IM- PROVEMENTS IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1852

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Richard Archibald Broomar, of the firm of
J. C. Robertson and Company, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agents, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard Archibald
Brooman at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 80th October 1852.
I, RICHARD ARCHIBALD BROOMAN, of the firm of J. C. Robertson
and Company, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent
Agents, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in revolving fire-arms,
in which Figure I. is a side view of the lock, revolving chamber, and
part of the breech; Figure II. a view on the under side of the same;
Figure III. an interior view of the lock plate, showing the works of the
lock; Figures IV. and V. are details; Figure VI. an elevation of the
lock with the self-loading flask attached; Figure VII. an interior view
of the self-loading flask. That part of the gun containing the lock is

page_text: divided into two general parts; the first part forms the chamber con-
taining the revolving disk holding the charges, and is permanently fixed
to the breech; the other part is the lock plate hinged to the former,
and shown at A, the hinge being at (a) near the point where the barrel
is attached. The back end of the plate A, fits in the breech and makes
a flush joint, and is secured by a cam-headed bolt and lever, which is
worked from the outside, so as to attach and detach it with facility. A
spring catch or clasp may be substituted for the cani bolt and lever.
When the lock plate is thrown open on its hinge, as in Figure III., the
revolving disk C, is exposed, so that it may be removed from its axis
and readily taken out of the gun and another substituted, charged with
the loads, if desired. The piece C, is to contain the loads, and is a
narrow cylinder, around the circumference of which is a series of holes
b, drilled to a certain depth and directed radially towards the centre;
these form the chambers to hold the loads. On that side of C, which
plays against the lock plate A, is a series of holes and notches intended
to effect the stopping, rotating, and firing loads. C, represents the
touch holes; these go through near the bottom of the load chambers, a
hole to cach chamber; d, are the stop holes; and e, the notches for
receiving the point of the rotating lever. The manner in which these
are severally operated upon will now be described:-First, as to the
stop This is a curved spring, seen at g, attached to the lock plate. At
g', is a pin, which, when the lock plate is closed, presses into the holes
d, and will thereby hold the disk C, firmly in place. These holes of
course are so spaced that the disk is always stopped when a load
chamber b, is exactly in the line of the barrel. Before the disk can be
revolved the spring g, must be moved so as to take the pin g', out of its
hole d. This is accomplished by the movement of a long lever D,
shaped and attached to the lock plate A, as shown in the Figures, the
fulcrum pin being at h, Figure III., and the movement of this also
effects the rotating of the disk and the cooking. In the edge of D, is
a narrow inclined slot shown at the dotted lines i, Figures I. and II.;
by moving the lever D, towards g, the point of g, enters the slot i, and
riding up on its inclined edge pushes the spring back, and with it
the stop pin g', is withdrawn from the hole d, thus allowing the disk to

page_text: :
be moved. At this point another fixture comes in play to rotate the
disk. This is a pin affixed to another spring, and attached to the outside
of the lever D, at k. The pin passes through a hole in D, and projects
through, as shown at , Figure III. The end of the pin drops into
one of the notches e, at the moment of disengaging g', and restoring, the
lever D, to its first position draws along with it, the disk C, the extent
of the are described being equal to the distance on the face of the
cylinder from the centre of one load chamber, to that of another. The
spring 9, being also disengaged from the slot i, presses the pin,g,
against the side of C, so that it drops into the proper stop hole, and
arrests the disk at the proper place. The catches E, are holes elongated
on one side, so that the bottom forms an inclined plane.terminating.at
the face of the disk. In pushing the lever D, forward, this causes, the
pin ', to ride out, and form in fact a pawl and ratchet arrangement.
The movement of the lever D, besides performing these operations, also
effects the cocking of the piece. In describing this the construction of
the lock will be included. The cocking can, however, be effected
independently of the movement of the lever D, by lifting 'the hammer
back with the finger, the same as in common guns, and that too without
changing the position of the disk C.. This is an important feature, for
should a cap explode without igniting the charge, as many more caps
may be fixed upon the charge as may be requisite, or until the lot in
the primer gives out. It also enables the gun to be used as a commou
one by loading at the muzzle and fixing in the ordinary way. Thus, it
is provided that a part of the arm may become deranged, and yet leave
it useful as an arm of defence. To cock the gun at the time the disk
is revolved, the lever D, is carried forward, as before described. This
carries with it a sliding bar or tumbler 1, which is connected by a hook
m, to D, so that the lever D, will operate but in one direction upon 1;
the motion is continued until the dog n, drops into the notch n', on the
tumbler. As soon as this is done the piece becomes cocked, the ham-
mer lifted up, and ready for giving the blow for firing. The other
connections for accomplishing this are a lever extending from the
tumbler 1, to the toe of the hammer. This is attached at one end at o,
Figuro III., and at the other to the hammer, as seen in dotted lines

