rod may fit in the groove of the
stock. The bayonet in this view is represented as fixed in position partly by
the sight e, which is clipped by the collar f" and by the detent 9", which is
secured to a fulcrum marked h", ", on the socket of the bayonet marked ",",
while the end of the detent, by the aid of a spring hereafter to be referred to,
is forced into a notch of the same collar as here shown.
And Fig. 18 represents a full view of the muzzle end of the gun, marked ",",
and the bayonet as in section, taken through the dotted lines of Figure 16
at ", ", but in the same position with relation to the sight e" as in the last
figure, and in this view the detent 9" is fully seen, working on the fulcrum h",
and which fulcrum is held to the socket of the bayonet, marked ", ", tho
collar, marked f", is united at its ends by the screw ", and the screw m" holds
the spring that operates on the detent 9".
Fig. 19 represents the end of the barrel with the sight e" standing in front,
and the bayonet placed on by allowing the sight e" to pass up through the slot
of the socket, marked n", stopping against and hold by the collar f", and now
by turning the bayonet with its socket around to place it in the position repre-
sented by the dotted lines o", o", the bayonet will become fixed by the end of

page_text: the detent, marked g" in Figure 16, dropping into the notch in the collar for
receiving it.
'
Fig. 20 represents the bayonet in relation to the barrel, in the same position
as represented at Figure 19, showing the notch q" in the collar f" for the end
of the detent to take in when the bayonet is brought around the quarter turn, as
indicated by the dotted lines to s", when the bayonet will be fixed in position,
as at Figure 16. And we will now suppose it to be desirable to remove the
bayonet from the end of the muzzle of the gun, by placing the hand to the
hilt of the bayonet, as at t¹¹, Figure 18, when the thick part of the hand will
press on the lever of the detent, as at u", thereby pressing it towards the hilt
and freeing the reverse end from the notch before referred to, as at 9", Figure
16, when the bayonet has only to be turned around the quarter turn from v¹¹
to wl, when the bayonet will be in position, as at Figure 19, and may be
drawn off. By this simple contrivance a permanent detent is afforded for
fixing and holding the bayonet when in position, but which detent requires
no additional effort to relieve it than is now used to remove the bayonet as
ordinarily applied, without the important advantage afforded by the detent.
Having now given a general description of my Invention, and the way in
which the same may bo generally carried into effect, I wish it understood that
I do not purpose confining myself to the general details as here represented,
provided the spirit of my Invention be retained, as various modifications may
be adopted to procure the same results; but what I claim and wish protected
by these my in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the making of heel plates for guns, as exhibited in the section Figure 2,
with the strap 6 for affording additional strength at the toe, without any regard
to the shape or extent of such trap or angle support.
Secondly, the manner of forming and attaching the hinge joints of traps,
without regard to the position in which they may be placed in or about gun
stocks, as represented in section at Figure 2, and in detail at Figures 3
and 4.
Thirdly, I claim the improved side-pin cup, as described and represented at
Figures 5 and 6 to the extent of providing means of holding such cups in
position when the side pins are withdrawn.
Fourthly, I claim the application to trigger blades of a moveable or com-
pensating seat for the seer to work on, described and exhibited in various
views from Figure 7 to Figure 11.
Fifthly, I claim the use of the stop for holding gun cocks, as described and
exhibited at y and z, Figure 12.

page_text: Sixthly, I claim the improvements in sights, by reversing the position of the
graduates, as exhibited and described also at Figure 12.
Seventhly, I claim the improvements in gun bands, as described and exhibited
at Figures 18, 14, and 15.
Eighthly, I claim the arrangement of the spring marked a", Figure 16, and
detached at Figure 17, in connection with the bead on the ramrod for the
purposes herein described.
And, lastly, I claim the detent 9", and collar f", in connection with the
sockets of bayonets, for affording additional security to bayonets when fixed, as
described and exhibited in Figures 16, 18, 19, and 20..
In witness whereof, I, the said Ebenezer Hollis, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
Witness,
WILLIAM LOACH,
Clerk to James S. Cockings,.
Patent Agent,
Birmingham.
EBENEZER HOLLIS. (L.S.)