IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES OR CHARGES FOR THE SAME, OR FOR ORDNANCE
Year: 1864

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to George Davies, of No. 1, Serle Street,. Lincoln's
Inn, in the County of Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in, the
City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES OR
CHARGES FOR THE SAME, OR FOR ORDNANCE." -A communication from
abroad by William Morgenstern and Barton Howard Jenks, both of the
City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Sealed the 7th October 1864, and dated the 15th July 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Davies at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th.
July 1864.
I, GEORGE DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County
of Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention:
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES OR
CHARGES FOR THE SAME, OR FOR ORDNANCE," (a communication to me from
abroad by William Morgenstern and Barton Howard Jenks, both of the City
of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,) to be
as follows:-
The first part of this Invention relates to a peculiar, simple, and economical
mode of constructing breech-loading fire-arms for the use of the ordinary
metallic cartridges having a head or flange for containing the detonate.
The second part of the Invention relates to certain modifications described

page_text: hereafter of the improved fire-arm, for the purpose of using cartridges of a
peculiar construction.
The third part of the Invention relates to an improvement in cartridges for
fire-arms, and charges for ordnance; the said improvement, which is fully
described hereafter, being such as to insure a more thorough and instantaneous
ignition and consumption of the powder than in cartridges and charges of the
ordinary construction.
The improvements consist, firstly, in a breech arranged to slide from and
towards the open rear of the barrel of a fire-arm in combination with a
hammer and certain devices hereafter described, or equivalent devices, which
form such a connection between the said sliding breech and hammer, that the
latter shall be cocked by and during the manipulation required to effect one
movement of the breech from, and one movement to, the rear of the barrel.
Secondly, in a pin attached to the sliding breech passing through a pro-
jection or projections on the frame, and so arranged as to serve the threefold
purpose of maintaining the breech in its proper vertical position on the frame
forming a guide for the breech, and a central shaft or spindle on which the
breech can be turned to a limited extent.
Thirdly, in a projection formed on the front of the breech, and recessed for
the reception of the body or part of the body, and part of the flange or head
of a metallic cartridge in confbination with a barrel recessed at the rear to
receive the said projection, so that the cartridge may be guided to its proper
position in the bore of the barrel, and so that the spent cartridge may be
withdrawn when the breech and barrel are separated.
Fourthly, in a sliding breech made in two pieces connected together, so
that while both pieces move together longitudinally the front piece with the
cartridge is undisturbed during the lateral turning of the other piece.
Fifthly, in a slot or recess so formed in the under side of the breech, and so
arranged in respect to the projection which holds the cartridge that a portion
of the head of the latter shall be exposed to the action of a hammer hung to
the frame beneath the breech.
Sixthly, in a device described hereafter for assisting to control the hammer.
Seventhly, in a device hereafter explained for raising the hammer.
Eighthly, in a device described hereafter for preventing accidental discharges
of the load prior to the locking of the breech to the frame.
Ninthly, in a certain trigger mechanism for retaining and releasing the lever
through the medium of which the hammer is operated.
Tenthly, in a device for uncocking and cocking the hammer after the breech
piece has been locked to the frame. The upper portion of the hammer fits

