IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BREECH-LOADING FIRE- DMG AND IN CARTRIDGE TO BE HARD THEREWITH.
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Mowbray
PATENT to Mowbray Walker, of Essex Street, Strand,
Engineer, George Henry Money, of Jermyn Street, St. James's,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Francis Little, of the Junior Carlton Club,
Regent Street, Captain, all in the County of Middlesex, for the Inven-
tion of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BREECH-LOADING FIRE-
DMG
AND IN CARTRIDGE TO BE HARD THEREWITH.
и
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Mowbray Walker, George
Henry Money, and Francis Little at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents, with their Petition, on the 22nd February 1867.
We, MOWBRAY WALKER, of Essex Street, Strand, Engineer, GEORGE HENRY
MONEY, of Jermyn Street, St. James's, Lieutenant-Colonel, and FRANCIS
LITTLE, of the Junior Carlton Club, Regent Street, Captain, all in the County
of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN THE
CARTRIDGES TO BE USED THEREWITH," to be as follows:-
'j
The objects of the first part of our Invention are so to; construct breech-
loading fire-arms for military or other purposes that the separate parts of the
breech action shall be few in number and easily manufactured; the said

page_text: parts in their action shall have a minimum of friction; the action of the
said parts shall be uniform, simple, and not liable to jamb, catch, or otherwise
become deranged from internal or external causes; they shall be capable of
rapid manipulation for quick loading and firing; there shall be no projections,
such as levers or handles to interfere with the sighting or the free manipulation
of the arm for all purposes; and, finally, to reduce or divert the pressure
(usually exerted on the breech at right angles to the axis) in such a manner
that the said pressure shall be exerted at a greater or less angle of incidence
to the axis, thereby reducing the strain which being hitherto exerted on the
plane surface area of the breech has tended to the rapid wear of the mechanism.
To this end we construct (by casting in Bessemer steel or forging in stub
iron) a cylindro-conical breech or chamber of such length as to contain a
complete cartridge of corresponding form, the apex of the cone being towards
the rear.
This cylindro-conical breech is slightly flattened on the under side,
and has a lug or lip on the upper side. We also forge a strong ring or collar
having a strap projecting therefrom. The said strap terminates in a
cylindrical hub or boss, from which project one or two tangs from the under
side of the boss, two straps or plates project downwards between, and to
which the lock and trigger action is affixed. The barrel (the end of which
is bevilled inwards to receive a corresponding, formation of the breech
chamber) is screwed into the collar, the said collar has two lugs on the top
thereof, between which that on the breech chamber fits, and the three are
connected by a transverse pin; the end of the breech chamber also enters the
collar about ths of an inch holding and retaining the same against lateral
movement; the flattened side of breech chamber rests upon the strap, and
the rear end butts against the hub on the same.. The strap on the collar is
made of a T or sloping V section in order to reduce the weight and impart
stiffness. A portion of the hub or boss on this breech strap is cut away in
the centre, and a cock (having a centrally divided comb through which the
sight is taken) is fitted therein and falls on the upper surface of the breech
chamber. A slightly conical hole is bored in the upper surface of the breech
chamber communicating with the apex of the cone, and a steel plug made to
fit the same accurately is screwed or otherwise secured to the cock. The
barrel is secured to the stock by bands in the usual way, and also by a screw
'pin through the tang or tangs of the breech strap, and the breech pivotted to
the same by a pin passing through the lugs on the collar and breech; the
breech is therefore free to turn over and on to the barrel in a similar
manner to systems.already in use. In order to relieve the pivot joint of the
'strain to which it would otherwise be subjected and to increase the holding

page_text: power the centre of motion is placed in such a position as to allow the fore
ths of an inch on a
down by the cock the
end of the breech to enter into the collar for about
flat curve or slope, so that when the after end is held
whole breech chamber is held secure. The cock is centred and works in a
line with the axis of the gun, and the upper half of the rear end of the
breech chamber being sloped or curved inwards at an angle with the axis,
aid the detonating plug on the cock entering into and biting the said chaniber
at a corresponding 'reverse angle it follows that the breech of the gun is
held or locked securely against any rising or turning of the same on the
pivot joint while the hammer is down, and cannot be raised till the piece is
cocked. The breech, is in fact, secured in its place by the combined holding
of the pivot and collar in front, and by the position and pressure of the cock
behind. The cartridges for this fire-arm are made on a mould to the same
form and size as the breech chamber; they may be made of any material
now in use for the purpose, but we prefer to make them of either papier
maché or felt, and of a thickness of about 2ud of an inch, and when the
material has received its form before drying and hardening we saturate
them with a strong solution of alum or tungstate of soda to render them
uninflammable; the fulminate or detonating composition is then placed in
the apex of the cone. The same may be either prepared and placed in a
similar manner to the preparation of percussion caps, or the fulminate may
be made into small pills or balls with a little fine emery or sand and gum
and dropped into the apex in a plastic or hard state; the powder is then filled
and shaken down into the case, and the bullet with or without a suitable wad
forced tightly down thereon, the cylindrical portion being of just sufficient size
for that purpose. In most cartridge cases the bullet is inserted only to the
depth of its cylindrical portion, but in this case we make the case of sufficient
size to allow the bullet to enter and leave a space between the curved head
of the bullet and the cylindrical case, the bullet being sunk in nearly flush;
this space we utilize by slightly bevilling inwards the edge of the case so as
to form an inner lip or curve of a less diameter than the bullet, and we also
fill up the hollow with a compound of bees'-wax and Russia tallow. The
cartridge thus completed receives a coating of litharge and drying oil, and is
then completely waterproof and in a great measure fireproof.
. The action of this gun is as follows:-The piece being cocked the breech
is turned over on the barrel in the usual manner (the end being chamfered
or a small finger piece fixed thereto for that purpose); the pointed end of the
cartridge is then introduced and pushed by the thumb into its place, which
from its conical form it will readily enter; the breech being shut down is
2

page_text: retained in position by the snap action of a spring on a pivot joint, and the
end of the breech and cartridge case butts against the shoulder formed by
the end of the barrel. On the hammer being released by the trigger the
detonating plug thereon falls into the hole in the conical chamber striking the
pointed end of the cartridge therein and exploding the charge, and by its
pressure and bearing holding the end of the breech firmly down. The bullet
when starting forces out the wax composition in front of and surrounding the
head, as well as flattening out the lip or inward bevil of the edge of the case
against the sides, and thus closing the joint between the chamber and. barrel
air-tight and lubricating all the interior of the barrel. When the piece is
again cocked and the breech opened if the cartridge case does not fall out it
may be readily removed by inserting the end of the little finger in the open
end and drawing it out, the use of any mechanism for withdrawing the cases
is therefore obviated. The cases may (if preserved) be recharged as afore
described and reused several times.
In a modification of this Invention we construct the conical breech in two
parts or halves with a longitudinal joint on a plane with the axis of the
barrel. The hubs for the cock, the tangs, and the collar being constructed on
and with the bottom half, and the upper half being hinged to the collar and
holding in and under the same as afore described; this arrangement dispenses
with the strap, the bottom half of the breech being itself screwed to the
barrel and fastened to the stock in the usual manner. The upper half of
the cone therefore forms a movable lid to the lower or fixed half, and con-
tains the conical hole for the detonating plug. The cock presses upon and
fastens the said lid substantially in the same manner as afore described and
fires the cartridge similarly, the only difference being that the bullet end
of the cartridge is inserted first and enters into the barrel for some slight
distance beyond the forward joint of the lid; we also make the cartridges
for this modification partially or entirely pliant or elastic, and for this purpose
make the cases of felt or cloth.
The principal object of the second part of our Invention is to construct a
breech or bearing at right angles to the axis of the piece which shall be firm,
secure, and unyielding, and thereby offer a maximum of resistance to the
longitudinal pressure of the gases generated in the chamber or barrel. One
of the principal objections to breech-loaders has hitherto been the want of
a sufficiently solid and unyielding base for the charge to act upon, the
very condition of breech-loading implying and necessitating a constant
removal of the breech plug and a constant wear and tear and consequent
looseness, vibration, and unsteadiness in the part where rigidity and solidity

