IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH- LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR SUCH FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Needham, of Piccadilly, in the County of
Middlesex, Gunmaker, for. the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR SUCH FIRE-ARMS."
Sealed the 18th November 1862, and dated the 22nd May 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Needham at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd
May 1862.
I, JOSEPH NEEDHAM; of Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex, Gunmaker,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN'
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR SUCH FIRE-ARMS," to be as
follows:-
My improvements' in breech-loading guns consist in mounting and fitting
the barrel of the gun in such manner that by the motion of a lever it is first
moved longitudinally away from the breech-piece, and then swivels or moves
on a centre out of the line of the gun, and so exposés the breech end of the
barrel or barrels. I further make the breech-piece with a parallel recess for
each barrel to receive the rear end of the cartridge, say to the extent of three-
eighths of an inch. The object of the barrel first moving forwards is to
withdraw this length of the exploded cartridge out of the recess before
mentioned, and so that when the barrel is swivelled or moved out of the line
of the gun the end of the cartridge-case which was in the breech 'recess will
present a good hold whereby to withdraw it from the barrel, another

page_text: cartridge is then inserted in the barrel which is replaced in position for firing by
the action of the lever before mentioned; the cartridge is prevented entering
the barrel too far by a shoulder made on it, an enlarged recess being cut a
little way into the barrel, against the shoulder of which the enlargement or
shoulder of the cartridge abuts. This ensures the requisite length of the
barrel to fill the breech recess as required. A tapered stud or pins on the
barrel enter holes in the breech-piece and insure the perfect coincidence and
closing of the parts. The lever lies along under the barrel when the breech
is closed, the free end being near the trigger guard, while the jointed and
operating end extends towards the fore part of the stock. A rod in connection
with this lever acts on the tumbler and half cocks the hammer, this effect is
produced by an inclined enlargement at the end of the rod being held in
forcible contact with an inclined projection on the tumbler during the traverse
of the rod by the motion of the lever.
The second part of my Invention relates to improvements in a breech-loading
gun of my Invention, for which a Patent was granted to me dated 2nd October
1852, and numbered 184, and consists in the application of a hooked picker
or instrument placed below the hinged breech-piece; it lies along underneath
this and is jointed to the stationary screwed part. When the rotatory screwed
part that closes the breech is screwed back, the hooked end of the picker
projects slightly beyond the nose of the breech-piece out of the line of the
barrel, takes hold of the end of the cartridge case and pulls it out of the barrel.
This it may do. by taking hold of a bead or projection on the cartridge case,
or, as I prefer it, by gripping the edge of a hole in the metal end of the cartridge.
This hole I either make previously, or form the closing end of the breech-piece
hollow, and so that the explosion cuts the hole required. If the hole is made
previously, I cover it inside the cartridge with a small separate disc of material.
In either case the explosion bulges the end of the cartridge into the hollow
of the breech-piece and so projects the edge of the hole and causes it to be
easily and surely held by the picker.
Another part of my Invention relates to guns in which the breech-piece
receiving the charge is pivotted at the rear or butt end and is screwed back-
wards and forwards in order to move in and out of the line of the barrel for
loading and firing.. :
According to these improvements, I fix the female screw to the breech end
of the barrel which receives a screwed metal socket, within which the back end
of the breech chamber is pivotted. The charge chamber of this breech-piece
terminates of a conical form, and is reduced to a small hole at the rear end.
where it emerges, and by which the needle enters to explode the charge; or,

