IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
and Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS." A communication from abroad by Alexandre
Picard, of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th January 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent
Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS." [A
communication from abroad by Alexandre Picard, of Paris, France.]
This Invention relates to that class of fire-arms in which the chamber is closed
by means of a movable breech or block which comes into position before the
explosion of the cartridge takes place, and the chief object is to provide a military
fire-arm which can be discharged with rapidity by means of simple and durable
mechanism.
The chief characteristic features of a fire-arm constructed according to this
Invention are as follows, that is to say :-
First. The arrangement of the breech-block which is formed in one piece withi
the hammer or striker, and operates the extractors in the return movement which
it makes to uncover the chamber of the gun.
Second. The arrangement of the "sight" which can be shifted longitudinally
along the barrel.
Third. Great facility for mounting and unmounting the parts without the aid of
any separate tool, such as a screw driver or the like.
In order that the following description may be clearly understood I have shewn
in the accompanying Drawings different "views of a military gun constructed
according to this Invention.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the mechanism without the stock, the breech-
block being shewn in the position it occupies immediately after a discharge.
Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of a portion of the same.
Figure 3 represents a side view of the mechanism, the gun being cocked and the
chamber uncovered to receive a cartridge

page_text: In these three Figures the trigger-guard-plate, the tumbler attached thereto, and
the stock receiving them are not shewn.
Figure 4 shews a side view of the breech-block, and
Figure 5 is a transverse section of the same on the line 1, 2, Figures 2 and 4.
Figure 6 shews a front and a side view of the trigger.
Figure 7 is a plan of the trigger-guard-plate.
Figures 8 to 19 are views of various parts of the mechanism detached.
Figure 20 shews on a smaller scale an exterior view of a complete gun.
Figure 21 is a side view of a sword-bayonet..
Figure 22 represents the cartridge used with this fire-arm.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
a is the breech having two sides or pieces a¹ which unite at a². Between these
two side pieces a¹ the breech-block is placed in such a manner that it can turn
about the eighth part of a circle upon a rounded shoulder or piece a³, Figure 2,
forming part of the breech.
The movable breech block, shewn in detail in Figures 4 and 5, consists of a central
piece b', having on its two faces or side plates b projections or claws b² for the
purpose of automatically operating the extractors; the plates b, being movable, are
easily replaced should the projections or claws 62 become worn. On the top or
upper surface of the said movable breech-block there is a groove or depression to
facilitate the insertion of the cartridge into the chamber; in this groove is placed a
Hap or piece d, Figures 2 and 5, pivotted by means of a pin d'; this flap d being.
pressed upward by the spiral spring e, Figure 2, projects slightly above the movable
breech-block and prevents the cartridge placed in the chamber from coming out of
the same before the latter is closed.
The movable breech-block is furnished on its underside with a lever f; behind
this lever in the breech-block is an orifice g to receive a screw g¹ which acts as a
pivot to the tumbler h, shewn detached in Figure 6; a spiral spring i placed in the
movable breech-block presses on one end of the tumbler h and thus keeps its other
end h¹ hooked in the notch j when the gun is cocked, as shewn in Figure 3. The
piece of the notch which is liable to wear may be easily replaced; a pin k, the
shank of which is within the spiral spring i, prevents the latter from rubbing
against the end of the tumbler.
In the front part of the breech-block, and forming part of the same, the hammer
or striker is situated. It will be readily understood that if the breech-block be
suddenly lifted this hammer or striker will strike the cartridge beyond or in
advance of the flange of the same through an aperture provided for the purpose in
the underside of the chamber of the gun. The striking of the cartridge on its
periphery thus obtained offers a great advantage; in case of missing fire the gun
has only to be opened carefully, by which the cartridge is caused to be gradually
forced out by the extractors, it is then turned round and the gun is operated a
second time, and so on until the discharge takes place.
To obtain the sudden motion of the block as above mentioned I make use of the
following arrangement, that is to say:-The breech-block has on each side a pivot m
which pivots rest on the two forks of a large double spring n, a plan of which is
shewn in Figure 9. This spring n is held in position on the lower side of the
chamber by means of a screw with a handle n³, a detached view of which is shewn
in Figure 13.