page_text: snugly, but so as to move freely in a slot in the frame, and is hung to a pin
which passes through the frame. The front end of the hammer is recessed
for the reception of the end of the main spring, which is secured to the frame
on the under side of the barrel in any convenient manner. A lever is hung
to a pin which passes through two projections on the under side of the frame,
the front forked arm of this lever embracing the hammer, on each side of
which projects a pin, the latter being acted on by the rounded under edges of
the said forked arm of the lever. The long arm of the same lever is curved
and inclined, and passes through a slot in a pendant arm, the end of this arm
of the lever being rounded above and recessed below, and the recessed portion
resting (when the fire-arm is cocked) on the point of a pin which passes
through and is guided by two projections on the under side of the frame, a
trigger passing through an opening in this pin, and bearing with its enlarged
end against the inside of the foremost projection. A coiled spring bears at
one end against the inside of the rear projection, and at the other against a
pin which passes through the pin, on the point of which the end of the lever
rests, and tends to force the latter pin forwards. On the upper edge of the
lever is a projecting lip, by which a recess is formed for the reception of a lip
on the end of another. pendant arm. The portion of the stock under the rea
of the barrel and under the sliding breech is made hollow, so as to inclose the
whole or nearly the whole of the above-described works; the trigger
however projects through an opening in the stock, and is protected by a
suitable guard, in front of which and to suitable projections on the under side
of the stock is hung a lever, to the short arm of which is connected a rod, the
latter passing through an opening in the stock, and being so situated that on
being elevated by the depression of the long arm of the lever last named it
will come in contact with and elevate the under side of the long arm of the
lever which rests on the point of the pin above mentioned.
Eleventhly, the improvements apply to fire-arms for using cartridges of a
peculiar construction, namely, cartridges having at the end a projection con-
taining the detonate, and consists in a recess so formed in a portion of the
sliding breech which enters the bore of the barrel as to contain the part of a
cartridge charged with detonate, and to receive a rod or hammer in the form
of a pin which ignites the detonate.
Twelfthly, in a device hereafter described for operating the pin or hammer
which ignites the detonate.
Thirteenthly, in a certain packing described hereafter for preventing the
escape of the explosive gas at the point where the said pin or hammer enters
the bore of the barrel.

page_text: Fourteenthly, in a packing for checking the escape of gas from between
the barrel and the breech. In this modification the sliding breech is made in
one piece with a plug driven tightly into one end, so as to be a permanent
part of the said breech, beyond which the plug projects into the bore of the
barrel, or the plug may be dispensed with, and the projection for pestrating
the barrel may be a part of the breech. An annular recess is formed in the
front end of the sliding breech, and into this recess is packed a ring of gum
elastic or other suitable material, which when the breech is locked to the frame
is compressed against an annular projection on the end of the barrel, the said
projection entering the above-mentioned annular recess of the breech, and the
gum elastic packing thus forming a bar to the escape of the gas from between
the barrel and breech when the cartridge is discharged. In this modification
a pin forms the hammer for striking the charged projection of the cartridge,
this pin passing through the frame into the bore of the barrel, or rather into
a chamber formed within the bore by a recess made in that portion of the
breech which penetrates the barrel. A circular recess is formed in the under
side of the frame and round the pin, and this recess contains a washer of gum
elastic or other suitable material between two metal washers, and the whole
being confined within the said recess by a screw plug. The elastic washer
tightly embracing the pin prevents any escape of gas at the opening through
which the pin passes. The short arm of a lever passes through an opening at
the lower end of the pin, and against the latter or against the arm bears a
suitable spring attached to the frame, or to the under side of the barrel. This
long arm of the lever passes through a slot in a pendant arm, and is so bent
and inclined that on moving back the breech, and with it the said arm, the
long arm of the lever will be raised, and its end made to take its place on the
point of the pin, which in this instance is acted on by a curved spring. The
sliding breech is provided with a slot and recesses, and is locked to the barrel
by being turned laterally; in fact, the sliding breech, the pendant arm, the
lever, and the trigger arrangement are substantially the same in construction
and operation as those above described.
Fifteenthly, in a cartridge for fire-arms or charge for ordnance containing
a mass of powder, through or nearly through which pass one or more openings
communicating with a chamber containing the detonate, or with other source
of ignition, so that the flame may be projected into the said opening or
openings, and thus insure the instantaneous explosion and consumption of
the whole mass of powder:

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Davies in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th
January 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said George Davies, Her special licence that I, the said George Davies, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said George
Davies, 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 OR CHARGES FOR THE SAME, OR FOR ORDNANCE," (a
communication to me from abroad by William Morgenstern and Barton
Howard Jeuks, both of the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania,“
United States of America,) upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said George Davies, 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.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Davies, do hereby declare
the nature of the 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 in writing, and on reference to the accompanying Sheet of Drawings,
that is to say:-
The first part of this Invention relates to a peculiar, simple, and economical
mode of constructing breech-loading fire-arms for the use of the ordinary
metallic cartridges, having a head or flange for containing the detonate.
The second part of the Invention relates to certain modifications described

page_text: hereafter, of the improved fire-arm, for the purpose of using cartridges of a
peculiar construction.
The third part of the Invention relates to an improvement in cartridges for
fire-arms, and charges for ordnance; the said improvement, which is fully
described hereafter, being such as to insure a more thorough and instantaneous
ignition and consumption of the powders than in cartridges and charges of the
ordinary construction.
The improvements consist, firstly, in a breech arranged to slide from and
towards the open rear of the barrel of a fire-arm in combination with a hammer
and certain devices herein-after described, or equivalent devices, which form
such a connection between the said sliding breech and hammer, that the latter
shall be cocked by and during. the manipulation required to effect one move-
ment of the breech from and one movement to the rear of the barrel.
Secondly, in a pin attached to the sliding breech passing through a projection
or projections on the frame, and otherwise arranged substantially as described
hereafter, so as to serve the threefold purpose of maintaining the breech in its
proper vertical position on the frame, forming a guide for the breech and a
central shaft or spindle, on which it can be turned to a limited extent.
Thirdly, in a projection of peculiar construction formed on the breech and
arranged for the reception of a metallic cartridge in combination with a barrel
recessed to receive the said projection, all substantially as described hereafter,
so that the cartridge may be guided to its proper position in the bore of the
barrel, and so that the spent cartridge may be withdrawn when the breech
and barrel are separated.
Fourthly, in a sliding breech made in two pieces connected together,
substantially as described hereafter, so that while both pieces move together
longitudinally, the front piece with the cartridge is undisturbed during the
lateral turning of the other piece.
Fifthly, in a slot or recess so formed in the under side of the breech, and so
arranged in respect to the projection which holds the cartridge, that a portion
of the head of the latter shall be exposed to the action of a hammer hung to
the frame beneath the breech.
Sixthly, in a device derscribed herafter for assisting to control the
hammer.
Seventhly, in a device hereafter explained for raising the hammer.
Eighthly, in a device described hereafter for preventing accidental discharges
of the load prior to the locking of the breech to the frame.
Ninthly, in a certain trigger mechanism for retaining and releasing the lever
through the medium of which the hammer is operated.

page_text: Tenthly, in a device for uncocking and cocking the hammer after the breech
piece has been locked to the frame.
Eleventhly, in a recess so formed in a portion of the sliding breech, which
enters the bore of the barrel, as to contain part of a cartridge charged with
detonate, and to receive a rod or hammer which ignites the detonate, as
described hereafter.
Twelfthly, in a device for operating the said pin or hammer.
Thirteenthly, in a certain packing described hereafter, for preventing the
escape of the explosive gas at the point where the said pin or hammer enters
the bore of the barrel.
Fourteenthly, in a packing for checking the escape of gas from between the
barrel and the breech.
Fifteenthly, in a cartridge for fire-arms or charge for ordnance, containing
a mass of powder through a nearly through which pass one or more openings
communicating with a chamber containing the detonate, or with other source
of ignition, so that the flame may be projected into the said opening or
openings and insure the instantaneous explosion and consumption of the
whole mass of powder.
Such being the nature and object of the said Invention for "Improvements
in Breech-loading Fire-arms, and in Cartridges or Charges for the same, or
for Ordnance," I will now proceed to describe more in detail the manner
in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical
effect. And in order that the same may be distinctly understood I have
annexed hereunto a Sheet of Drawings illustrative thereof, and have marked
the same with figures and letters of reference corresponding with those in
the following explanation thereof, that is to say :-
On reference to the accompanying Drawing, Figure 1 is a longitudinal
section of as much of the breech-loading fire-arm as will suffice to illustrate
the improvements when adapted to the use of metallic cartridges, the breech
in this view being shown as moved back from the rear of the barrel; Figure 2
the same as Figure 1, with the breech in contact with the rear of the barrel.
Figure 3, a transverse section on the line 1-2, Figure 2, looking in the
direction of the arrow X; Figure 4 a transverse section on the line 8-4,
Figure 2, looking in the same direction; Figure 5 a transverse section on the
line 5-6, Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrow y; Figure 6 an
inverted plan view of the breech.
Figure 7, a longitudiual section of part of the fire-arm, illustrating the
improvements as adapted to the use of cartridges of peculiar construction;