page_text: are most required. To obviate this disadvantage we construct the breech
end of the fire-arm as follows:-The barrel after proving and rifling is
chambered out at the breech end to a diameter equal to that of the cartridge
case to be employed (for a 500 bore, say, to ths of an inch), and for a
length to be determined also by that of the cartridge; the upper half of
this chambered portion is then cut right away leaving about 3 inches of the
breech end of the barrel only half a cylinder; we then turn a plug or
cylinder (having a small hole in the direction of its axis), say one inch or
more long and of the diameter of the fixed half cylinder or chamber,
and secure the same thereto permanently either by welding, shutting, or
otherwise; we also prepare a semi-cylindrical piece of metal or half tube of
the same size, shape, and conditions as the half barrel previously cut away,
and we fit this to slide easily and accurately over the fixed breech plug and
half breech, thus completing the cylindrical form; we also prepare a tube of
tough metal, about th of an inch thick, to slide over the fixed breech plug
and half breech, the interior surface of the tube and the exterior surface of
the barrel having been previously turned truly cylindrical, and to fit this
sliding tube or cylinder is of a length to allow of its lapping over the perfect
part of the barrel about ths of an inch and in the rear to allow a solid plug
end to be screwed therein. In this sliding tube the upper or sliding half of
the chamber is screwed, rivetted, or soldered so that the outer tube slides over
the half barrel and fixed breech, the longitudinal joint acting as a guide or
journal, and the maximum of resistance being. attained in all directions. The
plug which closes the rear end of the sliding or outer tube is turned
hemispherical, and is perforated centrally the same size as the fixed breech
plug, the end of the cap tube does not butt against the end of the fixed
breech plug, but a space of about ths. of an inch is left between, which is
filled by a greased wad attached to the fixed breech, so that every time the
sliding tube is withdrawn the interior surface is lubricated and the needle
likewise cleaned from the deposits of the combustion. The means of
detonation are as follows:-A needle of well tempered steel about th
or 32nds of an inch in diameter is preferred sufficiently long to reach
about ths of the length of the cartridge when in position; the forward end
of the needle is not made pointed as heretofore but flat and cross cut so as
to form four blunt points, the other end is screw threaded, and a small cap
or collar made to screw. thereon, and at about ths of an inch distance from
this another collar is permanently. fixed. The inner and outer ends of the
hemispherical plug are bored out larger to allow these collars to enter, so that
the rear end of the needle being put through the orifice the threaded collar

page_text: is screwed on outside and the needle is loose or has a play backwards and
forwards of about ths of an inch, the fore part of the needle works through
the centre of the fixed breech plug and of the wad at the base thereof.
Two knobs or finger pieces are affixed to the upper surface of the sliding
tube on either side of the line of sight, and they may be made to form the
heads of the screws which secure the movable or false half of the breech.
The barrel is secured to the stock by bands in the usual way, and in addition
a fourth band is placed at the breech end, the upper part of which fits
evenly and closely but not tightly over the sliding tube, so that when the
same is drawn back by the two finger pieces afore described it is prevented
from coming entirely off by this band when the finger pieces or knobs have
reached thereto. The cock which strikes the needle in this arrangement is
placed in the centre of the stock, and is always below the top line of the
barrel so that a perfectly clear sight is obtained; it is pivotted in the stock
below the barrel, and the face which strikes against the needle and the end
of the tube is made of a corresponding curve. We construct the cartridges
for this piece as follows:-We take thin but strong doeskin or kerseymere
cloth (by preference of a grey colour) and steep it in a strong solution of
alum; we then roll it between steel rollers at a high pressure, still further to
reduce the thickness, continuing the process till a double thickness equals
about and of an inch; we then cut it into squares to form cylinders of two
thicknesses of material, of length sufficient to reach from the face of the fixed
breech plug and to enter about ths of an inch into the perfect part of the
barrel; we fasten this coil of material with india-rubber cement, thus making
a firm air-tight and water-tight but sufficiently pliant and elastic case; we close
one end of the same with a thick wad of cork, felt, or india-rubber having a
hole in the centre to admit the needle without much pressure; a circular
patch of oil paper is put over the wad inside the case to prevent the grains of
powder from falling through the central hole; twenty grains of a quick fine
grain powder are then put in well shaken and gently pressed down; twenty
grains of a coarser description are then added and similarly treated, and finally
forty grains of a still coarser description; we then place on this another wad
having in the centre an ordinary percussion cap, and on this the bullet, the
steel core of which butts on to the centre of the said cap; or we employ the
bullet with a small percussion cap let into the centre of one end thereof, by
which we obviate the necessity for a wad to hold the cap; we make the
cartridge cases of cloth as here described, because when filled with the charge
they are sufficiently rigid for all purposes of manipulation, but when the
charge is fired the case is sufficiently limp and pliant (being empty) to be

page_text: removed by the thumb and finger without any apparatus; but if it be desired
to make the case stiff and hard the same may be made of pasteboard, papier
maché, or metal, in which case we fix a tape tongue to the wad at the breech
end, by which when the breech is open the empty case may be withdrawn.
In making the pliant cases as above described we do not confine ourselves
to the use of cloth and india-rubber cement, but make the same also of
india-rubber tubing lined with thin paper or calico steeped in alum, or we
make the case of one thickness of felt. In the case of stiff cartridges we
prefer to make the cases as follows:-We take coarse unbleached calico or
other suitable textile fabric and thoroughly wash and treat, the same in a
strong solution of alum to open the pores, shrink and render it uninflammable;
we then take white blotting paper or paper of a similar substance and soak
the same in size or gum solution; a sheet of the calico and the soft sized
paper together are then passed between steel rollers till they are reduced
and incorporated into one. This material when dry is cut into pieces of
suitable size and made into cylinders of two thicknesses in substance
producing a stronger and lighter case than when made of papier maché or metal.
The action of this gun is as follows:-The knobs on the breech tube
being gripped by the thumb and fore finger joint. of the right hand the said
tube is drawn back as far as allowed by the binding ring over the same, and
in starting forces down the cock and withdraws the needle within the fixed
breech plug; the' cartridge is then inserted into the exposed half chamber,
the end of the case entering the barrel about ths of an inch, and the wad
end butting against the fixed breech plug; the tube being slidden back to its
place covers over the cartridge and forces the needle through the centre of
the cartridge to within a short distance of the cap or detonating patch, when
by reason of the play allowed the fixed collar on the needle will be pressed
against the shoulder formed in the plug, and the rear end of the needle with
the screw collar thereon will project a short distance from the end: The
trigger is held secure by a bolt which is only released by the pressure of the
thumb, when the trigger being pulled, by the fore finger the
striking the end of the needle, which having a play, of about, ths of an
inch in its socket is driven forward that distance, exploding the cap or
detonating patch and assisting to overcome the inertia of the bullet by the
blow thereon; when the breech is again opened for reloading the empty case
is easily removed by the thumb and fore finger of the right hand or (if a
stiff case be employed) by the tongue of tape thereon.
cock rises,
Another modification of this Invention embodying the principle of a
permanent breech at right angles to the axis is; specially adapted to the

page_text: alteration of existing muzzle-loaders, and is effected as follows:-About three
inches of the breech end of the barrel is cut off, and the end of the barrel filed
The piece cut off is turned to a true
th of an inch, the surfaces of the
and scraped perfectly true and smooth.
cylinder outside and the bore enlarged
ends being also formed true and smooth. In one end surface a dovetailed
groove is turned opening outwards in the metal for purposes hereafter
explained. We next take a piece of tough iron or steel tube, by preference
drawn steel about four inches long and one inch internal and 1 inch and ths
external diameter. We cut away the upper half of the tube centrally for a
length equal to the length of the cylinder breech, thus forming a box or shoe
for the same having collar or ring at either end; we screw-thread both
these rings with a coarse strong thread, and into one we screw the barrel and
into the other a breech plug of the ordinary pattern; the distance between
the face of the breech plug and the end of the barrel in the box thus formed
is slightly in excess of the length of the cylinder prepared to work therein.
Moreover, the face of the breech plug is not made true and parallel with the
end of the cylinder, but is at a slight angle or taper thereto. We then take
a piece of half tube and make a lid or cover to the box (the same fitting
evenly but loosely the part cut away, so as to form a complete tube) and hinge
the same to the box or shoe by a loose working hinge joint on the right side
thereof; to this lid we affix the cylindrical breech chamber by screws, rivets,
solder, or other approved means, and we also fix a thumb-piece to the said
lid on the reverse side to the hinge, so that when the same is opened it brings
the cylindrical breech with it out of the shoe as in one solid piece. We also
construct a small spiral coil or spring of very fine steel wire, and enclose the
same in an india-rubber tube. We form this tube into a ring of the size of
the dovetailed groove, but of slightly larger diameter, so that when the same
is forced into the groove it expands inside and is held and retained therein;
about half the diameter of this combination spring ring is therefore held in
the dovetailed groove of the breech cylinder and half projects beyond the
surface, filling up by compression the slight space left between the end of the
said breech cylinder and the surface of the breech plug, and also serving to
force the forward face of the breech cylinder tight against the end of the
barrel. The breech' plug is pierced for the admission of a plunger actuated
by the direct action of the cock or the interior mechanism of the lock. The
cartridges for this piece are constructed of metal or papier maché or any
approved stiff material, and with or without metallic caps, but we prefer to
use special cartridges constructed as follows:-We take cylindrical cases of
the cotton and paper combination before described of a length equal to the