page_text: Figure 2. The hammer is at E, and plays upon the pin p, Figure II.
A short stirrup q, connects it to the main spring r, as usual. The trig-
ger operates upon the dog n. at r, disengaging it from ', in order to
fire in the common manner. The percussion caps, pills, or other primer
are contained in a box outside of the lock plate, and immediately under
the hammer. As shewn in the Drawing, percussion caps are used. The
box is seen at F, and at Figure IV. the cover is removed, exhibiting
the interior; s, is a box containing a spiral spring, the size is such that
room is left to arrange the caps seen at t, around the interior. Through
both the top and bottom of E, there is a hole t¹, at the place of the cap
t, and beneath that again another in the lock plate leading to the touch
hole c, in the disk, being a continuation of the touch hole. The print
u, on the hammer passes through the priming box F, and taking a cap t,
upon it carries it along to the side of the lock plate inmediately over
the touch hole, striking and exploding upon it, the fire passing through
the copper of the cap and orifice u, in the lock plate leading to the touch
hole proper in the disk C. In exploding the cap a small hole is made
in its top, which is situated over the orifice, and a minute portion of the
copper driven in along with the fire; the rest of the shell sticks to the
nipple. As the hanımer is withdrawn these fragments fall off, another
cap is forced in place by the finger s, and the operation repeated as
before. It remains now to describe some safeguards to the gun. At
Figure V. is a plate which fits upon the inside of the lock plate, so
that the part v, fits around the hole u', against the disk C. The part v,
is of steel, and is slightly dishing, so that its inner circumference will
press hard upon the disk and form a tight fit all round. The object of
this is to enclose the touch hole at every fire within this casing, and
thus prevent the possibility of the heat communicating to the other
touch hole nearest to it. It also keeps the disk clean, and prevents the
accumulation of particles of powder, dust, &c. There are also additional
safeguards in this respect by the formation of vents to permit the heat to
escape at the place of junction between the edge of the disk and the
barrel; at this spot some fire must be forced out. To prevent it as far
as possible, and to direct the course of such as does, is the object of the
part now to be described. At Figure 1, at the dotted lines w, are shown

page_text: two springs fastened within a narrow channel, forming angles inclined
forward. The lower edges of these springs press upon the circumference
of the disk, and form a very close joint; they keep the face very clean,"
and also prevent the passage of fire. The angular direction of the
channels forward also carries the heat away from the lock and charge in
the disk. Besides the two-vents just described, there are two others in
the sides, as seen at a. The loading of the disk, if done while in the
gun, is effected by a rammer attached to a-lever hinged at one end, and
bending over the top of the disk, so as to act upon the chambers in a
manner common to many kinds of fire-arms. In Figures 5, and 6, are
views of the self-loading magazine. This is exteriorly a cylindrical
case G, fitted to an arch, which exactly covers the dish above the gun,
being securely fixed in place by screws, &c. In the interior is a flask y,;
having an opening at the top to receive powder; at the lower end is a
spout y', having a hinged valve z, at the mouth; at the top of the spout
is a second valve :, to cut off and let in the powder. The spout is
calculated to hold one charge, and operate in that respect like a com-
mon flask. From the valve z, a lever extends up to the upper valve, so
that when, is closed, opens, and vice versa. This opening and.
closing is effected by the rotation of the disk thus:-As shown in the
Drawing, the spout is just over a chamber, and a charge of powder
has been let in; it is now to be moved on to bring another chamber in.
place; as the chamber v, moves on, the side strikes against the top of
the valve z, and closes it. It is kept so while it rides over the surface
of the disk to the next chamber; as, closes, 2', is opened by the action
of the connecting rod, and thus a charge of powder falls into the spout
y; as the next chamber comes under, z, drops open, and the powder is
discharged into it, and so on. Next, for the balls: At j, is a spiral
plane terminating immediately over the next chamber after the one
which has just received the powder. There is a bar across the bottom
which passes through from the outside and through the hole j'; this
bar keeps the bullets back in starting until a chamber comes under
which has received its charge of powder; it is then withdrawn, and a
ball rolls in. The bullets are dropped in at the top upon the inclined
plane i, until the space is taken up. At j", is an arch which terminates