page_text: Figure 8, a transverse section on the line 5-6, Figure 7; Figure 9, an
inverted plan view of the breech, shown in Figure 7.
Figure 10, a sectional view of the improved cartridge, drawn to an enlarged
scale.
On reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, A represents the rear portion
of the barrel; B, a portion of the stock; and C, the sliding breech of the
fire arm; D is what may be termed the frame, and is secured to or forms a
part of the barrel, from the rear of which it is continued to the termination d,
which is secured by a screw a, to the stock B, the front end of the latter being
also secured to the barrel or frame in the usual manner. Throughout the
greater portion of its length the frame D is hollowed out, as best observed
on reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5, so as to be adapted to the reception of
the cylindrical sliding breech C, which fits snugly, but so as to be moved to
and fro and turned laterally to a limited extent in the said frame.
In the present instance the sliding breech consists of two pieces C and C', a
portion of the latter fitting into the former as seen in Figures 1 and 2. A pin L
passes through the closed rear of the piece C, and through a projection 9 on
the frame, the end of the pin being screwed into the piece C', which is thus
secured to the piece C, not so tightly, however, as to prevent the piece C from
being turned laterally to a limited extent, without disturbing the lateral
position of the piece C', there being in the under side of the latter piece a
longitudinal slot u (see Figure 6) for the reception of a projection v on the
frame. The portion C of the sliding breech is made hollow between its two
closed ends, and in the under side of the breech is a longitudinal slot 10,
two recesses 7 and 8 being formed on one edge of this slot, as seen in Figure 6
for the purpose described hereafter.
The projection 9 (Figures 1 and 2) fits snugly into the slot 10 of the sliding
breech, as also does the pendant arm J, which is hung loosely to the pin L,
and projects through and is guided by a longitudinal slot h in the frame D.
Another pendant arm K is also hung to the pin L, but is so adapted to the
sliding breech as to turn with the latter, while the lateral position of the arm J
is not (as before remarked) disturbed by the partial turning of the breech.
When the sliding breech is moved forward, so as to be in contact with the
ear of the barrel, as seen in Figure 2, the portion C of the said breech can
be turned laterally to a limited extent, by means of the handle N or other
suitable appliances, and when thus partially turned, a portion of the pendant
arm occupies a position in the recess 7 of the breech, and a portion of the
projection 9 of the frame D takes its place in the recess 8 (Figure 6). The

