IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1872

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by Alexander Henry at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declaration,
on the 26th August 1872, pursuant to the 9th Section of the Patent
Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
HENRY, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North Britain,
send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant
unto me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters
Patent for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that I am the
first and true Inventor thereof.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Henry, do hereby declare
that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and seal,
fully describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, in and by the following

page_text: statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
My said Invention relates to certain improvements in that class of
fire-arms wherein a vertically sliding breech piece is employed for open-
ing and closing the breech or cartridge chamber, and in which the
"cocking" or throwing up into the firing position of an elongated
tumbler or other form of striker employed for igniting the cap of the
cartridge is effected simultaneously with the acts of depressing the
breech piece so as to open the breech or cartridge chamber and extract
the case of the spent cartridge.
Arrangements of mechanism for effecting the "cocking" or throwing
up into firing position of an elongated tumbler or striker simultaneously
with the depression of a vertically sliding breech piece, and the ex-
traction of the spent cartridge case have previously been invented by
me. These arrangements are set forth in the Specifications filed in
pursuance of Letters Patent previously granted to me, the said Alexander
Henry, and the present improvements consist essentially of other arrange-
ments whereby the said actions are also simultaneously produced.
And in order that my present improvements and the mode or modes
of carrying them out in practice may be fully understood, I now proceed
to particularly describe and ascertain the same, reference being had to
the Figures on the accompanying Sheets of Drawings hereunto appended,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
On Sheet 1 of the Drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of
part of a breech-loading rifle constructed in accordance with my said
Invention, and having a vertically sliding breech piece A for opening
and closing the cartridge chamber B; Figure 2, Sheet 1, is a plan
of the same.
Under this arrangement the vertically sliding breech
piece A is actuated by means of a lever C which is hinged by a pin
or stud a to the body of the fire-arm. The outer and lower portion
of the lever C is so constructed that when the breech chamber B is
closed by the breech piece A the. said lower portion of the lever C
surrounds the trigger guard E, and is therefore, in a position to be with
facility depressed by the hand, as in the Specification filed in pursuance
of Letters Patent previously granted to me, the said Alexander Henry.
The vertically sliding breech piece A is coupled to the lever C by means

page_text: of a link F. At one side of the vertically sliding breech piece A, and
at the upper part thereof, a horizontal groove or slot 6 is situated in
which a stud c capable of sliding in the said groove b is placed. The
stud c is attached to the toggle-jointed levers G which are attached
at one extremity to a stud d carried in the front wall e of the breech
cavity D. The other extremity of the levers G is formed with a slot f
through which a 'pin or stud 9 passes, which is fixed at one side of an
elongated tumbler or striker H, or in lieu of being so attached the pin
or stud g may be formed at the extremity of a knee or bracket h, which
forms part of the elongated tumbler or striker H, as shewn at the plan,
Figure 3 of the Drawings. It is obvious that when the breech piece A
is depressed by the lever O the elongated tumbler or striker H is
"cocked" simultaneously therewith by the action of the toggle-jointed
levers G and stud c situated in the groove or slot 6 formed in the
vertically sliding breech piece A. The slot of formed at the extremity
of the compound lever G allows of the vertically sliding breech piece A
being again adjusted to close the cartridge chamber when the elongated
tumbler or striker H is at "half" or "full-cock" ready for firing.
Figures 4 and 5, Sheet 1, are a longitudinal section and plan re-
spectively of another arrangement of my improved fire-arm, in which
the "cocking" of the elongated tumbler or striker C is effected
simultaneously with the depressing of the vertically sliding breech
piece. As shewn by this arrangement the vertically sliding breech
piece A is actuated in a similar manner to that herein-before described
and illustrated at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1 of the Drawings. In one
side of the vertically sliding breech piece A is formed a recess α, in
which is situated one end of a bar B, the other end being attached
to a pin or stud b at one side of the elongated tumbler or striker C.
The recess a is so constructed that one side thereof constitutes an
inclined plane, which as the breech is depressed bears against the
end of the bar B and pushes it rearwards, thereby "cocking" the
elongated tumbler or striker C, and the elongated tumbler or striker C
on being released in the act of discharging the fire-arm returns the
bar B into position for being acted upon by the inclined side of the
recess in the breech pièce A when that is again depressed.
At Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 1, is shewn in longitudinal section and
plan respectively an arrangement in which the vertically sliding breech