page_text: distance between the face of the fixed breech plug and the end of the barrel,
or about end of an inch longer, the internal diameter being equal to that of
the bullet, so that the same may fit tight therein, and the external diameter
equal to the bore of the chamber, so that the case may fit closely but not
tightly therein. We close one end of these cases with a thick wad, say ths
of an inch of wood, cork, stout felt, or vulcanized india-rubber; by preference
of cork. We also take iron wire (about No. 32 Birmingham wire gauge),
and roll or draw the same through prepared rollers or dies to a form having
a section of an equal armed cross.
The wire so formed is straightened, cut
into suitable lengths, and hardened by any of the processes now in use for
that purpose. The rods or pins thus formed may be of any desired thickness,
but we prefer to have them about 3nds of an inch in diameter. A bole is made
through the base wad of the cartridge case, and the pin firmly but not tightly
fixed therein, reaching to within about th of an inch of the end; on the
top of this pin within the case a percussion cap of a size to fit the pin closely
is placed, meal powder made into a paste with spirits of wine having been
previously laid in the hollow channel of the rod before putting on the cap (or
the cap not being put on till the powder is filled up to the top of the rod, when
some fine grain powder is placed around it, and on pressing down the cap
some grains are enclosed within the sides of the cap and the channels of the
rod in immediate contact with the detonating patch); the charge of powder
is then filled in the case and well packed around and over the end of the
central pin, and the bullet with or without an intervening wad is then gently
forced into the case till the end thereof is below or level with that of the
case; the edge of the case is then slightly bevilled inwards, so as to form a
slight lip or rim inside the case smaller than the diameter of the bullet. The
space between the head of the bullet and the sides of the case is to be filled
with a composition of tallow and bees'-wax, thus closing the end water-tight,
and the whole case either receives a coating of the same material or a coating
of drying oil and litharge.
The action of this arrangement is as follows:-The gun being cocked
the breech cylinder is turned outwards from the barrel box and fixed breech
on the hinge joint over to the right of the barrel when a cartridge is placed
in the same. The chamber is restored to its position by a reverse action, the
slight taper in the face of the breech plug and the slight rounding of the
edges of the cylinder facilitating its easy entrance to the box. The chamber
is forced home by a slight pressure of the thumb wedging the cartridge case
between the breech and barrel, the solid end of the case butting against the
fixed breech and the bevilled edge of the forward end butting against the

page_text: shoulder formed by the difference between the bore of the chamber and the
barrel. The plunger on striking the end of the pin fitted in the base of the
cartridge propels it forward in turn when the capped end striking against the
steel core in the centre of the bullet explodes and ignites the powder in the
immediate vicinity. The bullet in its passage forces out the inner lip or
bevil against the joint, thus still farther securing the same air-tight. When the
breech is again opened to recharge the piece the empty case in the breech is
pushed out in front by putting the new one in from the rear, thus obviating
any use of grips, springs, levers, or other mechanism for the purpose of and
use as cartridge extractors.
In constructing cartridge cases with a metallic base or cap thereto we
proceed as follows:-The metallic cap having a flange or ring around
the base thereof is prepared in the usual manner, and the centre of the
base is struck up and inwards about 2nds of an inch, and on the apex
of this hemispherical projection inside the cap the detonating composition is
placed. We also prepare by punching with a stamp and die out of a sheet of
iron plate a stout cross of iron, the arms of which are equal in length to the
internal diameter of the cap. The said cross is forced into and fits tightly
within the said cap, the central or solid portion butting against the detonating
patch; there is thus left a space between the arms of the cross and the base
of the cap equal to the height to which the centre is struck up. The metal
cap thus prepared is fitted tightly within a cylindrical case of the required
length and of a thickness to be flush with or over the flange or ring on the
base thereof; by this means the sides of the cartridge case are clean and
smooth throughout, and it fits evenly and uniformly in the barrel or chamber.
The powder when filled up into the case falls between the arms of the cross
and fills the space between them and the base of the cap, entirely surrounding
the detonating patch, the flash from which radiating equally kindles the
powder equally in every direction with maximum effect; there is therefore
considerably less chance of mis-fire. The metallic caps may be recharged
with detonating powder and used again as often as may be found desirable.
In the former of these cartridges the powder is ignited at its further extremity
or close to the bullet, and consequently the more gradual consumption and
generation of force is obtained, as the powder is all burnt in the case, and
therefore at the breech of the gun.
The third part of our Invention has especial reference to that class
known as repeating or magazine arms, though the action for opening and
closing the breech is applicable and may be used without and independent of
the magazine.

page_text: If desirable
The objects of this part of our Invention are, simplicity of construction and
action, security, central fire, and solidity and strength of mechanism and
materials. To this end we construct a repeating or magazine fire-arm as
follows: The breech end of the barrel (which we prefer to be of drawn steel
hereafter referred to) is left of square section for a length of about four inches,
and before the barrel is centred and rifled a portion thereof is slotted out,
leaving two lugs or shafts parallel to the axis of the barrel, the ends of such
lugs or shafts terminating in an inward lip of larger dimensions.
only the upper surface of the square end of the breech need be slotted away,
thus forming what is known as a "box breech;" or the said shafts and lips
may be made in a separate forging with a collar thereto, and the barrel screwed
into the said collar in the manner usual with breech-loaders. After the centre
of the breech has been so slotted as described the barrel is centred and rifled,
after which an enlargement (or chamber as it is called) is made in the bore
for the reception of the cartridge case. The two shafts are opened at the rear
end till the space between the lips equals or is about 4th of an inch in excess
of the width of the chamber; this opening is made so that the shafts shall not
be in a direct line but on a slight curve outwards in order that the spring
breech which grips and falls between thein shall when the ends thereof are
compressed pass evenly and equally in its whole length. Through the two lips
on the ends of the shafts holes are drilled at right angles to the barrel to receive
countersunk screws which secure the barrel to the stock at the breech end.
Two small grooves are cut in the sides of the shafts at the fore end, say th
of an inch wide, 32nd deep, and an inch long, extending an inch into the
barrel for purposes hereafter described.
We also construct a breech plug and slide (by preference of tough
laminated steel well and evenly tempered in oil). The plug or .head
itself is cylindrical, and is furnished with two spring arms projecting
rearwards, the sides of which are of an equal thickness and fit closely to
the shafts before referred to. The fore end of this spring breech is turned
cylindrical to fit the cartridge chamber, and a hole th or nds of an
inch in diameter is bored therein to admit the needle or plunger which
discharges the cartridge. The after end is made with shoulders fitting against
the lips on the breech shafts, and is terminated two lumps or combs, the
surfaces of which are chequered or roughened. On the sides of the cylindrical
plug projecting therefrom about an inch are two springs about 1th of an
inch wide and 32nd deep secured to the square portion of the breech
as before described, and the fore ends thereof are formed like a "crochet hook"
A thin plate of metal is fixed over and forms a cover to the sliding breech,