page_text: this aperture may serve for the entrance of the fire of the cap, the nipple for
which may be placed centrally at the extreme end of the breech-piecc.
The third part of my Invention relates to shot cartridges, and consists in
making them of a thick and stiff substance, to the extent occupied by. the
powder and the wad separating it from the shot, but beyond that point of a slight
substance and closing the end thereof by gathering it together like the mouth
of a bag or tied sack, but, instead of tying it round I drop a slight metal ring
on it and turn the edge back on the ring, which readily and effectually encloses
the shot, and forms less obstruction thereto in shooting, than the ordinary
method of securing. The thickened part of the cartridge may project outside
and be received in an enlargement of the barrel at the rear, or the extra
thickness may project within the cartridge.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Joseph Needham in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
22nd November 1862.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
NEEDHAM, of Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex, Gunmaker, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-third year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Joseph Needham, Her special licence that I, the said Joseph Needham, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Joseph
Needham, 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
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR SUCH FIRE-ARMS," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Joseph Needham, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Needham, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being. had to the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
My improvements in breech-loading guns consist in mounting and fitting
the barrel of the gun in such manner that by the motion of a lever it is first
inoved longitudinally away from the breech-piece; and then swivels or moves
ou a centre out of the line of the gun, and so exposes the breech end of the
barrel or barrels. I further make the breech-piece with a parallel recess for
each barrel to receive the rear end of the cartridge, say, to the extent of
three-eighths of an inch.. The object of the barrel first moving forwards is to
withdraw this length of the exploded cartridge out of the recess before men-
tioned, so that when the barrel is swivelled or moved out of the line of the
gun, the projecting end of the cartridge case which was in the breech recess
will present a good hold whereby to withdraw it from the barrel, another
cartridge may be then inserted in the barrel, which is replaced in position for
firing by the reverse motion of the lever before mentioned. The cartridge
is prevented entering the barrel too far by a shoulder made on it, an
enlarged recess being cut a little way into the barrel, against the shoulder of
which the enlargement or shoulder of the cartridge abuts. This ensures the
requisite length of cartridge projecting in the rear of the barrel to fill the
breech recess mentioned. A tapered stud or pins on the barrel enter holes in
the breech-piece, and ensures the perfect coincidence and closing of the parts.
The lever lies along under the barrel when the breech is closed, the free end
being near the trigger guard, while the jointed and operating end extends towards
the fore part of the stock, and in connection with this lever acts on the tumbler
and half cocks the hammer; this effect is produced by an inclined enlargement
at the end of the rod being held in forcible contact with an inclined projection
on the tumbler during the traverse of the rod by the motion of the lever...
The second part of my Invention relates to improvements in a breech-
loading gun of my invention, for which a Patent was granted to me, No. 184,
Oct. 2nd, 1852, and consists in the application of a hooked picker or instru-
ment placed below the hinged breech-piece; it lies along underneath this, and
is jointed to the stationary screwed part. When the rotary screwed part that
closes the breech is screwed back, the hooked end of the picker projects
slightly beyond the nose of the breech-piece, and which in raising the breech-
piece out of the line of the barrel takes hold of the end of the cartridge case
and pulls it out of the barrel. This it may do by taking hold of a head or pro-

page_text: jection on the cartridge case, or, as I prefer it, gripping the edge of a hole in
the metal end of the cartridge. This hole I either make previously, or I form the
closing end of the breech-piece hollow, and so that the explosion cuts the hole
required. If the hole is made previously, I cover it inside the cartridge with
a small separate disc of metal. In either case the explosión bulges the end
of the cartridge into the hollow of the breech-piece and so projects the edge of
the hole and renders it easily and surely held by the picker.
The third part of my Invention relates to shot cartridges, and consists in
making them of thick and stiff substance to the extent occupied by the powder
and the wad separating it from the shot, but beyond that point of a slight
substance, and closing the end thereof by gathering it together like the mouth
of a tied sack, but instead of tying it round I drop a slight metal ring on it
and turn the edge back on the ring, which readily and effectually encloses the
shot, and forms less obstruction thereto in shooting than the ordinary method
of securing. The thickened part of the cartridge may project outside, and be
received in an enlargement of the barrel at the rear, or the extra thickness
may project within the cartridge, so that the exterior will present a plain
appearance.
Another part of my Invention relates to guns in which the breech-piece
receiving the charge is pivotted near the rear or butt end, and is moved back-
ward and forwards, in order to move in and out of the line of the barrel for
loading and firing.
According to these improvements I fix the female screw to the breech end
of the barrel, which receives a screwed metal socket, within which the back end
of the breech chamber is pivotted. The charge chamber of this breech-piece
terminates of a conical form, and is reduced to a small hole at the rear end
where it emerges, and by which the needle enters to explode the charge, or
this aperture may serve for the entrance of the fire of the cap, the nipple for
which may be placed centrally at the extreme end of the breech-piece.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents a side view of as much of a double gun as is necessary to
illustrate my Invention; Fig. 2, a part longitudinal vertical section; and
Fig. 3 an under side plan of same.
The frame or plate a is of a piece with the breech of the gun; the barrel b
is mounted on a pin. or fulcrum c, fixed in the frame a, but the gab or part d
formed on the barrel is free to slide longitudinally to a certain extent on the
pii c; it slides and is guided sideways in a slot formed in a; another piece e
on the barrel slides in a similar slot, which piece fixes the barrel in position