page_text: .
piece A as it is depressed bears on one extremity of a curved lever B,
which is carried at its other extremity on a pin or stud a situated
beneath the casing b. The curved lever B is formed with a shoulder c
which presses against a roller d carried on a stud attached to one side
of an elongated tumbler or striker C. The elongated tumbler or
striker C is "cocked" simultaneously with the depressing of the
vertically sliding breech piece A by its action on the curved lever B.
A spring may be situated, as shewn, at the back of the curved lever B
to throw it into the uppermost position when the breech piece A has
closed the cartridge chamber D.
In place of forming the shoulder c on the curved lever B to press
against the roller d, it may be arranged to press directly on the breast of
the elongated tumbler or striker C, as shewn at the plan, Figure 8.
The arrangement shewn at Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1, which are a
longitudinal section and plan respectively, consists in actuating the
vertically sliding breech piece A by means of a lever or beam B,
the forward end of which enters a cavity or recess formed to receive
it in the lower part of the breech piece, as shewn at Figure 9. The
lever or beam B at its rearward end is hinged to the casing of the lock
by a pin or stud b, and towards its rearward end a curved toe or pro-
jection c is formed which is acted upon by the inner or upper end
of a lever C carried loosely on a shaft or stud d. The beam B is
constructed and actuated similarly to that in the arrangement set
forth in my Specification, No. 2769, A.D. 1870, excepting that that
portion thereof marked e is formed with a slot, the length of which
is indicated by the dotted lines at Figure 9. The upper part of an
elongated tumbler or striker D projects up through the slot so formed,
and the lever or beam B may be so arranged that as the vertically
sliding breech piece A. is depressed the forward part of the slot in the
lever may come into contact with the breast of the tumbler or striker D,
and thereby throw it back into the "cocked" position simultaneously
with the depression of the breech piece A; or the tumbler or striker D
may be formed with a heel or projection, as shewn in dotted lines at x,
Figure 9, Sheet 1, and against which the upper portion of the lever C
bears, so that on depressing the lever C by the hand the tumbler or
striker D is thrown backwards in manner similar to the arrangement
of tumbler or striker illustrated on the Drawings appended to my

page_text: Specification, No. 2769, 1870. The lever C when in the upraised
position is retained against the under side of the trigger guard E,
by means of a spring h, shewn more particularly in dotted lines at
Figure 9, and which is attached to the side cheek k of the lock by
a pin or stud m. A hole or opening is formed in the cheek k opposite
the upper end of the lever C through which the forward extremity
of the spring / passes, and pressing against the upper end of the lever C
holds the said lever in position.
h
The lock casing of the fire-arm now under reference is constructed
similar to the lock casing illustrated on Sheet 1 of the Drawings
appended to my Specification, No. 2769, 1870, excepting that under
this arrangement the top part F is made moveable, as shewn, so as to
allow of the mechanism constituting the lock being got at or inspected
without withdrawing the lock through the bottom of the casing, as in
the previous arrangement.
Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1, are respectively a longitudinal section
and plan of an arrangement of fire-arm in which the piston for igniting
the cap or percussion ignition in the base of the cartridge is dispensed
with, and in lieu thereof the tumbler or striker A is constructed of such
a form as to strike the cap of the cartridge directly through a narrow
or thin vertically sliding breech piece B. The breech piece B is
actuated by the lever C in a similar manner' to the arrangements
herein-before described, and the elongated tumbler or striker A is
" cocked simultaneously with the depressing of the breech piece B
by the action of a sliding bar D. One extremity of the sliding bar D
presses against an arm a which forms part of or may be attached to
the side of the elongated tumbler or striker A, whilst the other extremity
of the bar D is acted on by the front end of the lever C which is curved
upwards, as shewn at Figure 11, Sheet 1.
0
The sliding bar D may be provided with a spiral spring b, as shewn,
which brings the sliding bar D back into position when the breech piece
has been raised to close the cartridge chamber. The elongated tumbler
or striker A instead of being formed in one piece, may be formed with a
hinged piece y at its upper extremity, as shewn at Figure 13.
At Figure 1, Sheet 2 of the Drawings, is shewn in longitudinal section
another arrangement in which the breech piston is substituted by the

page_text: striker acting directly on the cap of the cartridge; Figure 2 is a plan
thereof; whilst Figure 3 is a transverse section through the breech
on the line Z, Z, Figure 1; Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the
same, shewing the cartridge chamber open, and the different parts of
the mechanism in position corresponding thereto. Under this arrange-
ment the vertically sliding breech piece A is constructed hollow, the
upper part of the striker B being situated therein, which acts on the
cap of the cartridge through a small hole a formed in the front end
of the hollow breech piece A. The breech piece A and striker B are
acted on simultaneously by means of the lever C, to which they are
connected by the link D. The striker B is hinged on a stud 6 carried
in the front wall of the breech chamber E, and is formed with a heel
or projection c in which is formed a slot d, and at the rear extremity
of which is situated the "bent" or notch x, into which a bolt F enters
for retaining the striker B at " ' full-cock." The link D is formed
duplex, and between its two sides or cheeks is situated the striker B.
The link D is also provided with a slot e in each side or cheek, and a
pin passes through the slots d and e.
The mainspring G is attached
to the heel or projection c of the striker B by a link. When the sliding
breech piece A is depressed by the action of the lever. C the striker
is simultaneously "cocked" through being connected by means of the
pin f to the link D, which brings it into the position shewn at Figure 4,
where it is retained by the bolt F entering the bent or notch x. The
bolt F is connected to the "sear" or trigger H by means of a stud g
situated in a curved slot h formed in the upper part of the sear or
trigger H.
As the sear or trigger H is pulled it draws back the bolt F
by means of the stud g situated in the curved slot h, thereby releasing
the striker B which is thrown forward by the action of the main-
spring G and ignites the cap of the cartridge. Under this arrangement
the extractor I is hinged on the same stud as the striker B, and is
provided with a heel k with which a corresponding heel on the
striker B comes in contact as the striker is being cocked, thereby
throwing forward the extractor into the position shewn at Figure 4.
This arrangement of lock is provided with a bolt K, shewn at Figures 1
and 2, for securing the striker B in full-cock position. On a part of the
bolt K is formed a spiral groove i into which is fitted a small feather j,
which on the bolt K being turned or partly turned round causes it to
travel inwards, when it enters a hole in the side of the striker B when