page_text: upon the circumference of the disk. The lower half of the ball only
enters the hole, but as it is carried along by the rotation of the
it
same
is brought into contact with the arch j", and thus gradually pressed in.
and this effects the ramming down.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Richard Archibald Brooman in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 80th April 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
RICHARD ARCHIBALD BROOMAN, of the firm of J. C. Robertson and
Company, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agents,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of October, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth year:
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Richard Archibald Brooman, Her special licence that I,
the said Richard Archibald Brooman, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Richard Archibald Brooman, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS," communicated to me by a foreigner residing
abroad, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Richard
Archibald Brooman, 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 Richard Archibald Brooman, do
hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner

page_text: the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:
This Invention consists of improvements in the construction and
arrangement of revolving fire-arms. Figure I. of the Drawings annexed
is a side view of the lock, revolving chamber, and part of the breech
of a revolving fire-arm constructed according to these improvements;
Figure 2, a view on the under side of the same; Figure 8,.a sectional
view of the lock plate, shewing the works of the lock; Figures 4, and
5, shew detached parts; Figure 6, is an elevation of the lock with self-
loading flask attached; Figure 7, a view in section of the self-loading
flask. That part of the gun which contains the lock is divided into two
parts; the first part forms the chamber containing the revolving disc
holding the charges, and is permanently fixed to the breech. The
other part is the lock plate A, which is hinged to the former part at (a).
near the point where the barrel is attached. The back end of the
plate A, fits in the breech and makes a flush joint, and is secured by a
cam-headed bolt and lever, which is worked from the outside, so as to
allow it to be attached and detached with facility. A spring catch or
clasp may be substituted for the cam bolt and lever. When the lock
plate is thrown open on its hinge, as in Figure 3, the revolving disc C,
is exposed, so that it may be removed from its axis and readily taken
out of the gun, and another substituted, charged, if desired. The piece
C, is to contain the charges. It is a narrow cylinder, having around
the circumference a series of holes (6) drilled to a certain depth, and
directed radially towards the centre; these form the chambers to
hold the charges. On that side of C, which plays against the lock
plate A, is a series of holes and notches, intended to effect the stopping,
rotating, and firing. (c) represents the touch holes which go through
near the bottom of the charge chambers, a hole to each chamber; (d)
are the stop holes, and (e) the notches for receiving the point of tho
rotating lever. The manner in which these are severally operated upon
will now be described :-First, as to the stop: This is a curved spring.
seen at (9), attached to the lock plate; (9') is a pin, which, when the
lock plate is closed, presses into the holes (d), and thereby holds the
disc C, firmly in place. These holes are so spaced that the disc is always