page_text: breech is thus so firmly locked to the frame as to resist the reacting force
which takes place on the discharge of the cartridge. When the breech has to
be moved from the rear of the barrel, it is necessary in the first instance to
turn the portion C of the breech back laterally, thereby withdrawing the
recessed edge of the slot 10 away from the pendant arm J, and from the
projection 9, and consequently unlocking the breech from the frame, when the
former is at liberty to be moved back along the latter to the position seen in
Figure 1.
serves as a guide
On withdrawing
each other, and
The portion C'
It will be observed that the sliding breech is maintained in its proper
vertical position on the frame D by the pin L, which also
for the breech, and as a central spindle on which it turns.
this pin the two portions of the breech can be separated from
from the frame, as well as from the pendant. arms J and K.
of the sliding breech termininates at the front in the projection 4, which con-
sists of the section of a hollow cylinder, so cut away as to leave the two
inclined edges 2, which, when the breech is in contact with the barrel, coincide
with the inclined edges 3 formed on the said barrel, by cutting away the rear
of the latter from the under side; in other words the. projection 4 is formed
to fit snugly and accurately in the recess at the rear of the barrel, and when
thus fitting, it may be said to form a portion of the barrel, the concavity of the
projection forming a continuation of the bore. In the upper surface and at
the rear of the projection 4 of the portion C¹ of the sliding breech is formed a
semi-annular recess for the reception of a portion of the head or flange of the
metallic cartridge M, the body of the latter resting in the concavity of the said
projection 4 (see dotted lines Figure 1), and the longitudinal slot u is so
formed, and made of such a depth, as to communicate with the semi-annular
recess at one point, thereby allowing for the free operation of the hammer F,
which, when released, strikes at its upper corner against that portion of the
flange of the cartridge which projects through the above-mentioned semi-
annular recess into the slot u of the breech. The upper portion of the
hammer F fits snugly, but so as to move freely in a slot i in the frame, and is
hung to a pin j, which passes through the frame D. The front end of the
hammer F is recessed for the reception of the end of the spring G, which is
secured to the frame on the under side of the barrel in any convenient manner.
A lever E is hung to a pin e, which passes through two projections m, m, on
the under side of the frame; the front forked arm of this lever embracing the
hammer F, on each side of which projects a pin k, the latter being acted on by
the rounded under edges of the said forked arm of the lever. The long arm
of the lever E is curved and inclined, as shewn in the Drawing, and passes

page_text: through a slot w in the pendant arm J; the end of this arm of the lever being
rounded above and recessed below, and the recessed portion resting (when the
fire-arm is cocked) on the point of a pin I, which passes through and is
guided by the two projections n and n¹ on the under side of the frame D, a
trigger H passing through an opening in this pin, and bearing with its enlarged
end against the inside of the projection n. A coiled spring p bears at one end
against the inside of the projection n', and at the other against a pin q,. which
passes through the pin I, and tends to force the latter forwards. On the upper
edge of the lever E is a projecting lip e', by which a recess is formed for the
reception of a lip t on the end of the pendant arm K. The portion of the
stock B under the rear of the barrel, and under the sliding breech is made
hollow, so as to enclose the whole or nearly the whole of the above-described
works. The trigger H, however, projects through an opening in the stock,
and is protected by a suitable guard 14, in front of which, and to suitable
projections 12; on the under side of the stock is hung a lever P to the short
arm of which is connected a rod 15, the latter passing through an opening in
the stock, and being so situated that on being elevated by the depression of
the long arm of the lever P it will come in contact with and elevate the
under side of the long arm of the lever E...
occupies a position in the recess
Although the said lever may be
I by means of the trigger H, it
The operation is as follows:--Let us suppose, in the first place, that the
several parts above described are in the relative position shown in Figure 2,
that is to say, that the sliding breech has been moved forward until its front
end is in contact with the rear end of the barrel, that the breech has not been
turned laterally, or in other words, not locked to the frame, that the long arm
of the lever E is elevated and rests on the point of the pin I, that the hammer
is moved back, that the cartridge M is inclosed partly by the rear of the
barrel, and partly by the projection 4 of the portion C¹ of the breech, and that
the lipt at the end of the pendant arm K
formed by the projection e¹ of the lever E.
accidentally released on drawing back the pin
is so held by the arm K that it cannot be moved by the spring. G, which is
thus prevented from causing the hammer F to strike the flange of the metallic
cartridge until the sliding breech by being turned laterally is securely locked
to the projection 9, which now projects into the recess 8 of the breech. As
the pendant arm K moves laterally with the turning of the breech and away
from the lever E the latter is released, so that on pulling the trigger H the
lever E ceases to be a bar to the action of the spring, which causes the
hammer F to strike the flange of the cartridge, thereby exploding the detonate
therein and discharging the load. It will be seen therefore that until the

