IMPROVED FIRE ARM."
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexis Dardelle at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th November 1881.
ALEXIS DARDELLE, of Pentonville, in the County of Middlesex.
IMPROVED FIRE ARM."
"
A NEW OR
This Invention relates to the construction of a new description of fire arm
specially applicable for the use of cavalry.
Hitherto cavalry soldiers have not been able to make use of their fire arms when
charging" the enemy, because the arms with which they are at present provided
are only of efficient service to them when fighting on foot. The other arms, such
as ordnance, Gatling, or machine guns, infantry rifles, and the like can only be
used to assist cavalry by preparing for its action, but cannot sustain it during a
charge, which is the true object of cavalry on the field of battle.
Cavalry, as is well known, is above all the arm of rapidity, consequently when
the moment for charging arrives they are reduced to the use of naked arms,
which are useless to them while moving on the charge. No arm has been hitherto
constructed capable of accompanying cavalry in its movements without having to
cease from firing.
The arm which forms the subject of the present Invention supplies this want,'
for it can be fired whilst in position, like other fire arms, and can therefore.
advantageously replace the present machine guns, to which it is superior, having
regard to the rapidity of its fire, but that which gives to my said arm for cavalry.
use an incontestable superiority over all arms hitherto employed is that it is
constructed in such a manner as to move with and fire in front of cavalry during
the time of a charge.
It will thus be seen that the object of my Invention is to enable cavalry to fire
with an effect, if not superior, at least equal to that of infantry, whereby cavalry
will henceforward be able to decimate the enemy whilst moving on them, thus
Pic 1071

page_text: enabling cavalry to retake on the field of battle its proper sphere from which it
has been displaced, in consequence of the improvements in the rapidity of the fire
of the arms now in use.
My fire arm is constructed of a carriage supported on wheels, the number of
which may vary. The front wheel or wheels is or are mounted on a cranked axle,
whilst those at the back (if any are employed) are independent of one another.
A frame or frames of cast iron carry the charging mechanism, the barrels, and the
cartridge distributors. In front of the muzzles of the barrels is a shield or guard,
the top and bottom of which extend over and under the herein before described
frames, the upper part covering the said frames and holding them in the position
they should occupy on each side of a cam wheel. The lower part supports the
frames, to which it transmits the movement it receives from the pointing mechanism,
the toothed sectors of which sustain it at front and behind.
The lower pro-
longation of the shield is supported by two lugs having journals, through which
passes the driving shaft. The said journals and the end of the said shaft rest on
four suitably placed supports or brackets. The pointing mechanism is supported
on two bars, which extend to the front under the hereinbefore described shield,
and are supported in the front, middle, and back by suitable uprights and supports.
The shield is also furnished with an adjustable support to allow of raising or
lowering it as required. Suitable poles or their equivalents are provided to the
carriage to allow of attaching the horses. The hinder part of the carriage is
provided with a seat for those in charge and a receptacle for cartridges. The
transmitting mechanism works by friction, and is operated by chains and friction
cones. I provide an automatic disengaging gear operated by the hind wheels or
otherwise, and having for object to automatically disengage on the fire-arm departing
from the line of fire, either from the horses being abandoned to themselves through
the death of the drivers or others, or from any other cause, which might have the
effect of causing_the_fire_to_be_directed_on_the troops to which_the_machine belonged
and thus cause accidents. As soon as the fire-arm is replaced in the proper line of
fire it is only necessary to put the mechanism in gear, and firing will recommence
with its movement. A ring at the rear of the carriage allows of the horses being
attached thereto to allow of firing whilst retreating, the operating cams being so
arranged as to actuate the charging mechanism either during the forward or
backward movement of the fire-arm.
The barrels (the number of which may vary) are arranged in two separate
series, and each has its separate or independent charging mechanism operated by
means of a double cam, and the barrels are arranged so as to move together in a
vertical plane, the angle of fire being the same for all. A cam arrangement or
gearing may be adapted to automatically depress the barrels as the " chargeuse'
advances.
22
The fire-arm, as hereinbefore described, can be fired either when stationary
or when moving.