page_text: stopped when a charge chamber (6) is exactly in the line of the barrel.
Before the disc can be turned round the spring (9) must be moved so
as to take the pin (9) out of its hole (d). This is accomplished by the
movement of a long lever D, shaped and attached to the lock plate A,
as shewn in the Figures, a pin h, serving as fulcrum, Figure 3, and
the movement of this also effects the rotating of the disc and the
cocking. In the edge of D, is a narrow inclined slot, shown at the
dotted lines (i), Figures 1, and 2; by moving the lever D, toward (9)
the point of (g) enters the slot (i), and riding up on its inclined edge
pushes the spring back, and with it the stop pin (g') is withdrawn from
the hole (d), thus allowing the disc to be moved. At this point another
pin comes in play to cause the disc to rotate. This pin is affixed to
another spring, and attached to the outside of the lever D, at (k). The
pin passes through a hole in D, and projects through, as shown at (k'),
Figure 3. The end of the pin drops into one of the notches (E) at the
moment of disengaging (9'), and restoring the lever D, to its first
position draws along with it the disc C; the extent of the arc described
being equal to the distance on the face of the cylinder from the centre
of one charge chamber to that of another. The spring (9) being also
disengaged) from the slot (i) presses the pin (9') against the side of C,
so that it drops into the proper stop hole, and arrests the disc at the
proper place. The catches (E) are holes elongated on one side, so that
the bottom forms an inclined plane, terminating at the face of the disc.
In pushing the lever D, forward, this causes the pin (¹) to ride out,
and form in fact a pawl and ratchet arrangement. The movement of
the lever D, besides performing these operations, also effects the cocking
of the piece. In describing this tho construction of the lock will be
included. The cocking can, however, be effected independently of the
movement of the lever D, by lifting the hammer back with the finger,
as in common guns, and that too without changing the position of the
lisc C. This is an important feature, for should a cap explode without
igniting the charge, as many more caps may be fixed upon the charge
as may be requisite, or until the lot in the primer gives out. It also
enables the gun to be used as a common one by loading at the muzzle,
and fixing in the ordinary way. Thus if a part of the fire-arm become

page_text: deranged it yet remains useful as an arm of defence. To cock
the gun at the time the disc is made to revolve, the lever D, is
brought forward, as before described, and carries with it a sliding
bar or tumbler (), which is connected by a hook (m) to D, so that
the lever D, will operate but in one direction upon (7); the motion
is continued until the dog (n) drops into the notch (n') on the
tumbler. As soon as this is done the piece becomes cocked, the
hammer lifted up, and ready for giving the blow for firing. The
other connections for accomplishing this are a lever extending from
the tumbler () to the toe of the hammer. This is attached at one end
at (0), Figure 3, and at the other to the hammer as seen in dotted lines,
Figure 2. E, is the hammer; it plays upon the pin (p), Figure 2. A
short stirrup (9) connects it to the main spring (r) as usual. The
trigger operates upon the dog (n) at (1), disengaging it from (n') in
order to fire in the common manner. The percussion caps, pills, or
other primer are contained in a box F, outside of the lock plate, and
immediately under the hammer. As shown in the Drawing, percussion
caps are used. Figure 4, shews the interior of the box, the covering
being removed. (s) is a box containing a spiral spring of such a size that
room is left to arrange the caps (t) around the interior. Through both
the top and bottom of F, is a hole (t) at the place of the cap (t), and
beneath that again another in the lock plate leading to the touch
hole (c) in the disc, being a continuation of the touch hole. The
point (u) on the hammer passes through the priming box F, and taking a
cap (t) upon it carries it along to the side of the lock plate immediately
over the touch hole, striking and exploding upon it, the fire passing
through the copper of the cap and orifice (u) in the lock plate leading
to the touch hole proper in the disc C. In making the cap explode
a small hole is made in its top which is situated over the orifice, and a
minute portion of the copper driven in along with the fire; the rest of
the shell sticks to the nipple. As the hammer is withdrawn these
fragments fall off, another cap is forced in place by the finger (s), and
the operation repeated as before. It remains now to describe some
safeguards to the gun. At Figure 5, is a plate which fits upon the
inside of the lock plate so that the part (v) fits around the hole (u')