page_text: the fore end being screwed to the solid portion and the after end fitting and
working in a horizontal groove cut in the lumps or combs of the spring breech.
A binding ring similar to those on the fore part of the barrel is fitted on and
over the breech shafts under and within which the spring breech slides. The
lock action of this gun is as follows:-A plate of metal having a post or
pillar thereon is fitted in the stock underneath the breech; this pillar rising
between the arms of the sliding spring breech acts as a guide to steady the
same when it is withdrawn between the shafts; or this plate and pillar may
be secured to the under side of the breech shafts; this plate and pillar are
pierced horizontally in the direction of the axis of the barrel, say th of an
inch, to allow a needle or plunger to work therein, and also vertically through
its own axis to allow a "catch" or "sear" to work therein and hold the needle
or plunger when withdrawn. We prepare a stout rod or needle of well
tempered steel having a ring or collar thereon a short distance from the fore
end; the part of the needle in front of this collar fits and works in the plug
of the sliding breech, the portion behind the collar fitting and working in the
horizontal hole of the fixed pillar. In the under side of this part is cut a
notch into which the end of the sear catches, and a spiral spring is fitted
thereon between the collar and the fixed pillar. We also form a stout spring
with three reverse arms and two elbows like a compressed letter Z, one of the
arms terminating in a stout piece at right angles thereto. This piece is cut
to a blunt point at the end thereof and works in the vertical slot in the pillar
forming the catch or sear, the other arm of the spring being fixed to the under
side of the base plate of the pillar. The web plate of the trigger is carried
upwards larger than usual, terminating in a kind of comb or "cam," the end
of which cam butts under and against the projecting elbow of the Z spring
As there is no half-cock position in this arm the same is provided against
accidental or premature discharge by a transverse bolt fitting into a deep
notch cut in a portion of the trigger and actuated by a spring. The said
bolt has a corresponding notch cut thereon, so that when by pressing this
spring the two coincide the trigger is free to move, but not otherwise. The
magazine arrangements are as follows:-Immediately behind the chamber
of the barrel underneath the breech shafts is affixed a metal box (by
preference of steel) projecting through and affixed to the stock of the gun.
The upper end may be fixed also to the breech shafts, the trigger guard
fitting against and around the projecting end of the box, thus forming a
compact and secure combination; or the parts may be fitted separately and
independently as may be desired. The internal dimensions of this box are a
width equal to the diameter of the cartridges, a length slightly in excess

page_text: thereof, and a depth equal to the number of cartridges to be contained therein
(say 6). This box is provided with a thin plate of metal forming a false end
having a number of ledges thereon at distances apart equal to the diameter of
the cartridges; this false end is held in position by a flat spring between it
and the permanent end. A false bottom is also provided pressed 'upwards by
a spiral spring on the permanent bottom.
The action of this gun is as follows:-The chequered knobs of the spring breech
are grasped and pressed together by the thumb and forefinger joint of the right
hand, which brings the shoulders on the same clear of the lips on the breech
shaft. The breech is simultaneously drawn back, being guided and retained
by the fixed central pillar within and the binding ring without, at the same time
the solid end of the breech butting against the collar on the plunger the spiral
spring between the collar and fixed pillar is compressed till the plunger is held
and retained by the notch therein coming over and catching on the sear. In
the space thus left open the cartridges (say 7) are introduced horizontally and
pressed down into the box, their axes being parallel with that of the barrel,
the false bottom being held and retained by the successive ledges on the false
end. Six cartridges are then in position in the box below the barrel and the
seventh in line therewith; on forcing forward the spring breech this cartridge
is pushed into the chamber of the barrel, the shoulders of the arms
self-locking into the lips of the shaft; the needle and spring being meanwhile
held by the sear the cylindrical portion of the breech enters the chamber,
cutting off all communication with the box or magazine. The piece being '
presented the transverse bolt is pressed by the thumb or finger of the right
hand, freeing the trigger, which being pulled presses on the transverse arm
of the Z spring, bending the elbow and withdrawing the "sear" in the vertical
slot the plunger thus freed is propelled forward by the spiral spring and fires
the cartridge. On the breech being again withdrawn as described the hooks
on the end thereof having been forced into the cartridge case withdraw the
same entirely from the barrel. Moreover, the breech plug in its backward
passage catches against the false end of the magazine, and drawing back the
same momentarily releases the false bottom, the spring beneath which forces
it upwards a space equal to the diameter of a cartridge, when it is caught by
the next notch or ledge on the false end, by this action throwing out the
5 spent cartridge case and placing another in position to be carried into the
barrel when the breech is pushed home. It is evident this operation can be
repeated with a facility and rapidity dependent only on practice. By this
arrangement of part the stock is not entirely divided, as in most magazine
guns, nor are the lock arrangements interfered with by the passage of entral

page_text: tubes, the cartridges are introduced with much greater facility, the weight
is concentrated where most required or behind the breech, the gun is therefore
more perfectly balanced, the box being but slightly in excess of the trigger
guard will not impede the free manipulation of the arm, though if desired it
may be made deeper to contain a greater number of charges.
The bullet which we use with either of the foregoing modifications is a
cylindro-spheroid, or a cylinder whose height equals its diameter, terminating
at either end in a hemisphere of a radius equal to that of the cylindrical portion;
the length of the bullet will thus be twice the diameter, which proportion we
are of opinion should not be exceeded. It may be desirable for rifles of small
bore to adopt this standard in order to attain sufficient weight in the bullet,
but where the size of the bore will allow we prefer making the cylindrical
portion half the diameter or three-fourths the diameter in length, our object
being to combine the centre of gravity, the centre of rotation, the centre of the
major axis, and the centre of the minor axis in one point. A core of steel
wire is fitted in the centre which affords a hard base for the needle or pin to
strike the cap on to, and will also we believe preserve a more correct flight
of the bullet by imparting a centrifugal force owing to the circumference being
heavier than the centre. These cores are about one-fourth of the diameter of
the bullet in thickness, and the surface is roughed or cut up in order that when
the lead is cast thereon in the mould, or pressed thereon in the die, the core
may be well held and retained firmly as part of the bullet. In some cases we
do not carry the core quite through the bullet, but leave a small orifice,
say th of an inch, in which we place the percussion cap or detonating
composition.
The barrels and tubes used in this construction may be of any strong and
sound metal, but we prefer to employ the drawn steel tubes and barrels as
manufactured by the Hydraulic Tube Drawing Company, of Macclesfield
Street, City Road, London.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed 9
by the said Mowbray Walker, George Henry Money, and Francis
Little in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, MOWBRAY
WALKER, of Essex Street, Strand, Engineer, GEORGE HENRY MONEY, of
Jermyn Street, St. James's, Lieutenant-Colonel, and FRANCIS LITTLE, of the 8

page_text: Junior Carlton Club, Regent Street, Captain, all in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight bundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said Mowbray Walker, George Henry Money, and Francis Little, Her
special licence that we, the said Mowbray Walker, George Henry Money,
and Francis Little, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as we, the said Mowbray Walker, George Henry Money, and Francis Little,
our 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 "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
OF BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN THE CARTRIDGES TO BE USED THEREWITH,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Mowbray Walker,
George Henry Money, and Francis Little, our executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under our, or one of our or their; or one of
their hands and seals, should. particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed;
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Mowbray Walker, on behalf of myself
and the said George Henry Money and Francis Little, do hereby declare
the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be*
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, that
is to say:-
The objects of the first part of our Invention are so to construct breech-
leading fire-arms for military or other purposes that the separate parts of
the breech action shall be few in number and easily manufactured; the
said parts in their action shall have a minimum of friction, the action of the
said parts shall be uniform, simple, and not liable to jamb, catch, or otherwise
become deranged from internal or external causes, they shall be capable of
rapid manipulation for quick loading and firing; there shall be no projections;
such as levers or handles, to interfere with the sighting or the free manipulation
of the arm for all purposes; and, finally, to reduce or divert the pressurė