In this manner, the arin being cocked, as shown in Figure 3, by pressing on the
tail o of the trigger, shewn by dotted lines in Figures 1 and 3, and detached in
Figure 8, the head o¹ of the trigger presses on the end of the tumbler h, and forces
it out of the notch j; the main spring n is thus suddenly released, and the breech-
block is moved upward quickly or suddenly so that the hammer or striker strikes
the cartridge and causes it to explode.
The trigger-guard-plate p, shewn in Figure 7, has two rectangular openings, the
wider one admits the lever f of the breech-block, and the narrower opening ?

page_text: receives the trigger, which turns on a pivot o³, on which it is maintained by a small
screw o³, Figure 19.
The trigger-guard-plate is fitted in its place and fixed by screws 8, 9', with
handles, as shewn in Figures 11 and 12; these screws traverse the stock and enter
the breech a of the gun, which is furnished with two holes to receive them. To
ensure suitable pressure the two extremities of the trigger-guard-plate p come in
contact with the stock only when the screws are entirely screwed down, so that the
trigger-guard-plate forms a spring, and contributes to the fastening of the gun to
its wooden stock t, Figure 20.
The screw 8 protects the lever f, and the screw s¹ protects the tail o of the trigger,
so that the usual trigger-guard is not required; moreover, the screw 8¹ has one
end 8 flattened to serve as a screw-driver to turn the small screws of the mechanism
so that no separate tool is required to take the gun to pieces.
Two extractors are used for the extraction of the cartridge shells; they are placed
one on the right and the other on the left of the entrance to the chamber of the
gun. Each extractor consists of a piece u having on one face a cylindrically shaped-
piece u¹ fitting to the side of the chamber. They are pivoted on screws u³, Figures
1, 3, 17, and 18, traversing holes near their centres; they have tails or shanks u³
at their lower end. When the breech-block is depressed the projections or claws 62
press on the tails us of the extractors, which, being suddenly forced forward to the
position shewn at u in Figure 3, eject the empty cartridge case from the gun.
The extractors operate only when the chamber is quite open; moreover, to render
their action more certain, a sharp motion is communicated to the lever f; the
breech-block then goes beyond the position shewn in Figure 3, and the extractors
eject the cartridge shell with greater force. When the lever f is released the spiral
spring of the tumbler brings back the breech-block b to the position shewn in
Figure 3.
The "sight" of the gun consists of a small plate arranged to slide on a dovetail
projection v', which is continued for nearly the whole length of the barrel. A
moveable flap v, which can be raised, is hinged on the plate v. The different
ranges, instead of being marked on the " sight," are indicated in large figures on the
dovetail projection v¹, which facilitates the reading of the same, as well as aids the
working of the "sight;" moreover, if the latter should break, it is easily replaced.
To allow of its being placed in position the sling-ring x is split so as to allow the
passage of the dovetail projection v', and fits on two screw heads x¹ fixed on the
barrel.
The sword-bayonet y, represented in Figure 21, is provided with saw teeth,
allowing of its use as a tool in numerous operations required in the field, and it is
fixed to the end of the barrel by two catches w, w¹, being secured thereto by a
spring y forming a part of the hilt y².
The cartridge I make use of with this improved fire arm is shewn in Figure 22.
The case or shell is of metal, and the ignition is effected on its circumference at 2¹
in front of the flange z², as aforesaid.
The operations are as follows, two movements only being necessary to load the
arm, that is to say-First, with a touch of the finger on the lever f of the breech-
block, the latter is brought to the position of full cock, shewn in Figure 3, and the
cartridge is then to be inserted into the barrel; second, a pull of the finger on the
trigger effects the discharge.
At the next movement the breech block in descending will eject the empty
cartridge case from the gun, as above explained.
I desire it to be understood that I may vary the dimensions and the configuration
of the parts, and may employ any suitable material, and the said Invention may be
applied not only to military guns but also to sporting and other guns.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th July 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS." A communi-
cation from abroad by Alexandre Picard, of Paris, France.
This Invention relates to that class of fire-arms in which the cartridge-chamber
is closed by means of a movable breech or block, which comes into position before
the explosion of the cartridge takes place, and the chief object of the said Invention
is to provide a military fire-arın which can be fired with rapidity by means of
simple and durable mechanism.