In the former case the driving shaft is operated by the attendant by means of
handles, and the speed of the fire corresponds with the rapidity imparted to the
shaft by the attendant. In the latter case, that is to say, during movement, either
forwards or backwards, the firing is automatic, and is produced by the front
wheels, which by means of chains operate the wheels of the transmitting
mechanism.
To cominence firing it is therefore merely necessary to put the friction clutches
in gear by means of the clutch rods, whereupon the wheels of the transmitting
mechanism communicate their movement to the driving shaft, on which are
mounted the herein before described cams. These cams, by means of rollers, actuate
the charging blocks, each of which carries two lateral wedges, which give to the
sectors which supply the cartridges the necessary oscillating movement to enable
them to take hold of the cartridges and to draw them to the breech of the barrels,
into which they are then pushed by the charging blocks, which are drawn forward
by the cams by means of rollers, as herein before described.

page_text: On reaching the end of their forward stroke the blocks press the triggers against
their stops, and this pressure rendering the central pins or strikers free, the
discharge takes place from the shock of the needles. At this moment the form of
the cams causes the charging blocks to act as stoppers for a sufficient time to
prevent the escape of gas, which would take place if they returned immediately.
After the discharge the cams push back the charging blocks, which withdraw
the metal cases of the spent cartridges by the aid of extractors. When these
metal cases arrive over the discharge tubes the extractors release them. At the
same moment the cam on the side where the discharge has taken place puts in
movement tappets, which push back the central strikers, compress the spiral
springs, and set the triggers ready for another operation, and so on.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexis Dardelle in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th May
1882.
ALEXIS DARDELLE, of Pentonville, in the County of Middlesex.
IMPROVED FIRE ARM."
"A NEW OR
This Invention relates to the construction of a new description of fire arm
specially applicable for the use of cavalry.
Hitherto cavalry soldiers have not been able to make use of their fire arms when
charging the enemy, because the arms with which they are at present provided are
only of efficient service to them when fighting on foot. The other arms, such as
ordnance, Gatling, or machine guns, infantry rifles, and the like, can only be used
to assist cavalry by preparing for its action, but cannot sustain it during a charge,
which is the true object of cavalry on the field of battle.
Cavalry, as is well known, is above all the arm of rapidity, consequently when
the moment for charging arrives they are reduced to the use of naked arms, which
are useless to them while moving on the charge. No arm has been hitherto
constructed capable of accompanying cavalry in its movements without having to
cease from firing.
The arm or machine gun which forms the subject of the present Invention
supplies this want, for it can be fired whilst in position like other fire arms, and
can therefore advantageously replace the present machine guns, to which it is
-superior, having regard to the rapidity of its fire, but that which gives to my said
arm for cavalry use an incontestable superiority over all arms hitherto employed
is that it is constructed in such a manner as to move with and fire in front of
cavalry during the time of a charge.
It will thus be seen that the object of my Invention is to enable cavalry to fire
with an effect if not superior at least equal to that of infantry, whereby cavalry
will henceforward be able to decimate the enemy whilst moving on them, thus
enabling cavalry to retake on the field of battle its proper sphere from which it
has been displaced, in consequence of the improvements in the rapidity of the fire
of the arms now in use.
But to make my Invention better understood I will proceed to describe the
same by reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which Figure 1, Sheet 1, is a
side elevation, and Figure 2, Sheet 1, is a plan of my new or improved fire arm, to
which I have given the name of the "chargeuse." Figure 3, Sheet 2, is a front
view, and Figure 4 is a back view, shewing also the automatic disengaging
mechanism; Figures 5, 6, and 7, details of some of the parts; and Figure 8,
Sheet 3, is an interior view on a larger scale of the right hand side of the
mechanism of the arm, with a section shewing the cartridge in one of the barrels
together with the different parts which form the interior mechanism connected
with the said barrel. Similar interior mechanism is required for each barrel.
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are sections on the lines A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,
and I, J, of Figure 8, respectively, shewing the parts as arranged for the right
band side of the arm, but it will be understood that for the left hand side of the
arm the position of the parts is reversed in order to allow of the whole being
operated by one cam wheel. Similar letters or figures of reference are used in all
the Figures to represent similar parts.