page_text: (usually exerted on the breech at right angles to the axis) in such a manner
that the said pressure shall be exerted at a greater or less angle of incidence
to the axis, thereby reducing the strain, which being hitherto exerted on
the plane surface area of the breech has tended to the rapid wear of the
mechanism. To this end we construct, by casting in Bessemer steel, or
forging in stub iron, a cylindro-conical breech or chamber of such length as
to contain a complete cartridge of corresponding form, the apex of the cone
being towards the rear; this cylindro-conical breech is slightly flattened on
the under side, and has a lug or lip on the upper side; we also forge a strong
ring or collar having a strap projecting therefrom, the said strap terminates
in a cylindrical hub or boss, from which project one or two tangs; from the
under side of the boss two straps or plates project downwards between and
to which the lock and trigger action is affixed. The barrel (the end of which
is bevilled inwards to receive a corresponding formation of the breech
chamber) is screwed into the collar, the said collar has two lugs on the top
thereof between which that on the breech chamber fits, and the three are
connected by a transverse pin, the end of the breech chamber also enters the
collar about of an inch, holding and retaining the same against lateral
movement; the flattened side of the breech chamber rests upon the strap, and
the rear end butts against the hub on the same. The strap on the collar is
made of a T or sloping V section in order to reduce the weight and impart
stiffness. A portion of the hub or boss on this breech strap is cut away in
the centre, and a cock having a divided comb through which the sight is
taken (centrally) is fitted therein and falls on the upper surface of the breech
chamber; a slightly conical hole is bored in the upper surface of the breech
chamber communicating with the apex of the cone, and a steel plug made to
fit the same accurately is screwed or otherwise secured to the cock. The
barrel is secured to the stock by bands in the usual way, and also by a screw
pin through the tang or tangs of the breech strap, and the breech pivoted to
the same by a pin passing through the lugs on the collar and breech, the
breech is therefore free to turn over and on to the barrel in a similar manner
to systems already in use. In order to relieve the pivot joint of the strain to
which it would otherwise be subjected and to increase the holding power the
centre of motion is placed in such a position as to allow the fore end of the
breech to enter into the collar for about 1 of an inch on a flat curve or slope,
so that when the after such is held down by the cock the whole breech
chamber is held secure. The cock is centred and works in a line with the
axis of the gun, and the upper half of the rear end of the breech chamber
being sloped or curved inwards at an angle with the axis, and the detonating

page_text: plug on the cock entering into and biting the said chamber at a corresponding
reverse angle, it follows that the breech of the gun is held or locked securely
against any rising or turning of the saine on the pivot joint while the
hammer is down and cannot be raised till the piece is cocked. The breech
is, in fact, secured in its place by the combined holding of the pivot and collar
in front and by the position and pressure of the cock behind. The cartridges
for this fire-arm are made. on a mould to the same form and size as the
breech chamber, they may be made of any material now in use for the purpose,
but we prefer to make them of either papier maché or felt; and of a thickness
of about of an inch, and when the material has received its form before
drying and hardening we saturate them with a strong solution of alum or.
tungstate of soda to render them uninflammable; the fulminate or detonating
composition is then placed in the apex of the cone; the same may be either
prepared and placed in a similar manner to the preparation of percussion
caps, or the fulminate may be made into small pills or balls with a little fine
emery or sand and gum and dropped into the apex in a plastic or hard
state; the powder is then filled and shaken down into the case, and the.
bullet with or without a suitable wad forced tightly down thereon, the
cylindrical portion being of just sufficient size for that purpose. In most
cartridge cases the bullet is inserted only to the depth of its cylindrical.
portion, but in this case we make the case of sufficient size to allow the
bullet to enter and leave a space between the curved head of the bullet
and the cylindrical case, the bullet being sunk in nearly flush; this space v
utilize by slightly bevilling inwards the edge of the case so as to form an.
inner lip or curve of a less diameter than the bullet, and we also fill up the
hollow with a compound of bees-wax and Russia tallow: The cartridge thus
completed receives a coating of litharge and drying oil, and is then completely
waterproof and in a great measure fireproof..
we
The action of this gun is as follows:-The piece being cocked the breech
is turned over on the barrel in the usual manner (the end being chamfered
or a small finger piece fixed thereto for that purpose) the pointed end of the
cartridge is then introduced and pushed by the thumb into its place, which
from its conical form it will readily enter; the breech being shut down is
retained in position by the snap action of a spring on the pivot joint, and the
end of the breech and cartridge case butts against the shoulder formed by
the end of the barrel. On the hammer being released by the trigger the
detonating plug thereon falls into the hole in the conical. chamber, striking
the pointed end of the cartridge 'therein and exploding the charge, and by its
pressure and bearing holding the end of the breech firmly down. The bullet

page_text: when starting forces out the wax composition in front of and surrounding
the head, as well as flattening out the lip or inward bevel of the edge of the
case against the sides, and thus closing the joint between the chamber and
barrel air-tight and lubricating all the interior of the barrel. When the
piece is again cocked and the breech opened, if the cartridge case does not
fall out, it may be readily removed by inserting the end of the little finger
in the open end and drawing it out, the use of any mechanism for with-.
drawing the cases is therefore obviated. The cases may (if preserved) be
recharged as afore described and reused several times.
In a modification of this Invention we construct the conical breech in two
parts or halves with a longitudinal joint on a plane with the axis of the
barrel, the hubs for the cock, the tangs, and the collar being constructed on
and with the bottom half and the upper half being hinged to the collar and
holding in and under the same as afore described; this arrangement dispenses
with the strap, the bottom half of the breech being itself screwed to the
barrel and fastened to the stock in the usual manner. The upper half of the
cone therefore forms a movable lid to the lower or fixed half, and contains
the conical hole for the detonating plug. The cock presses upon and fastens
the said lid substantially in the same manner as afore described and fires the
cartridge similarly. The only difference being that the bullet end of the
cartridge is inserted first and enters into the barrel for some slight distance
beyond the forward joint of the lid; we also make the cartridges for this
modification partially or entirely pliant or elastic, and for this purpose make
the cases of felt or cloth.
The principal object of the second part of our Invention is to construct a
breech or bearing at right angles to the axis of the piece which shall be firm,
secure, and unyielding, and thereby offer a maximum of resistance to the
longitudinal pressure of the gases generated in the chamber or barrel. One
of the principal objections to breech-loaders has hitherto been the want of a
sufficiently solid and unyielding base for the charge to act upon, the very
condition of breech-loading almost implying and necessitating a constant
removal of the breech plug, a constant wear and tear and consequent looseness,
vibration, and unsteadiness in the part where rigidity and solidity are most
required. To obviate this disadvantage we construct the breech end of the
fire-arm as follows:-The barrel after proving and rifling is chambered out
at the breech end to a diameter equal to that of the cartridge case to be
employed (for a 500 bore, say to of an inch, and for a length to be
determined also by that of the cartridge. The upper half of this chambered
portion is then cut right away, leaving about 3 inches of the breech end of

page_text: the barrel only half a cylinder; we then turn a plug or cylinder (having a
small hole in the direction of its axis), say, one inch or more long and of the
diameter of the fixed half cylinder or chamber, and secure the same thereto
permanently either welding, shutting, screwing, or otherwise; we also prepare
a semi-cylindrical piece of metal or half tube of the same size, shape, and
conditions as the half barrel previously cut away, and we fit this to slide
easily and accurately over the fixed breech plug, and half breech, thus
completing the cylindrical form; we also prepare a tube of tough metal
about of an inch thick to slide over.the.fixed breech plug and half breech,
the interior surface of the tube and the exterior surface of the barrel having
been previously turned truly cylindrical and to fit, this sliding tube or cylinder
is of a length to allow of its lapping over the perfect part of the barrel
about of an inch, and in the rear, to allow a solid plug end to be screwed
therein. In this sliding tube the upper or sliding half of the chamber is
screwed, rivetted, or soldered so that the outer tube slides over the half
barrel and fixed breech, this longitudinal joint acting as a guide or journal,
and the maximum of resistance being attained in all directions. The plug which
closes the rear end of the sliding or outer tube is turned hemispherical, and is
perforated centrally the same size as the fixed breech plug; the end of the cap
tube does not butt against the end of the fixed breech plug but a space of about
of an inch is left, between which is filled by a greased wad attached to the fixed
breech, so that every time the sliding tube is withdrawn the interior surface is
lubricated and the needle likewise cleaned from the deposits of the combustion.
The means of detonation are as follows: A needle of well tempered steel
about or of an inch in diameter is prepared sufficiently long to reach
about ths of the length of the cartridge when in position, the forward end of
the needle is not made pointed as heretofore, but flat and cross cut so as to
form four blunt points, the other end is screw threaded and a small cap or collar
made to screw thereon, and at about of an inch distance from this another
collar is permanently fixed. The inner and outer ends of the hemispherical
plug are bored out larger to allow these collars to enter, so that the rear end
of the needle being put through the orifice the threaded collar is screwed
on outside, and the needle is loose or has a play backwards and forwards of
about of an inch, the fore part of the needle works through the centre of
the fixed breech plug and of the wad at the base thereof. Two knobs or
finger pieces are affixed to the upper surface of the sliding tube on either
side of the line of sight, and they may be made to form the heads of the
screws which secure the movable or false half of the breech. The barrel 'is
secured to the stock by bands in the usual way, and in addition a fourth