page_text: sliding breech is locked and in a condition to resist the reacting force of the
explosion of the cartridge, no premature discharge can take place. When
the spent cartridge has to be withdrawn and another cartridge introduced into
the bow of the barrel, the breech piece is in the first instance unlocked from
the frame by turning it back laterally, and is then pulled back to the position
shown in Figure 1.
On thus moving the sliding breech back the pendant arm J accompanying
the breech so acts on the under side of the inclined long arm of the lever E
as to elevate the same, its rounded end coming in contact with the inclined
end of the pin I, and forcing the same back until the end of the lever has
passed the point of the pin, when the latter through the action of the spring P
is instantly projected forward, its point being immediately beneath the end of
the lever. On raising the long arm of the lever E, the short forked arm is
depressed, and acting on the pins k turns the hammer E back, and its upper
corner away from the head of the cartridge to the position shown in Figures 1
and 2, where it remains as long as the lever E is held by the pin I.
As a portion of the head or flange of the cartridge is contained within the
semi-annular recess of the portion C¹ of the sliding breech, it will be evident
that on drawing the latter back the spent cartridge must be withdrawn from
the barrel, after which it can be readily removed from the projection 4 of the
sliding breech to make way for a new cartridge. When the sliding breech
and the pendant arms J and K are again, moved forward, the arm J, owing to
the inclination of the long arm of the lever, ceases to support the latter which
rests on the point of the pin I, and when the breach, has been moved to the
limit of its forward movement, as seen in Figure 2, the lip t of the arm K
again takes its place in the recess formed in the lever E by the lip e¹, and there
remains holding the lever until the breech by the lateral movement described
above is locked to the frame, when the fire-arm is in a condition to have its
load discharged by the pulling of the trigger and the consequent action of
the above described operating parts.
When the fire-arm has been loaded and its immediate discharge is not
necessary, it would be unsafe to carry it or move it about when the breech is
locked, as a slight movement of the trigger might cause an unpremeditated
discharge of the load, and to leave the breech unlocked when the loaded fire-
arm is carried about would be equally unsafe. When the loaded fire-arm is
not required for immediate use therefore the long arm of the lever P is
depressed, and the bar 15 thereby elevated until it is in contact with the
under side of the long arm of the lever E, where it is held while the trigger
is pulled and the lever E released, when by the proper handling of the lever P.

page_text: the long arm of the lever E is permitted gradually to fall through the action
of the spring G, and the hammer is thus brought gently into contact with the
head of the cartridge. The loaded arm is then in a condition to be moved
about and handled even roughly without danger of a premature explosion.
When the fire-arm has to be used all that is necessary is to again depress the
long arm of the lever P, thereby elevating the long arm of the lever E, and
placing it under the control of the pin I and trigger H. It will now be seen
without further description that by and during the backward and forward and
locking movement of the sliding breech, three duties are accomplished,―
First, the withdrawal of the spent cartridge from the bore of the barrel.
Second, the exposure of the rear of the barrel for the ready introduction
therein of a new cartridge.
And, third, the cocking of the hammer.
It will also be seen that the hammer and appliances connected therewith
are inclosed within the stock, and thus protected from injury.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the improvements as applied to fire-arms for
using cartridges of a peculiar construction, namely, cartridges having at the
end a projection containing the detonate. In this modification the sliding
breech C is made in one piece with a plug C driven tightly into one end, so as
to be a permanent part of the said breech beyond which the plug projects into
the bore of the barrel, as seen in Figure 7, or the plug may be dispensed with
and the projection for penetrating the barrel may be a part of the breech.
An annular recess is formed in the front end of the sliding breech, and into
this recess is packed a ring of gum elastic or other suitable material 19, which
when the breech is locked to the frame is compressed against an annular
projection on the end of the barrel, the said projection entering the above-
mentioned annular recess of the breech and the gum elastic packing, thus
forming a bar to the escape of the gas from between the barrel and breech
when the cartridge is discharged. In this modification a pin 15 forms the
hammer for striking the charged projection of the cartridge; this pin passing
through the frame D into the bore of the barrel, or rather into a chamber
formed within the bore by a recess 20 made in that portion of the breech
which penetrates the barrel. A circular recess is formed in the under side of
the frame and round the pin, and this recess contains a washer of gum elastic
or other suitable material 18 between two metal washers 17 and 17, the
whole being confined within the said recess by a screw plug 16. The elastic
washer tightly embracing the pin 15 prevents any escape of gas at the opening
through which the pin passes. The short arm of the lever E passes through
an opening at the lower end of the pin, and against the latter or against the