The fire arm or "chargeuse" is constructed of the carriage 27, shewn in the
Drawing, supported on four wheels 38 and 40, but a less number of wheels may
be employed, as will be hereinafter described. The front wheels 38 are mounted
ou a cranked axle 42, whilst the back wheels 40 are independent of one another.

page_text: The two cast iron frames 1 carry charging mechanism, the barrels 4, and the
cartridge distributors 24.
5 is a shield or guard, the top and the bottom of which extend over and under
the frames 1. The upper extension covers the frames and holds them at the top
in the position they should occupy on each side of the cam wheel 2. The lower
extension supports the frames 1, to which it transmits the movement which it
receives from the pointing mechanism, the toothed sectors 10 of which sustain it
at front and behind for the purpose of preventing the overhanging and shaking
which would otherwise strain the axle of the "chargeuse." The lower prolongation
of the shield or guard 3 is supported by two lugs 46 having journals, through which
passes the main driving shaft 22.
26 are four supports on which rest the journals of the lugs 46 and the ends of
the main driving shaft 22.
I provide pointing mechanism 10, 11, 12, and 17, supported by two bars 8, which
extend towards the front under the shield or guard 5, and are supported in the
front by the uprights 16, at the middle by two supports 9, and at the back by the
supports 26. The shield or guard 5 is also furnished with a moveable adjustable
support 7, which can be raised or lowered at will on the bars 8 (as shewn by the
dotted curved line, Figure 1) for the purpose of fixing the shield or guard 5, and
of easing the toothed sectors 10 and 11 during the ordinary movements, but when.
going into action it is lowered onto the bars 8 in order to allow the pointing
mechanism to work. Two poles or shafts 28 are employed, on each side of which
the horses are attached.
"
The hinder part of the carriage is arranged to receive the seat for those in charge
and a receptacle for containing the cartridge hoxes. The transmitting mechanism
18, 19, 20, 38, and 39, works by friction, and is operated by means of chains and
friction cones, and I provide an automatic disengaging gear 21, 21 bis, and 44
operated by means of the hind wheels 40 (or otherwise), and having for object to
automatically disengage the mechanism immediately on the arm or "chargeuse'
departing from the line of fire, either from the horses being abandoned to them-
selves through the death of the driver or others, or from any other cause, which
might have the effect of causing the fire to be directed on the troops to which the
machine belonged, and thus cause accidents. As soon as the fire arm or "chargeuse"
is replaced in the proper line of fire, it is only necessary to put the mechanism in
gear and firing will recommence with its movements.
At the rear of the carriage is a ring 45, which allows of the horses being
attached thereto if required, so as to allow of firing whilst retreating, the operating
cams being so arranged as to actuate the charging mechanism either through the
backward or forward movement of the chargeuse." This arrangement has been
specially adopted with a view of enabling cavalry when retiring to keep up a fire
upon and thus stop the pursuit of the enemy's cavalry.
"t
The barrels 4 are eight in number, and form two distinct series, each of four
barrels, but it will be understood that the number of barrels may be varied; their
charging mechanism is operated by a double cam 2 and 2 bis. The barrels 4 are
rendered solid one with the other in so far as regards their oscillating movement in
a vertical plane, the angle of fire being the same for all.
tt
Before describing the operation of the fire arm or chargeuse," I will first
describe more particularly the details of the various parts constituting the machine.
1, outer frames or blocks; 2, cams or eccentrics operating the charging
mechanism; 2 bis, cams for pushing back the tappets of the central needles or
strikers; these cams are clearly shewn in detached enlarged view at Figure 5,
Sheet 2; 3, extensions of the shield or guard; 4, the eight barrels; 5, the guard or
shield serving to protect the drivers and others against the projectiles from the
chargeuse ; 6, the strengthened breech ends; 7, the moveable adjustable
support; 8, the sustaining bars; 9, supports of the bars S; 10, toothed sectors;
11, worin wheels for transmitting movement to the toothed sectors; 12, endless
serews; 16, uprights of the bars 8; 17, shaft of the endless screws for regulating.