page_text: band is placed at the breech end, the upper part of which fits evenly and
closely, but not tightly, over the sliding tube, so that when the same is drawn
back by the two finger pieces afore described it is prevented from coming
entirely off by this band when the finger piece or knobs have reached thereto.
The cock which strikes the needle in this arrangement is placed in the
centre of the stock, and is always below the top line of the barrel so that a
perfectly clear sight is obtained; it is pivoted in the stock below the barrel,
and the face which strives against the needle and the end of the tube is
made of a corresponding curve. We construct the cartridges for this piece
as follows: We take thin but strong doeskin or kerseymere cloth (by
preference of a grey color) and steep it in a strong solution of alum; we then
roll it between steel rollers at a high pressure still further to reduce the
thickness, continuing the process till a double thickness equals about the
of an inch, we then cut it into squares to form cylinders of two thicknesses
of material, of length sufficient to reach from the face of the fixed breech
plug and to enter about of an inch into the perfect part of the barrel;
we fasten this coil of material with india-rubber cement, thus making a firm,
air-tight, and watertight but sufficiently pliant and elastic case; we close one
end of the same with a thick wad of cork, felt, or india-rubber, having a hole
in the centre to admit the needle without much pressure; a circular. patch of
oil paper is put over the wad, inside the case, to prevent the grains of powder
from falling through the central hole; 20 grains of a quick fine grain
powder are then put in, well shaken, and gently pressed down; 20 grains of
a coarser description are then added and similarly treated; and, finally, 40
grains of a still coarser description; we then place on this another wad,
having in the centre an ordinary percussion cap, and on this the bullet the steel
core of which butts on to the centre of the said cap; or we employ the bullet
with a small percussion cap let into the centre of one end thereof, by which
we obviate the necessity for a wad to hold the cap. We make the cartridge
with the charge they are
case of cloth, as here described, because when filled
sufficiently rigid for all purposes of manipulation, but when the charge is fired
the case is sufficiently limp and pliant (being empty) to be removed by the thumb
and finger without any apparautus; but if it be desired to make the case stiff
and hard, the ame may be made of pasteboard, papier maché, or metal, in which
case we fix a tape tongue to the wad at the breech end, by which when the
breech is open the empty case may be withdrawn. In making the pliant cases
as above described, we do not confine ourselves to the use of cloth and india-
rubber cement, but make the same also of india-rubber tubing lined with thin
paper or calico steeped in alum; or we make the case of one thickness of felt.

page_text: In the case of stiff cartridges we prefer to make the cases as follows:-
We take coarse unbleached calico or other suitable textile fabric and
thoroughly wash and treat the same in a strong solution of alum to open the
pores, shrink and render it unflammable; we then take white blotting paper
of a similar substance and soak the same in size or gum solution; a sheet of
the calico and the soft sized paper together are then passed between steel
rollers till they are reduced and incorporated. This material when dry is cut
into pieces of suitable size and made into cylinders of two thicknesses in
substance producing a stronger and lighter case than when made of papier
machê or metal.
The action of this gun is as follows:-The knobs on the breech tube being
gripped by the thumb and forefinger joint of the right hand the said tube is
drawn back as far as allowed by the binding ring over the same, and in
starting forces down the cock and withdraws the needle within the fixed
breech plug the cartridge is then inserted into the exposed half chamber, the
end of the case entering the barrel about of an inch, and the wad end
butting against the fixed breech plug; the tube being slid back to its place
covers over the cartridge and forces the needle through the centre of the
cartridge to within a short distance of the cap or detonating patch, when by
reason of the play allowed the fixed collar on the needle will be pressed
against the shoulder formed in the plug, and the rear end of the needle with
the screw collar thereon will project a short distance from the end. The
trigger is held secure by a bolt which is only released by the pressure of the
thumb, when the trigger being pulled by the fire finger the cock rises, striking
the end of the needle, which having a plug of about of an inch in its socket
is driven forward that distance, exploding the cap or detonating patch and
assisting to overcome the inertia of the bullet by the blow thereon; when the
breech is again opened for reloading the empty case is easily removed by the
thumb and finger of the right hand or (if a stiff case be employed) by the
tongue of tape thereon..
Another modification of this Invention embodying the principle of a
permanent breech at right angles to the axis is specially adapted to the
alteration of existing muzzle-loaders, and is effected as follows:-About three
inches of the breech end of the barrel is cut off, and the end of the barrel
filed and scraped perfectly true and smooth, the piece cut off is turned to a
true cylinder outside, and the bore enlarged of an inch, the surfaces of
the ends being also formed true and smooth; in one end surface a
dovetailed groove is turned opening outwards in the metal for purposes
hereafter explained, we next take a piece of tough iron or steel tube, by

page_text: preference drawn steel about four inches long and one inch internal and one
inch and ths external diameter; we cut away the upper half of the tube
centrally for a length equally to the length of the cylinder breech, thus forming
a box or shoe for the same having a collar or ring at either end; we screw
thread both these rings with a coarse strong thread, and into one we screw
the barrel and into the other a breech plug of the ordinary pattern, the
distance between the face of the breech plug and the end of the barrel in the
box thus formed is slightly in excess of the length of the cylinder prepared to
work therein; moreover, the face of the breech plug is not made true and
parallel with the end of the cylinder, but is at a slight angle or taper thereto;
we then take a piece of half tube and make a lid or cover to the box, the
same fitting evenly but loosely, the part cut away so as to form a complete
tube) and hinge the same to the box or shoe by a loose working hinge joint
on the right side thereof; to' this lid we affix the cylindrical breech chamber
by screws, rivets, solder, or other approved means, and we also fix a thumb
piece to the said lid on the reverse side to the hinge, so that when the sanie is
opened it brings the cylindrical breech with it out of the shoe as in one
solid piece; we also construct a small spiral coil or spring of very fine steel
wire, and inclose the same in an india-rubber tube; we form this tube into a
ring of the size of the dovetailed groove, but a slightly larger diameter, so
that when the same is forced into the groove it expands inside and is held
and retained therein, about half the diameter of this combination spring ring
is therefore held in the dovetailed groove of the breech cylinder and half
projects beyond the surface, filling up by compression the slight space left
between the end of the said breech cylinder and the surface of the breech
plug, and also serving to force the forward face of the breech cylinder tight
against the end of the barrel. The breech plug is pierced for the admission
of a plugger actuated by the direct action-of the cock the interior mechanism
of the lock. The cartridges for the piece or constructed of metal or papier
machê, or any approved stiff material, and with or without metallic caps, but
we prefer to use special cartridges constructed as follows:-We take cylin-
drical cases of the cotton and paper combination before described of a length
equal to the distance between the face of the fixed breech plug and the end
of the barrel, or about of an inch longer, the internal diameter being equal
to that of the bullet so that the same may fit tight therein, and the external
diameter equal to the bore of' the chamber so that the case may fit closely
but not tightly therein; we close one end of these cases with a thick
wad, of an inch, of wood, cork, stouti felt, or vulcanised india-rubber, by
preference of cork; we also take iron wire (about No. 32 Birmingham wire