page_text: arm bears a suitable spring G attached to the frame, or to the under side
of the barrel. The long arm of the lever E passes through a shot win.
the pendant arm and is so, bent and inclined that on moving back the
breech C and with it the said arm J, the long arm of the lever will be raised,
and its end made to take its place on the point of the pin I, which in this
instance is acted on by the curved spring 14. The sliding breech is provided
with a slot 10 and recess 7 and 8 (Figure 9), and is locked to the barrel by
being turned laterally, in fact the sliding breech, the pendant arm J, the
lever E, and the trigger arrangement, are substantially the same in con-
struction and operation as those above described in reference to Figures 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 and 6. When the breech in Figure 7 has been moved forward and
locked, the lever E is under the control of the pin I, so that the moment the
latter is drawn back by means of the trigger H, the spring G acting on the
under side of the pin 15 forces the same suddenly upwards, and causes it to
strike and crush the charged projection 24 of the cartridge against the end of
the recess 20 in the front of the breech, and consequently to explode the
charge.
The improvements in cartridges and charges for ordnance are illustrated in
the enlarged sectional view Figure 10, in which 21 represents the bullet, 22
the charge of powder, 25 a wad closing the rear of the cartridge, 24 a cap
charged with detonate, and 26 the outer covering of the cartridge.
In cartridges and charges for ordnance as hitherto constructed, the mass of
powder is ignited at one point only, so that time is consumed before the entire
charge is ignited throughout; although the lapse of time which ensues
between the ignition of the powder in an ordinary cartridge and the discharge
of the same is too momentary to be noticed in arms of small calibre, its
occurrence is certain; aud its tendency to detract from accuracy of aim will be
acknowledged.
In the improved cartridge, Figure 10, there is an opening 23 through the
change of powder, and this opening communicates with the detonate in the
projection 24 so that on striking this projection the flame will be forced into
the opening, and the whole interior of the charge of powder will be exposed
to its action a more instantaneous ignition of the powder. and consequently a
more instantaneous discharge of the projectile will take place, than when the
powder is ignited at one point only. It has been ascertained, by a series of
careful experiments that projectiles discharged from the barrel of a fire-arm or.
from the bores of ordnance by powder suddenly ignited throughout, as in the
improved cartridge has a longer range and is more effective than when dis-
charged by powder ignited at one point. In the present instance the powder

page_text: in the cartridge is reduced to a hard and compact mass by the use of collodion
so that the opening 23 may be clear and uninterrupted,
The projection 24 consists of a simple metal case similar to an ordinary gun
cap, and is charged with detonate, the case being inserted through an opening
in the wad 25, from which it cannot be readily withdrawn owing to the flanges
formed on the edge of the case. The projectile, powder, and wad are con-
nected by pasting over them a cover 26 of cloth or other suitable material as
seen in the Drawing.
It will be evident to those familiar with the construction of fire-arms and
ammunition that many of the above described parts may be altered in form
and arrangement without departing from the main features of the Invention,
and that the improvement in cartridges may be carried out without adhering
to the cloth cover, wad 25 or projection 24 as illustrated in Figure 10, for
instance more than one opening may be made through or nearly through the
powder, and transverse or other openings may be made to communicate with
the chamber containing the detonate, or this portion of the Invention may be
applied to an ordinary metallic cartridge, openings in the powder being made
to communicate with the annular chamber containing the detonate.
This portion of the Invention may be also applied with advantageous results
to the charges used in ordnance.
Having now particularly described the nature and object of the said Inven-
tion for "Improvements in Breech-loading Fire-arms and in Cartridges or
Charges for the same or for Ordnance," together with the manner in which the
sanie is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would remark
in conclusion that I claim,-
Firstly, a breech arranged to slide from and towards the open rear of the
barrel of a fire-arm in combination with a hammer and the devices herein de-
scribed, or equivalent devices, forming such a connection between the said
breech and the hammer that the latter shall be cocked by and during the
manipulation required to effect one movement of the breech form, and one
movement to, the rear of the barrel.
Secondly, the pin L attached to the sliding breech and passing through a
projection or projections on the frame, and otherwise arranged substantially as
herein set forth, so as to serve the threefold purpose of maintaining the said
breech in its proper vertical position forming a guide for the same, and a cen-
tral shaft or spindle on which the breech turns.
Thirdly, a projection 4 formed on the front of the breech of a fire-arm for
the reception of the body or portion of the body and part of the flange or
head of a metallic cartridge in combination with a barrel recessed or cut away