66
ور

page_text: the pointing; 18, general transmitting wheels, receiving their movement from the
motive wheels 38 by the chains 39; 19 and 19 bis, interior and exterior friction
cones respectively; 20, disengaging levers or clutches of the cones 19; the clutch
and its lever are shewn in detached view at Figure 6, Sheet 2; 21, automatic
disengaging mechanism; 21 bis, shafts of the same transmitting movement to the
levers 20; 22, main driving shaft; 23, handles serving to allow the machine to be
worked by hand when firing in position. These handles are mounted on a socket
which is free on the shaft 22 which allows of driving them at will against the
supports 26 in order not to be in the way of the persons in charge when firing
during movement. For firing when in position it is only necessary to push the
notch of the sockets against the studs with which the shaft 22 is furnished and the
socket will be fixed; 2+, cartridge distributors, one of which is shewn in detached
view at Figure 7, Sheet 2. To each sector 47 corresponds a passage 69, which only
allows one cartridge to pass at a time; the cartridges are placed one above the
other and fall into the interior sectors 47 by their own weight, as is clearly seen
by reference to the sectional view at Figure 12, Sheet 3, which represents the
sector 47 just receiving a fresh cartridge.
"
25, cartridge boxes, one of which is shewn in detached view at Figure 7; each
box has a special mark at the back and is closed by two covers, one at top and one
at bottom; each cover is furnished with a small rounded projection which allows
of withdrawing the cover from underneath when the box is placed above the
distributors 24. Instead of these boxes a drum may be employed. The two
projections being placed on the same side the box can enter either of the two
distributors 24, provided that the lower projection be placed opposite the opening
provided for it; 26, supports of the "chargeuse and of the transmitting
mechanism; 27, cross bars supporting the platform and the whole machine;
28, poles or shafts adapted to receive in front a whipple tree for attaching two
horses at the front for ordinary draught; 29, tie rods of the poles; 30, cross bar of
the whipple trees; 31, whipple trees; 32, hooks of the strengthening whipple trees
to allow of attaching four horses in front when required for action; 33, planking or
floor; 34, handle of the "chargeuse," serving to facilitate the working of the
pointing mechanism; 35, seat for the driver and others; 36, cartridge box; 37, back
cross bars; 38, large front wheels communicating movement to the whole of the
mechanism; 39, chains; 40, hind wheels; 41, axles on which the hind wheels turn;
42, cranked axle of the front wheels 38; 43, supports fixing the axle 42 under the
cross bars 27; 44, cams of the automatic disengaging mechanism; 45, back ring;
46, journal lugs supporting the lower extension of the shield or guard; 47, sectors
for taking hold of the cartridges; 48, extractors of the metallic cartridge cases,
three being provided for each of the charging blocks 49, which operate the
sectors 47 by means of the lateral slides or wedges 50, and guide the needles 52
of the central strikers 51; 53, spiral springs of the central strikers; 54, triggers
which move in the chambers 55; 56, chambers in which the blocks 49 move;
57, grooves, the section of which is such as to allow the extractors to hold
or release the cartridges; 58, discharge passage for the empty cartridge cases;
59, blocks forming the extension of the barrels and containing the discharging
mechanism as well as the herein before described chambers 55, 56, 57, and 58.
For withdrawing the mechanism for cleaning or repairs, the distributors 24 are
removed, the nuts of the frame ] are unscrewed in order to allow of taking out the
rollers 61 of the ways of the cams, then the nuts of the back springs are unscrewed,
the blocks 59 are then withdrawn at the back with their barrels and the accessory
mechanism. 60, projections or tappets moving the needles 52, and holding the
spiral springs 53 of the central strikers 51; 61, rollers with their arbors and
attachments which set in movement the charging blocks 49; 62, adjusting springs
for the blocks 49; 63, abutments of the blocks 49 against the springs 62; 64, closing
plates of the frames 1 oscillating around the axis 65; 65, screw serving to regulate
the position of the flames on the lower extension of the guard or shield 3;
66, india-rubber washers for obtaining a tight joint between the projections of the

page_text: or shield for the working of the screws 65; 68, tie rods connecting the two
frames 1; 69, cartridge passages; 70, cartridges.