page_text: of an inch of the
gauze) and roll or draw the same through prepared rollers or dies to a form
having a section of an equal arm cross. The wire so formed is straightened,
cut into suitable lengths, and hardened by any of the processes now in use for
that purpose; the rods or pins thus formed may be of any desired thickness,
but we prefer to have them about "of an inch in diameter; a hole is
made through the base wad of the cartridge case, and the pin firmly but
not tightly fixed therein, reaching to within about
end; on the top of this pin within the case a percussion cap of a size to
fit the pin closely is placed, meal powder made into a paste with spirits of
wine having been previously, laid in the hollow channel of the rod before
putting on the cap (or the cap not being put on till the powder is filled
up to the top of the rod, when some fine grain powder is placed around
it, and on pressing down the cap some grains are enclosed within the
sides of the cap and the channels of the rod in immediate contact with the
5 detonating patch); the charge of powder is then filled in the case and well
packed around and over the end of the central pin, and the bullet with or
without an intervening wad is then, gently forced into the case till the end
thereof is below or level with that of the case; the edge of the case is then
slightly bevelled inwards so as to form a slight lip, or rim inside the case
smaller than the diameter of the bullet, the space between the head of the
bullet and the sides of the case is to be filled with a composition of tallow
and bees-wax, thus closing the end water-tight, and the whole case either
receives a coating of the same material or, a coating of drying oil and litharge.
The action of this arrangement is as follows: The gun being cocked the
breech cylinder, is turned outwards from the barrel box and fixed; breech on the
hinge joint over to the right of the barrel when a cartridge is placed in
the same. The chamber is restored, to its position by a reverse action, the
slight taper in the face of the breech plug and the slight rounding of the edges
of the cylinder facilitating its easy entrance to the box. The chamber is
forced home by a slight pressure of the thumb wedging the cartridge case
between the breech and barrel, the solid end of the case butting against the
fixed breech, and the bevilled edge of the forward end butting against the
shoulder formed by, the difference between the bore of this chamber, and the
barrel. The plunger on striking the end of the pin fitted in the base of, the
cartridge propels it forward in turn, when the capped; end striking against
the steel core in the centre of the bullet explodes and ignites the powder in.
the immediate vicinity. The bullet in its passage forces out the inner lip or
bevil.against the joint, thus still further securing the same air-tight. When
the breech is again opened to recharge the piece the empty case in the breech

page_text: is pushed out in front by putting the new one in from the rear, thus obviating
any use of grips, springs, levers, or other mechanism for the purpose of and
use as cartridge extractors.
In constructing cartridge cases with a metallic base or cap thereto we
proceed as follows:-The metallic cap having a flange or ring around the
base thereof is prepared in the usual manner, and the centre of base is struck
up and inwards about 33" of an inch, and on the apex of this hemispherical
projection inside the cap the detonating composition is placed. We also
prepare by punching with a stamp and die out of a sheet of iron plate a stout
'cross of iron, the arms of which are equal in length to the internal diameter
of the cap. The said cross is forced into and fits tightly within the said cap,
the central or solid portion butting against the detonating patch; there is
thus left a space between the arms of the cross and the base of the cap equal
to the height to which the centre is struck up. The metal cap thus prepared
is fitted tightly within a cylindrical case of the required length and of a thickness
to be flush with or over the flange or ring on the base thereof; by this means
the sides of the cartridge case are clean and smooth throughout, and it fits
evenly and uniformly in the barrel or chamber. The powder when filled into
the case between the arms of the cross and fills the space between them
and the base of the cap, entirely surrounding the detonating patch, the flash
from which radiating equally kindles the powder equally in every direction
with a maximum effect. There is therefore considerably less chance of a miss-
fire. The metallic caps may be recharged with detonating powder and used
again as often as may be found desirable. In the former of these cartridges
the powder is ignited at is further extremity or close to the bullet, and
consequently the more gradual consumption and generation of force is
obtained, as the powder is all burnt in the case, and therefore at the breech of
the gun.
The third part of our Invention has especial reference to that class known
as repeating or magazine arms, though the action for opening and closing the
breech is applicable and may be used without and independent of the magazine.
The objects of this part of our Invention are, simplicity of construction and
action, security, central-fire, and solidity and strength of mechanism and
materials. To this end we construct a repeating or magazine fire-arm as follows:
-The breech end of the barrel (which we prefer to be of drawn steel hereafter
referred to is left of square section for a length of about four inches, and before
the barrel is centred and rifled a portion thereof is slotted out, leaving two
lugs or shafts parrallel to the axis of the barrel, the ends of such lugs or shafts
terminating in an inward lip of larger dimensions. If desirable only the upper

page_text: .
sides of the shafts at the fore end,
long, extending an inch into the
We also construct a breech plug
surface of the square end of the breech need be slotted away, thus forming
what is known as a "box breech;" or the said shafts and lips may be made in
a separate forging with a collar thereto and the barrel screwed into the said
collar in the manner usual with breech-loaders. After the centre of the breech
has been so slotted as described the barrel is centred and rifled, after which
an enlargement (or chamber as it is called) is made in the bore for the
reception of the cartridge case. The two shafts are opened at the rear end
till the space between the lips equals or is about 4th of an inch in excess of
the width of the chamber; this opening is made so that the shafts shall not
be in a direct line but on a slight curve outwards in order that the spring
breech which grips and falls between them shall when the ends thereof are
compressed pass evenly and equally in its whole length. Through the two
lips on the ends of the shafts holes are drilled at right angles to the barrel to
receive countersunk screws which secure the barrel to the stock at the breech
end. Two small groove are cut in the
say th of an inch wide, 3 deep, and
barrel for purposes hereafter described.
and slide (by preference of tough laminated steel well and evenly tempered
in oil. The plug or head itself is cylindrical, and is furnished with two
spring arms projecting rearwards, the sides of which are of an equal thickness
and fit closely to the shafts before referred to; the fore end of the spring
breech is turned cylindrical to fit the cartridge chamber, and a hole th
or of an inch in diameter is bored therein to admit the needle or plunger
which discharges the cartridge. The after end is made with shoulders
fitting against the lips on the breech shafts, and is terminated by two limps or
combs, the surfaces of which are chequered or roughened. On the sides of
the cylindrical plug projecting therefrom about an inch are two springs
about of an inch wide and deep secured to the square portion of the
breech plug these springs fit and work in the two grooves made in the sides
of the barrel as before described, and the fore ends thereof are formed like a
"crochet hook." A thin plate of metal is fixed over and forms a cover to the
sliding breech, the fore end being screwed to the solid portion, and the after
end fitting and working in a horizontal groove cut in the limps or combs of
the spring breech. A binding ring similar to those on the fore part of the
barrel is fitted on and over the breech shafts under and within which the
spring breech slides.
The lock action of this gun is as follows:-A plate of metal having
a post or pillar thereon is fitted in the stock underneath the breech; this
pillar rising between the arms of the sliding spring breech acts as a guide

page_text: to steady the same when it is withdrawn between the shafts; or this plate
and pillar may be secured to the under side of the breech shafts; this plate
and pillar are pierced horizontally in the direction of the axis of the barrel
say th of an inch to allow a needle or a plunger to work therein, and also
vertically through its own axis to allow a "catch" or "sear" to work therein
and hold the needle or plunger when withdrawn. We prepare a stout rod or
needle of well tempered steel having a ring or collar thereon a short distance
from the fore end; the part of the needle in front of this collar fits and works
in the plug of the sliding breech, the portion behind the collar fitting and
working in the horizontal hole of the fixed pillar. In the under side of this
part is cut a notch into which the end of the sear catches, and a spiral spring
is fitted thereon between the collar and the fixed pillar. We also form a
stout spring with three reverse arms and two elbows like a compressed letter
Z, one of the arms terminating in a stout piece at right angles thereto. This
piece is cut to blunt point at the end thereof, and works in the vertical slot in
the pillar forming the catch or sear, the other arm of the spring being fixed to
the under side of the base plate of the pillar. The web plate of the trigger
is carried upwards larger than usual, terminating in a kind of comb or "cam,"
the end of which cam butts under and against the projecting elbow of the
Z spring.
As there is no half-cock position in this arm the same is provided against
accidental or premature discharge by a transverse bolt fitting into a deep notch
cut in a portion of the trigger and actuated by a spring; the said bolt has a
corresponding notch cut thereon, so that when by pressing this spring the two
coincide the trigger is free to move, but not otherwise.
The magazine arrangements are as follows:- Immediately behind the
chamber of the barrel underneath the breach shafts is affixed a metal box (by
preference of steel) projecting to and affixed to the stock of the gun; the
upper end may be fixed also to the breech shafts, the trigger guard fitting
against and around the projecting end of the box, thus forming a compact and
secure combination; or the parts may be fitted separately and independently,
as may be desired.
The internal dimensions of this box are a width equal to
the diameter of the cartridges, a length slightly in excess thereof, and a depth
equal to the number of cartridges to be contained therein (say 6). This box
is provided with a thin plate of metal forming a false end having a number of
ledges thereon at distances about equal to the diameter of the cartridges; this
false end is held in position by a flat spring between it and the permanent end.
A false bottom is also provided pressed upwards by a spiral spring on the
permanent bottom.