This improved fire-arm is characterized by the novel arrangement and combi-
nation of its parts, by its action, and also by facility with which such parts may
be taken to pieces and put together again without the employment of separate
tools ordinarily employed.
To enable this Invention to be clearly understood I have shewn in the accom-
panying Drawings as an example two arrangements of a fire-arm constructed
according thereto.
Figures 1 to 22 represent the first arrangement or construction of my improved
fire-arm and the details of the same. In these Figures,―
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the mechanism of the gun without the stock, the
falling breech-block being shewn in the position it occupies immediately after a
discharge; and
Figure 2 is a central longitudinal section of the said mechanism.
Figure 3 is a side view of the mechanism as it appears when the gun is cocked
and the chamber uncovered to permit the insertion of a cartridge.
In these Figures the trigger-guard-plate, the sear or tumbler attached thereto,
and the stock into which they are inserted are not shown.
Figure 4 is a side view of the falling breech-block; and
Figure 5 is a transverse section of the same on the line 1, 2, Figures 2 and 4.
Figure 6 shews a front and a side view of the trigger.
Figure 7 is a plan of the trigger-guard-plate.
Figures 8 to 19 are detail views of the various parts of the mechanism.
Figure 20 shews on a smaller scale an exterior view of the complete gun.
Figure 21 is a side view of a sword-bayonet.
Figure 22 represents the cartridge used with this fire-arm.
The remaining Figures are hereinafter described.
a represents the breech having two sides or pieces a¹ which unite at a². Between
these two side pieces a¹ the falling breech block b is placed in such a manner that
it can turn to the extent of about the eighth part of a circle upon a rounded shoulder
or piece a³ (Figure 2) forming part of the breech.
The movable breech-block, shewn detached in Figures 4 and 5, consists of a
central part 6¹ having on its two faces or sides plates b, with projections or claws 2
for automatically operating the extractor, as hereinafter described; the plates b
being removable may be easily replaced should the projections or claws 62 become
worn. On the top or upper surface of the said movable breech-block there is a
groove or depression to facilitate the insertion of the cartridge into the chamber.
In this groove is placed a flap or piece d (Figures 2 and 5) pivotted by means of a
pin d. This flap d being pressed upward by the spiral spring e (Figure 2) projects
slightly above the movable breech-block, and prevents the cartridge placed in the
chamber from coming out of the same before the latter is closed.
The movable breech block is furnished on its underside with a lever f; behind
this lever a hole g is formed in the breech-block to receive a screw g' which serves
as a pivot to the sear or tumbler h, shewn detached in Figure 6. A spiral spring i
placed in the movable breech-block presses on one end of this tumbler, and thus

page_text: keeps its other end h¹ hooked in the catch or notch j when the gun is cocked, as
shewn in Figure 3. The part j¹ of the catch, which is liable to wear, may be easily
replaced; a pin or stud k whose shank extends within the spiral spring i prevents
the latter from rubbing against the end of the tumbler.
In the front part of the breech-block, and forming part of the same, the hammer
or striker is situated; it will be readily understood that if the breech-block be
suddenly lifted or thrown up this hammer or striker will strike the cartridge beyond
or in advance of the flange of the same, the said striker passing through an aperture
provided for the purpose in the underside of the chamber of the gun. The striking
of the cartridge on its periphery thus effected offers a great advantage in case of
missing fire, as the gun has only to be opened carefully, so that the cartridge is
caused to be gradually forced out by the extractors, when the said cartridge may be
turned round; the gun is then operated a second time or repeatedly until the
discharge takes place.
To obtain the sudden motion of the block as above mentioned I employ the
following arrangement, that is to say :-The breech-block has on each side a pivot
m; upon these pivots rest the two forks of a double main spring n, a plan of which
is shewn in Figure 9. This spring n is held in position on the lower side of the
chamber by means of a screw with a handle n¹; a detached view of this screw is
shewn in Figure 13.