page_text: :-
when locked, by partially sliding under f, as seen in Fig. 2. g is a lever by
which motion is communicated to the barrel; it is mounted on a fulcrum h;
fixed in a; a rod i is jointed to the lever at k, the other end of which rod is
large and rounded, and fitting into a suitable recess in gab piece d fixed to the
barrel, whereby it can either communicate a thrust or exert à pull on it-as
may be desired, and is at same time free to turn therein. The breech & has a
recess to receive the rear end of the cartridge, as seen dotted in Fig. 1, so that
during and after the explosion part of the cartridge case projects behind the
barrel 6 and into said recess, the cartridge case being shown in Fig. 1 as just
withdrawn from the breech or as the cartridge is about to be inserted. The
action is this Supposing the gun to be closed as at Fig. 2, the lever g'is
moved by the thumb of the right hand to the dotted position, the effect of
which is that rod i thrusts and forces the barrel longitudinally away from the
breech; this motion is limited by the gab d coming in contact with pin c,
when the further motion of the lever pushes up the rear of the barrel to
position shown in Fig. 1. The barrel readily assumes this position by reason
of the preponderance of the fore end of the barrel. The effect of the longitu-
dinal sliding of the barrel is to release part e from under f, as also to with-
draw á conical pin e¹ from a conical recess in the breech into which it
fits, for the correct adjustment of the barrel with the breech, and also with-
draws that part of the cartridge case received in the breech x, as seen in
Fig. 1. To limit the oscillation of the barrels, a second stop g¹ is formed on e,
which hitches on f for that purpose, as seen at Fig. 1. The reverse action of
the lever pulls by rod i the barrel first into its horizontal position and then
longitudinally, until it abuts against the breech. If the gun is to be fired, the
new cartridge is previously introduced into the barrel in the position shown in
Fig. 1.
In order to half cock the hammers during the opening of the barrel, I joint
a rod m.to the lever g at k; this lever has a sort of T head, the cross part pof
which is thickened and wedge formed, as seen; it is held up to the sears by a
cross bar n, and so that when the rod m is drawn forward by the motion of
lever g to the dotted position, Fig. 2, the wedge part p bears on the sears,
carrying them round, and so causing the half cocking of the hammers. The
gun is represented as a needle gun, but a gun fired by a nipple and cap, or
otherwise by percussion, may be similarly fitted and constructed. The other
arrangements and part of the gun-will be readily understood without further
description.
Fig. 4 represents a side view, and Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of a double
gun taken between the barrels, showing a modification of the foregoing method

page_text: of fixing the barrels; it also withdraws the cartridge case by the bearing of
the cock on the percussion pin during the oscillation of the barrels. In this
gun the barrel does not slide, but simply moves on a pivot fixed in the breech
frame a; the piece d is fixed or forged on the barrels. Instead of the catch
piece before mentioned sliding up to the stop or piece d on the barrel, it is
stationary and the catch f moves up to and bears upon it. The catch fis fitted
in a recess cut in the breech-piece in position between the two barrels, it is
mounted on an axis s passing quite through the breech; on the one end is a
hand lever t by which the catch fis operated, and on each end are horns or
arms u taking upon the cocks of both barrels. The action is this:-The free
end of the lever t is depressed by the thumb of the right hand to the position
shown dotted; this withdraws the catch f from piece d, the horns u at same
time half cocking the haminers. The barrels, when released, at once prepon-
derate at the muzzle and oscillate to the inclined position shown and leave the
breech ends open and free for the withdrawal of the exploded cartridge case
and for the introduction of another. The cartridge case is easily withdrawn
from the barrels as it is partially effected by the cock bearing on the percussion
pin while the barrels oscillate on the pin r. When the barrels are returned
to position they are fixed by the barrel lever and catch f, which, even if in-
advertently imperfectly performed, is rendered secure and certain before the
explosion by the cock striking on horns u in the act of firing. By this
arrangement a bar or other suitable lock may be used instead of the lock
action before represented.
Fig. 6 represents a longitudinal section of a double gun between the
barrels, being a modification in which the barrel slides only, and does not
oscillate, on a pivot. a is the breech frame, through which is a long slot
receiving the part d, forged on the barrels, seen in cross section at Fig. 7; the
part d in this case has a head which is broader than the slot in a in which it
slides and prevents it rising. The part d has the end of a rod v hooked into it,.
by which the barrels are thrust from or drawn towards the breech. The rod v
is connected with an arm w mounted on an axis y passing through the breech.
This axis is furnished with a hand lever z, as before (shown dotted). When
the barrels are brought up to the breech, the rod has a projection 1 upon it:
which enters a recess 2 in the barrels and locks it in position, at same time a
spring catch 3 takes into a similar recess 4 above. In order that the barrels.
may be released by spring 3 a horn 5 is formed on the heel of lever w, which.
lifts the spring 3 at the commencement of movement of lever w from its dotted
position. In order to permit of part d' separating from plate a the slot in
which it moves is enlarged at the forward end, but in that position is pre-