OPERATION OF THE MACHINE.
As already described, the machine can be worked either when stationary or when
moving. In the former case the main shaft 22 is put in movement by band by
Ineans of the handles 23, and the speed of firing will correspond with the rapidity
of motion imparted to the main shaft.
In the second case, that is to say, when moving either forward or backward, the
firing is automatic and is produced by the front wheels 38, which by means of the
chains put in motion the wheels of the main transmitting gear 18.
For opening
fire it is therefore merely necessary to put the friction cones 19 and 19 bis in
contact by means of the engaging levers 20, and whereupon the transmitting
wheels 18 communicate their movement to the main shaft 22, on which are
mounted the eccentrics or cams 2 and 2 bis. The cams 2 by means of the
rollers 61 operate the charging blocks 49, each of which carries two lateral slides
or wedges 50, giving to the sectors 47 of the cartridge takers an oscillating
movement which enables them to take hold of the cartridges 70 and to carry
them opposite the breech of the barrels 4, into which they are then pushed by
the charging blocks 49 which the cams 2 draw forward by means of the rollers 61,
as hereinbefore described.
On reaching the end of their forward stroke the blocks 49 press the triggers 5+
against their abutments. This pressure leaves the central strikers 51 free, and
the discharge takes place from the impact of the needles 52. At this moment
in consequence of the form of the cams 2, the charging blocks 49 perform the
office of stoppers for sufficient time to prevent the loss or escape of gas which
would take place if the blocks withdrew immediately.
After the discharge the cams push back the charging blocks 49, which
withdraw the metal cartridge cases of the discharged cartridges by means of the
extractors 48. When these empty cases arrive over the discharge passages 58
the extractors release them. At the same moment the cam 2 bis at that sido
on which the discharge has taken place sets in movement the tappets 60, which
push back the central strikers 51 compress the spiral springs 53, and set or cock
the triggers 54 ready for another operation and so on.
I have described and shewn in the Drawing the machine as being carried on
four wheels, but I wish it to be understood that it may be carried on three wheels
or on two wheels only, for which purpose it is merely necessary to place the horse
between two shafts, and reduce the length of the carriage so as to terminate at the
seat. The cartridge boxes could then be placed under the seat or on the sides; and
in this case the blocks can be placed on each side of the carriage by employing a
double cam, four barrels being placed on the right hand side, and four barrels on
the left hand side, each series of barrels being independent of each other, and the
shield would be formed in two parts.
The operation of the machine will be fully understood by reference to Figures 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, Sheet 3, of the Drawings; Figure 9 is a section on the
line A, B, of Figure 8, and shews one of the barrels 4 cut near the frame 1, and
also shews the ends of the lateral slides or wedges 50 of one mechanism.
Figure 10, which is a section on line C, D, of Figure 8, shews the bottom of a
cartridge 70 held by its three extractors 48; and shews also an end view of one
of the blocks 59.
Figure 11 is a section on line E, F, of Figure 8, and represents one of the
cartridge carrying sectors 47, and the section of one of the cartridge passages 69.
In this Figure the sector 47 closes the cartridge passage, and presents a cartridge
70 opposite its corresponding barrel.

page_text: Figure 12 is also a section on line E, F, of Figure 8, but shews the sector 47 in
the position for receiving a fresh cartridge 70.
Figure 13 is a section on line G, H, of Figure 8, and shews one of the discharge
passages 58 of the metal cases of the discharged cartridges; Figure 14 is a section
on line I, J, of Figure 8, shewing an end view of one of the said strikers 51 and of
its projection or tappet 60; also a section of one of the charging blocks 49, and of
its two lateral slides or wedges 50. The extensions of the slides or wedges serve to
guide the cartridge taking sector 47, which it operates by the to and fro moveinent
communicated to the wedges by the eccentrics or caus 2.
I will now describe the mechanism I prefer to employ for the automatic pointing
of the machine.