In this manner, the arm being cocked, as shewn in Figure 3, by pressing on the
tail o of the trigger, shewn by dotted lines in Figures 1 and 3, and in detail in
Figure 8, the head o' of the trigger presses on the end of the tumbler h and forces
it out of the notch j. The main spring n is thus suddenly released and the breech-
block is thrown upward quickly or suddenly, so that the hammer or striker / strikes
the cartridge and causes it to explode.
The trigger-guard-plate p, shewn in Figure 7, is provided with two rectangular
openings; the wider one q admits the lever f of the breech-block b, and the narrower
opening receives the trigger, which turns on a pivot o³, on which it is maintained
by a small screw o³, Figure 19.
The trigger-guard-plate is fitted in its place and fixed by screws 8, 8², provided
with handles, as shewn in Figures 11 and 12; these screws traverse the stock and
enter the breech a of the gun, which is furnished with two holes to receive them.
To ensure the proper fastening the two extremities of the plate p come in contact
with the stock only when the screws are fully screwed up, so that the trigger-guard-
plate forms a spring and contributes to the fastening of the gun to its wooden stock t,
Figure 20.
The screw a protects the lever f, and the screw 8 protects the end or tail o of the
trigger, so that the usual trigger-guard is not required; moreover, the screw 8¹ has
one end s² flattened to serve as a screw-driver to turn the small screws of the
mechanism, so that no separate tool is required to take the gun to pieces.
Two extractors are used for the extraction of the cartridge-shells; they are placed
one on the right and the other on the left of the entrance to the chamber of the
gun. Each extractor consists of a piece u having on one face a cylindrically-shaped
portion u corresponding in contour to the side of the chamber; the said extractors
are pivotted on screws u² (Figures 1, 3, 17, and 18) traversing holes near their
centres, and are provided with tails or extensions us at their lower end. It will be
understood by reference to the Drawings that when the breech-block b is depressed
the lateral projections or claws 6 on the same will press on the tails us of the
extractors, which being suddenly forced forward to the position shewn at u in
Figure 3, eject the empty cartridge shell from the gun.
The movement of the extractors takes place only when the chamber is quite open;
moreover, to render their action more certain, a sharp motion is communicated to
the lever. The movable breech-block b then moves beyond the position shewn in
Figure 3, and the extractors eject the cartridge shell with greater force. When the
lever fis released the spiral spring i of the tumbler brings back the breech-block b
to the position shewn in Figure 3.

page_text: The "sight" of the gun consists of a small plate arranged to slide on a dovetail
projection which extends nearly the whole length of the barrel; a movable plate
or flap which can be raised is hinged on the plate v. The different ranges, instead
of being marked on the "sight," are indicated in large figures on the dovetail pro-
jection v¹, thereby facilitating the reading of the same, as well as aiding the working
of the "sight;" inoreover, if the latter should break it is easily replaced. To allow
of its being placed in position the sling-ring x is split, so as to allow the passage of
the dovetail projection v¹, and fits on two screw heads a fixed on the barrel.
The sword-bayonet y represented in Figure 21 is provided with saw teeth allowing
of its use as a tool in numerous operations required in the field; it is fixed to the
end of the barrel of the gun by two catches w, w¹, and secured thereto by a spring
y forming a part of the hilt y².
The cartridge I employ with this improved fire-arm is shown in Figure 22. The
case or shell z is of metal, and the ignition is effected on its circumference at z¹ in
front of the flange z³, as above described.
The operation of the said gun, to load which two movements only are necessary,
is as follows, that is to say-First, with a touch of the finger on the lever f of the
breech-block the latter is brought to the position of full cock, as shown in Figure 3,
and the cartridge is then inserted into the barrel; second, a pull of the finger on
the trigger o effects the discharge. At the next movement the breech block in
descending will eject the empty cartridge case from the gun, as above explained.
Figures 23 to 28 represent the second arrangement or construction of my
improved fire-arm and the details of the same. In these Figures,―
Figure 23 is a side view of part of the said fire-arm, and
Figure 24 is a longitudinal section of the same.
Figures 25 and 25ª represent, a side elevation and a plan of the breech or breech-
shoe.
Figures 26, 26, and 20b shew a side view, an end view, and a plan of the
movable breech-block.
Figure 27 represents a front view of the extractor and adjacent parts partly in
section, and
Figure 27 is a plan of the said extractor.