page_text: in full-cock position, thereby securing it until released by turning or
partly turning the bolt K in the contrary direction.
The arrangement of lock shewn at Figures 5 and 6, which are a
longitudinal section and plan respectively, is similar to that herein-
before described and illustrated at Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1, of the
Drawings, with the exception that the vertically sliding breech piece A
is formed of the ordinary width, and the elongated tumbler or striker B
acts on a piston, as shewn.
In place of the spring 6 the extremity of the sliding bar D may be
attached to the lever C by a link W, as shewn at Figure 7. The sliding
bar D may also press against a lever m, shewn at Figure 8, fixed on the
shaft which carries the tumbler or striker B in place of pressing against
an arm a formed on or attached to the tumbler or striker B, as shewn at
Figures 5 and 6, Sheet 2.
This sliding bar arrangement may also be applied for "cocking"
an ordinary hammer or striker B situated on the outside of the fire-arm,
as shewn at Figure 9.
The extractors illustrated in conjunction with the- different modifi-
cations of breech-loading fire-arms herein-before described and shewn
on the Drawings hereunto appended, other than the arrangement of
extractor illustrated at Figure 1, Sheet 2, of the Drawings, are similar
to extractors previously employed by me, the said Alexander Henry,
and I have therefore not considered it necessary to particularly refer
to them.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and several systems or modes in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe
in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,―
First. The arrangement of toggle-jointed levers, herein-before de-
scribed and shewn at Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1 of the Drawings,
whereby the raising of the tumbler or striker to firing position is
effected simultaneously with the depression of the breech piece, either
by the action of the levers on a pin or stud fixed into the side of the
.

page_text: tumbler or striker, as shewn at Figures 1 and 2, or by the action of the
said levers on a shoulder, formed on the tumbler or striker, as shewn at
Figure 3, Sheet 1.
Second. The arrangement illustrated at Figures 4 and 5, Sheet 1 of
the Drawings, whereby as the breech piece is depressed the tumbler or
striker is raised to firing position by the action of the inclined side of a
recess formed in the breech piece on one extremity of a bar, whose
opposite end is attached to the tumbler or striker, as herein-before
described.
7
Third. The arrangement of curved lever, herein-before described and
shewn at Figures 6, 7, and 8, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, whereby the
raising of the tumbler of striker to firing position simultaneously with
the depression of the breech piece is effected either by the action of the
lever on a pin or roller attached to the tumbler or striker, as shewn at
Figures 6 and 7, or by the action of a shoulder formed on the side of
the lever on the breast of the tumbler or striker, as shewn at Figure 8.
°
Fourth. Constructing the lever or beam which operates the breech
piece in the arrangement of fire-arm illustrated at Figures 9 and 10,
Sheet 1, of the Drawings, with a slot in the centre thereof through
which the upper extremity of the tumbler or striker projects, the
tumbler or striker being cocked according to either of the modes herein-
before described.
Fifth. Effecting the raising to firing position of the tumbler or striker
simultaneously with the depression of the breech piece by means of a
sliding bar, one extremity of which bears against an arm on the tumbler
or striker, whilst its opposite extremity is acted upon by a toe formed
on the lever which operates the breech piece, as herein-before described
and shewn at Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1, and Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8,
Sheet 2, of the Drawings.
Sixth. Effecting the igniting or firing of cartridges in breech-loading
fire-arms by means of an elongated tumbler or striker acting through a
narrow breech piece, as herein-before described and shewn at Figure 11,
Sheet 1, and which tumbler or striker may be constructed either in one
piece, as shewn at Figure 11, or with a hinged or jointed piece at its
upper extremity, as shewn at Figure 13.

page_text: Seventh. The arrangement and construction of breech action herein-
before described and shewn at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2 of the Drawings,
or any mere modification thereof.
Eighth. The employment of a sliding bar actuated by the lever which
operates the breech piece for the purpose of cocking an ordinary hammer
or striker situated on the outside of the fire-arm, as herein-before
described and shewn at Figure 9, Sheet 2 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Henry, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of August, One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
ALEXANDER HENRY. (L.S.)