page_text: at the rear to receive and fit to the said projection, all substantially as herein-
before described for the purposes specified.
Fourthly, the sliding breech made in two pieces C and C', so connected
together and so adapted to the frame of a breech-loading fire-arm that while
one cannot be moved longitudinally on the said frame without the other, the
piece C can be turned to a limited extent laterally, without disturbing the
lateral position of the piece C¹ as herein set forth.
Fifthly, a slot or recess u so formed inthe breech and so arranged in relation
to the recessed projection 4 that a portion of the head of the metallic cartridge
shall be accessible to a hammer hung beneath the breech.
Sixthly, a hammer F, with a pin or pins k, or their equivalents, the spring
G or other appropriate spring, the lever E, pin I, and trigger H, or other.
analogous devices for retaining and releasing the said lever the whole being
arranged on a fire-arm and operating substantially as set forth.
Seventhly, the pendant arm J so connected to the sliding breech, or to the
pin L, that it can move longitudinally, but not turn laterally with the said
breech, in combination with the inclined arm of the lever E.
Eighthly, the arm K attached to or forming a part of and arranged to move
laterally and longitudinally with the sliding breech in combination with the
lever E, when the latter and the said arm K are so constructed and so arranged
in respect to each other that the said lever E is held stationary until the breech
is locked to the frame.
Ninthly, the pin I arranged to slide in the projections n and n¹ of the frame
D, the spring n and trigger H, the whole being constructed, arranged in
respect to the lever E, and operating substantially as set forth for the purpose
described.
Tenthly, the lever 13, and bar 15, or their equivalents, arranged in respect
to the lever E, and operating substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
Eleventhly, the recess 20 50 formed in the portion of the breech which
enters the barrel as to contain part of the cartridge charged with detonate,
when the breech is in contact with the barrel, and to receive a rod 15 or its
equivalent, for striking the said portion of the cartridge and igniting the
detonate, all substantially as herein described and as illustrated in Figures
7 and 9 of the Drawing.
Twelfthly, the combination of the pin 15 with the lever E and the spring G,
or its equivalent, the whole being arranged beneath the barrel and sliding breech,
and operating substantially as herein described, and as illustrated in Figure 7
of the Drawing.

page_text: Thirteenthly, the combination of the pin 15, and elastic washer 18 sur-.
rounding the pin, the said washer being confined within a chamber. by a screw
plug 16 or its equivalent, all substantially as set forth.
Fourteenthly, a packing 19 of gum elastic or other suitable material con-
tained within an annular recess, in the end of the breech or end of the barrel
and forming a bar to the escape of gas when the load is discharged.
Fifteenthly, a cartridge for fire-arms or charge for ordnance, containing
mass of powder, through, or nearly through which pass one or more openings
communicating with a chamber containing the detonate or with other source
of ignition, so that the flame may be projected into the said opening or openings
and ensure instantaneous explosion and consumption of the whole mass of
powder.
In witness whereof, I, the said. George Davies, have hereunto set.
my hand. and seal, this Fourteenth day of January in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
GEORGE DAVIES.
(L.B.)