Figure 28 is a longitudinal section of the trigger-guard-plate or lock-plate.
a represents the barrel screwed within the collar or part b of the breech, as
shewn in Figure 24. c is the sight, whose base or part d is soldered or otherwise
secured to the barrel instead of being arranged to slide. upon the latter, as in
the gun first herein described. e represents the breech provided at its lower
portion with a strong lug extension or piece f, between the cheeks or jaws of
which the extractor g oscillates upon a pin h. A bridge or connecting piece i
connects the cheeks of the said lug, and serves as a point of support for the hook j
of the trigger-guard-plate . The combination of this bridge i with the hook j
obviates the necessity of employing the screw 8, described with reference to the
gun first herein referred to.
7 represents a boss or strengthening piece, which takes up the recoil during the
explosion of the cartridge. This boss enters the stock of the gun, and receives
the screw m (provided with a handle), which connects the trigger-guard-plate to
the rear end of the breech or breech-case.
n represents the main spring, which effects the upward movement of the breech-
block. This spring is straight instead of being forked or provided with two arms,
as in the arrangement first herein described. Its rear end is secured to the end of
the breech-case by the screw o, and its free end enters a mortise or slot P formed
in the breech-block and bears against the anti-friction roller r.
The breech-block s has the form or configuration shewn in Figure 24. Its
notched portion t consists of a piece slid into the said breech block or otherwise
attached, so that it may be readily replaced when worn. u represents a flat or
straight spring secured by means of a screw upon the plate x, which serves to
retain the cartridge in the breech end or chamber of the barrel. This spring tends

page_text: constantly to press the said plate upward, and replaces the spiral spring e described
with reference to the first construction of my improved gun.
It
z represents the trigger formed with a notch 1 to serve also as the sear.
oscillates upon the pin 2 secured in cheeks or jaws extending up from the trigger-
guard-plate k. 3 represents the trigger-spring fixed in position by the screw 4
upon the trigger-guard-plate; 5 represents a handle or arm, which protects the
hand of the firer of the gun, and prevents it from being struck by the adjusting
lever of the breech-block. This arm will also serve as a support for the left hand
in firing the gun.
The extractor g consists of a single piece provided with two arms, as shewn in
Figures 27 and 278. It is placed within a groove or recess formed in the breech
or breech-shoe, and is free to oscillate upon the pin h. When the breech-block
reaches its lowermost position it suddenly strikes against the tail or end gl of this
extractor, and causes it to swing or travel in a rearward direction. By this
movement the arms of the said extractor are caused to move rapidly away from
the breech end of the barrel, and throw or eject the exploded cartridge out of the
gun. The said extractor will also serve to withdraw a cartridge even if not
exploded when desired. For this purpose all that is necessary is to lower the
breech-block slowly, and the cartridge will then be drawn out by the extractor
onto the plate x instead of being thrown directly out of the gun.
8 represents a firing pin or striker placed in the breech block in such a manner
as to strike the centre of the cartridge; 9 represents the retracting spring of the
said firing pin; 10 is the hammer or cock, which oscillates upon a pin 11 in the
breech-block; 12 represents an inclined surface or portion of the breech or breech-
shoe.
When the breech-block is suddenly thrown upward to effect the firing of the
cartridge, and the cartridge chamber in the barrel is closed, at this moment the
tail or end of the haminer 10 comes into contact with the projecting part 12, and
causes the head or striking part of the said hammer to suddenly strike the head of.
the firing pin, and thereby effect the explosion of the cartridge. As soon as the
gun is cocked the point of the said firing pin is withdrawn within the breech-block
by the action of the small spring 9.
The trigger-guard plate is provided at one of its ends with a square hole, which
serves as a key or spanner to turn the head of the screw, which fixes the flat main
spring. The large screw, which retains the trigger-guard-plate in place, terminates
in the form of a screw-driver, and serves to put together and take apart the other
parts or pieces of the gun.
The charging is effected by two movements. A soldier when shouldering arms
may even effect the charging by a single movement by pressing upon the breech-
block-lever.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it under-
stood that I claim,-
A fire-arm consisting of the parts constructed and arranged substantially as
shewn in the accompanying Drawings, and operating as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.