page_text: The action of this gun is as follows:-The chequered knobs of the spring
breech are grasped and pressed together by the thumb and forefinger joint of
the right hand, which brings the shoulder on the same clear of the lips on the
breech shaft; the breech is simultaneously drawn back, being guided and
retained by the fixed central pillar within and the binding ring without; at the
same time the solid end of the breech butting against the collar on the plunger
the spiral spring between the collar and fixed pillar is compressed till the
plunger is held and retained by the notch therein coming over and catching
on the sear. In the space thus left open the cartridges (say 7) are introduced
horizontally and pressed down into the box, their axes being parallel with
that of the barrel, the false bottom being held and retained by the successive
ledges on the false end. Six cartridges are then in position in the box below
the barrel, and the seventh in line therewith. On forcing forward the spring
breech this cartridge is pushed into the chamber of the barrell. The shoulder
of the armis self-locking into the lips of the shaft, the needle and spring being
meanwhile held by the sear the cylindrical portion of the breech enters the
chamber cutting off all communication with the box or magazine. The piece
being presented this transverse bolt is pressed by the thumb or finger of the
right hand, freeing the trigger, which being pulled presses on the transverse
arm of the Z spring bending the elbow and withdrawing the sear in the vertical
slot; the plunger thus freed is propelled forward by the spiral spring and fires
the cartridge. On the breech being again withdrawn as described the hooks
on the end thereof having been forced into the cartridge case withdrew the
same entirely from the barrel. Moreover, the breech plug in its backward
passage catches against the false end of the magazine, and drawing back the
same momentarily releases the false bottom, the spring beneath which forces
it upwards a space equal to the diameter of a cartridge, when it is caught by
the next notch or ledge on the false end, by this action throwing out the spent
cartridge case and placing another in position to be carried into the barrel when
the breach is pushed home.
It is evident that this operation can be repeated with a facility and
rapidity dependant only on practice. By this arrangement of parts the
stock is not entirely divided, as in most magazine guns, nor are the lock
arrangements interfered with by the passage of central tubes; the cartridges
are introduced with much greater facility, the weight is concentrated where
most required, or behind the breech, the gun is therefore more properly
balanced. The box being but slightly in excess of the trigger guard will not
impede the free manipulation of the arm, though if desired it may be made
deeper to contain a greater number of charges.
,

page_text: .
chamber is made in two parts with a longitudinal joint. A is the bottom half
formed in one piece with the collar hubs and taings afore mentioned into which
the barrel B is screwed, the upper half C fitting thereto by the hinge joint a;
Figure 4 is a plan of the same; the dotted lines shew the interior contour of
the breech and barrel. Figure 5 is a section of the cartridge to be used
herewith; c, c, the case of papier mache, felt, or other material; b, b, the
bullet; d, the steel core in the centre thereof; a, detonating patch at the apex
of the case; p, the powder.
Sheet 2, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a rifle with a fixed breech
plug as afore detailed. A, barrel, cut away as described; B, breech plug; C,
sliding or false half of breech; D, sliding tube, to which C is secured by the
thumb pieces a¹ and the screw a²; E, head or plug screwing into D in which
the needle is contained and held by the lump 6 and the screw collar c
thereon; W, wad of greased felt for lubrication; d' and d³, spoon and lock
plate in which the cock G works; F, binding ring over the sliding tube, this
may be a band fitted to the stock in the usual manner or may be made as
part of the spoon d'; g, a lump on the barrel into which the screw h fits
binding the barrel to the stock.
Figure 2 is a side elevation (shut) of another modification of this Invention in
which the sliding tube D is dispensed with, the bottom half of the barrel being
made stouter and fitting into a strong spoon or shoe; the upper or sliding half
breech is also made stouter, and slides under part of said shoe as a ring or
collar, and is otherwise held and retained in its place by the said shoe. A, the
barrel; B, the spoon or shoe, to which is attached the lock plate B²; C, the
sliding half of the chamber; E, end thereof containing the needle; G, combined
cock and tumbler; T, combined trigger and sear; S; combined main and sear
spring. a, chequered knobs for working C. Figure 3 is a side elevation
(open), and Figure 4 a plan of the same.. The letters of reference are the same.
Figure 5 is a section of the cartridge used therewith. c, c, the case; B, the
bullet; W, the wad closing end of case; a, hole therein for passage of needle ;
p', stout paper patch covering the hole; p³, detonating patch or cap placed in
cavity of bullet P, gunpowder; t, tongue of tape fixed to case for removing
same after discharge...
No. 3 Sheet (illustrations in detail of No. 2). Figure 1 is a longitudinal
section shewing the barrel A chambered and cut away as described with the
breech plug B secured thereto; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the
sliding half chamber'; Figures 3 and 4 are transverse sections of 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is. a longitudinal section of the sliding tube; Figure 6 is a section
of the end thereof; Figure 7 is an end view of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side

page_text: elevation of the barrel and breech plug detached from the shoe in the
modification illustrated in Figures 2 & 3 in the previous Sheet; Figure 9
is a side elevation of the sliding half chamber of the same modification,
Figures 2 & 3 previous Sheet; Figures 8 and 9* are transverse sections of the
same; Figure 10 is a side elevation of the shoe and lock plate; Figures 11
and 12 are section and end view of the plug closing the end of sliding half
breech; the point of the screw a projects below the central orifice in E into
a groove or channel cut in the base of the needle; "Figure 18" preventing its
entire removal till the screw is withdrawn, but allowing it a play or horizontal
movement equal to the length of said groove or channel.
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section of another modification of the fixed
breech plug principle. A, the barrel screwed into one end of the shoe or
box C; B, the cylinder chamber fitted into shoe between the barrel and
breech plug; D, breech plug screwing into rear end of shoe. a, a, dovetailed
groove cut in rear end of cylinder containing spring ring; b, central pin or
striker actioned on to tumbler of lock; Figure 15 is a plan of the same.
A, the barrel; C, C, the box or shoe; D, taing end of breech plug; F, joint
pin. Figure 15, T thumb piece for working breech cylinder; Figure 16 is
a transverse section shut, and Figure 17 a transverse section open of the
same weapon; Figure 18 is a section of the cartridge to be used with
Figure 14. a is a stout case of pasteboard or other material, W wad closing
rear end thereof; b, bullet; c, detonating cap; d, hardened wire rod partially
secured to base wad or p stout paper or cloth patch to preserve the wad from
the effects of combustion.
Sheet 4, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the magazine or repeating
rifle afore described. A is the barrel secured to the stock by bands in the
ordinary way; c, c, the chambered portion to receive cartridge; B, breech
plug; B, chequered thumb pieces for gripping and working the same; C,
centre post or stud acting as guide to B and also to striker a; D, metal box
or magizine fitted at a right angle to and behind the barrel; S, stock; T,
trigger; a, striker; b, spiral spring to propel the same; m, collar for spring to
bear upon; n, notch cut in striker a to catch on sears when said striker is
drawn backwards by the movement of the breech plug; d, safety bolt locking
the trigger and preventing accidental discharge; e, false bottom to magazine
actuated by spiral spring 9; e, rack or false end to magazine pressed forward
by the spring o;.h, trigger guard; i, i, i, position of cartridges in magazine;
k, flat plate of metal to cover and preserve the mechanism within within the
sliding breech secured to the same by the screw land the notch in B³. Figure 2
is a plan of breech end of barrel of this gun detached. A is the barrel; a, a,

page_text: the shafts between which the breech piece Figure 3, fits and works; b, b, lips
or shoulders to shafts forming a bearing at c, c, into which the corresponding
formation of the breech piece fits and is held; d, d, screw holes to secure the
shafts to the stock. Figure 8 is a plan of the breech piece. a, cylindrical
head fitting into chambers of barrel; b', 6', sides to ditto; b², 6*, chequered
knobs or thumb pieces; c, c, shoulders fitting the lips on barrel shafts; d,
central hole through head of breech piece for action of striker; e, e, grip
hooks for biting into and withdrawing cartridge cases. Figure 4 is a slide
elevation of Figure 3. The letters of reference are the same. Figure 5 is a
section of the cartridge. a, a, is the case; b, bullet; c, steel core to ditto; d,
metallic base cap; e, iron cross or anvil; W, wad between bullet and powder.
Figure 6 is a separate section of the metal base cap. p, detonating patch.
Figure 7, plan of the cross or anvil e in Figure 5.
In witness whereof, I, the said Mowbray Walker, on behalf of myself
and the said George Henry Money and Francis Little, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
MOWBRAY WALKER. (L.s.)