This mechanism consists of a driving strap 13ª which passes over a loose pulley
and transmits movement to the wheel 13 nounted on a shaft furnished with
gearing communicating with gearing wheels 14, which are put in contact with the
shaft 13 by means of the sleeve or hollow shaft 15, which turns with the shaft of
the endless screws 17 and on which they are mounted. If the handle of the
sleeve 15 be pushed back wards the sectors 10 increase the angle of fire; if on the
contrary the sleeve 15 be drawn forward the angle will be diminished and will
continue to diminish during the fire in proportion to the distance passed over, thus
preserving the angle of sight and directing the projectiles on the same point during
the whole time of a charge.
The automatic pointing of the gun or chargeuse may be stopped at any moment,
and the pointing effected by the persons in charge operating the handle 71.
The driving strap is put in contact with the fixed wheel by the disengaging
lever, which by its position causes it to work when firing is commenced and draws
it back onto the loose pulley directly the fire ceases; the sleeve 15, which slides
on the shaft 17, is square in the interior, the shaft 17 being also square. The
handle 15 does not turn with the shaft. Instead of the driving strap being placed
on wheel 13, as hereinbefore described, it may be placed on the cone, the same effect
being produced on the shaft 13.
From the preceding description and an examination of the Drawings it will be
secn,-
"
(1). That the eight barrels form two distinct series.
(2). That each barrel is screwed to its block 59, so as to form one with it.
(3). That corresponding with each barrel there is a complete and independent
mechanism as well as a passage for the cartridges.
(4). That in order to facilitate the return of the rollers 61, springs 62, and
abutments 63 are employed which diminish the effect of the eccentrics or cams 2
at the moment when the change of direction takes place.
(5). To cach revolution of the front wheels 38 two discharges take place, each
of four barrels.
(6). That from the position of the eccentrics or cams 2 the discharges are
successive at first between the two series of four barrels, and afterwards between
the barrels of each series.
(7). That the fire being successive there is scarcely any recoil.
(8). That the speed of firing corresponds with the rapidity of movement of the
chargeuse."
(9). That the number of projectiles discharged does not correspond to any given
period of time but depends upon the space of ground passed over, whatever be the
time employed in passing over the ground.
(10). That it is only necessary for the persons in charge to remove the empty
boxes 25, and to replace them by full boxes, in order that the distributors 24 shall
keep up a constant supply of fresh cartridges to the sectors.
(11). That the lateral movement for firing is produced simply by the irregularity
of the pulling of the horses, which irregularity of pull it is well known always
takes place when two horses are employed.
(12). That on the other hand the deviations of firing resulting from the

page_text: unevenness of the ground allow the projectiles to be spread over a certain surface,
the advantage of which will be understood when it is taken into consideration that
open order is rendered necessary in warfare at the present day.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention and the best means with
which I am acquainted for carrying the same into effect, I would have it under-
stood that what is claimed and intended to be protected by the herein in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
Firstly. A fire arm or machine gun so constructed and arranged as to allow of
firing forward and during movement at any speed, the angle of fire constantly
changing with the movement of the apparatus, as herein before described.
Secondly. The construction and employment of a fire arm or machine gun
arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-
before described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Thirdly. The construction and employment in a fire arm or machine gun as
hereinbefore described of a shield or guard, as and for the purposes herein before
described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Fourthly. The peculiar construction of the carriage arranged so that the discharges
take place behind the horses so as to drive them forward, as herein before described
and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Fifthly. The arrangement and combination of the barrels with the frames and
the charging and discharging mechanism, substantially as hereinbefore described
and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Sixthly. The arrangement and combination with the pointing mechanism of
the automatic disengaging mechanism and the general arrangement of the
transmitting mechanism, the whole operating substantially in the manner and for
the purposes herein before described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Seventhly. The mechanism herein described for effecting the automatic pointing
of the barrels as the machine moves, as and for the purposes described and represented
in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexis Dardelle, have hereto set my hand
and seal, this Sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty two.
Witness,
5
G. F. REDFERN,
Patent Agent,
4, South Street,
Finsbury.
ALEXIS DARDELLE. (L.S.)