page_text: vented rising unless the cross pin 6 is first removed from the stock. The
barrels are further guided in their sliding action by a rib on the frame entering
a longitudinal groove between the barrels, or vice versa.
.
Fig. 8 represent a modification of the foregoing sliding-barrel gun adapted
for firing with a nipple and cap; it is furnished with a deep breech chamber B,
which may be loaded with cartridge or otherwise in the manner of a muzzle-
loading gun. The sliding of the breech is actuated and controlled precisely as
at Fig. 6, while the other parts of the gun will be readily understood and
require no further description.
Fig. 9 represents a longitudinal section between the barrels, & Fig. 10 a
transverse section, of a double gun the barrel of which is mounted on a fixed
fulcrum, as that at Figs. 4 & 5, and similar to the Lefancheux gun, the barrel
being fixed in position by a rotary cam 7 and hand lever 8, as well understood,
but in which a more perfect method of withdrawing the cartridge case is
provided: For this purpose I mount a lever 9 on a fulcrum 10 in a slot cut
between the barrels. The upper end. of this lever is furnished with a cross
or T head which embraces the two percussion pins or needles, & which stand
immediately behind. When the barrels are opened by their oscillation on the
fulcrum pin the lower end of lever 9 bears against the curved line of the
breech opposed to it, causing it to oscillate &, withdraw the cross head from
the barrels and so partially withdraw the cartridge case, after which the case
could be readily removed by hand. The gun is loaded in the dotted position,
& closed & fixed as well understood, the lever 9 taking up its original position
to again withdraw the succeeding cartridge case. Instead of the lever 9 the
like effect may be produced by spring arms in the form and position of the
Thead, which, when released from the pressure of the breech, projects the
cartridge cases by its action on the pins. When fresh cartridges are inserted
they are forced home and the spring dischargers placed in tension by the
pressure of the breech bearing on them by reason of the oscillation of the
barrels.
Fig. 11 represents a side view of a gun constructed according to my
Invention secured by Letters Patent granted to me and bearing date October
2nd 1852, No 184, in which I apply a picker C; it is jointed to the breech
piece D, which moves out of the line of the barrel as seen; the picker has a
spring which has a tendency to keep it always in the position shown. in line
relatively to the breech piece as shown dotted, but which, when closing the
breech, is pressed close to D when it is down. The rear end of the cartridge
has a hole in it for the needle to enter, which is taken hold of by the picker in
the act of raising the breech D: To ensure this I form the nose of the

page_text: piece. D boffow above the needle hole, as seen in the end view, Fig. 11, which
allows the end of the cartridge to bulge out at that part when the explosion
takes place, and so raises or projects the upper edge of the needle hole so that
the picker is sure to take hold of it. In double guns this breech-piece and
picker would, of course, come out sideways with the cartridge instead of.
upwards, as seen in the Drawings.
The last part of my Invention is represented in Figs. 12, 13, & 14, and
is on the principle of a gun represented in Fig. 11, that is to say, the breech
is first screwed back in order to withdraw it sideways, but in this case it only
moves out sufficient to clear the barrel in order to load. Fig. 12 represents>
the breech so disposed with reference to the barrels and breech frame; while
Figs. 13 & 14 are central longitudinal sections at right angles to each other.
E is a female screw, the rotation of which in the breech causes it to be forced
up to or otherwise withdrawn from the barrel; the breech chamber F is
pivotted in the ferrule piece E, in which it has the limited amount of
oscillation necessary to incline the breech chamber slightly from the line of the
barrel to permit of loading. This gun is fired by a percussion cap placed on
the nipple G, screwed into the end of F, unto which the charge chamber
communicates it, terminating in a small passage leading thereto, and as
seen.
Having described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of per-
forming the same, I declare that what I claim as my Invention to be
protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is
1st, the arrangement and combination of parts of a gun represented in
Figs. 1, 2, & 3, as & for the purposes herein-before described.
2ndly, the arrangement and combination of the parts of the gun represented
in Figs. 4 & 5, as and for the purposes herein-before described.
3rdly, the arrangement & combination of the parts of the gun represented
in Figs. 6 & 7, as and for purposes herein-before described, as also the modi-
fication thereof represented in Fig. 8.
4thly, I claim the application of the lever and cross head acting on the
percussion pins applied to a gun, such as represented at Figs. 9 & 10, as and
for the purposes herein-before described. I also claim the application of fixed
springs for effecting a like partial withdrawal of the cartridge cases, as herein-
before described.
5thly, I claim the arrangement and application of the breech-piece or
chamber in breech-loading guns, as represented in Figs. 12, 13, & 14 of the.
Drawings hereunto annexed, and I claim the application of the picker C to

page_text: such guns in which the breech rises out as represented in Fig. 11, as and for
the purpose herein-before described.
And, lastly, I claim the manufacture of cartridge cases, the rear part of thick
paper or material, and the fore part of a thin paper or material, and securing
the shot in the end by a ring, all as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Needham, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of November, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.
Witness,
W. CLARK,
Patent Agent,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
JOSEPH NEEDHAM. (L.S.)