page_text: against the disc C. The part (v) is of steel, and is slightly dishing, so
that its inner circumference will press hard upon the disc, and form a
tight fit all round; the object of this is to enclose the touch hole at
every fire within this casing, and thus prevent the possibility of the heat
communicating to the other touch holes nearest to it. It also keeps
the disc clean, and prevents the accumulation of particles of powder,
dust, &c. There are also additional safeguards in this respect by the
formation of vents to permit the hent to escape at the place of junction
between the edge of the disc and the barrel; at this spot some fire must
be forced out. To prevent this as far as possible, and to direct the
course of such as does, is the object of the part now to be described.
The dotted lines (w, w, Figure 1,) are two springs fastened within a
narrow channel, forming angles inclined forward. The lower edges of
these springs press upon the circumference of the disc, and form a very
close joint; they keep the face very clean, and also prevent the passage
of fire. The angular direction of the channels forward also carries the
hent away from the lock and charge in the disc. Besides the two
vents just described, there are two others in the sides, as seen at (w).
The loading of the disc, if done while in the gun, is effected by a
rammer attached to a lever hinged at one end, and bending over the
top of the disc, so as to act upon the chambers in a manner common to
many kinds of fire-arms. In Figures 5, and 6, are views of the self-
loading magazine. This is exteriorly a cylindrical case G, fitted to
an arch which exactly covers the dish above the gun, being securely
fixed in place by screws, &c. In the interior is a flask (Y), having an
opening at the top to receive powder; at the lower end is a spout (Y¹),
having a hinged valve (=) at the mouth; at the top of the spout is a
second valve (¹) to cut off and let in the powder. The spout is cal-
culated to hold one charge, and operate in that respect like a commonl
flask. From the valve (-) a lever extends up to the upper valve, so
that when (-) is closed (¹) opens, and vice versa. This opening and
closing is effected by the rotation of the disc thus:-As shown in the
Drawing, the spout is just over a chamber, and a charge of powder has
been let in; it is now to be moved on to bring another chamber in
place; as the chamber (6) moves on, the side strikes against the top of

page_text: the valve (), and closes it. It is kept so while it rides over the surface
of the disc to the next chamber; as (=) closes (¹) is opened by the
action of the connecting rod, and thus a charge of powder falls into the
spout (Y); as the next chamber comes under, (a) drops open, and
the powder is discharged into it, and so on. Next, for the balls: (i) is.
a spiral plane terminating immediately over the next chamber after
the one which has just received the powder. There is a bar across the
bottom which passes through from the outside, and through the hole
(); this bar keeps the bullets back in starting until a chamber comes
under which has received its charge of powder; it is then withdrawn,
and a ball rolls in. The bullets are dropped in at the top upon the
inclined plane () until the space is taken up. At (5") is an arch
which terminates upon the circumference of the disc. The lower
half of the ball only enters the hole, but as it is carried along by
the rotation of the same it is brought into contact with the arch
("), and thus gradually pressed in, whereby the ramming down is
effected.
And having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim as
of my said Invention,―
First, the arrangement and combination of the disc C, and guard
lever D, whereby the cocking is effected without moving the disc, or
unlocking it from its stop.
Second, the combination of the hammer with the lock and guard
lever D, in such way as to permit the cocking and firing repeatedly
upon one chamber of the disc C, independently of any action upon the
other parts connected with the said guard lever, as herein-before
described.
Third, the springs (w) (or their equivalent) for keeping as a close a
joint between the disc C, and the barrel as possible, so as to prevent
the communication of heat to the charges in the other chambers at the
time of firing.
Fourth, the giving such an angle to the vents as to project the
escaping heat at the joints before described in a direction away from
the dise and load.

page_text: Fifth, the sliding tumbler (1) combined with the guard lever and
lock in such a way that said guard lever only acts upon it in one
lirection.
Sixth, the touch-hole guard (v) in combination with the disc for
confining the heat from the explosion, as described.
Seventh, the several vents described for giving passage to the escaping
heat about the joints formed between the disc and barrel.
Eighth, the self-loading apparatus, constructed and operating as
represented in Figures 6, and 7, and herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Archibald Brooman,.
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of
April, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.