IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, AND IN APPARATUS FOR FILLING THE SAME
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn
Fields, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, AND IN
APPARATUS FOR FILLING THE SAME."-A communication from abroad by
General Hiram Berdan, of Paris, in the Empire of France.
Sealed the 2nd November 1869, and dated the 18th May 1869.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 18th May 1869, pursuant to the 9th Section
of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Mid-
dlesex, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
FIRE-ARMS AND IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, AND IN APPARATUS FOR FILLING THE
SAME," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant unto me, my executors,
[Price Sd.]

page_text: administrators, and assigns. Her Royal Letters Patent for the same, and
have made solemn Declaration that the same is a communication to
me from abroad by General Hiram Berdan, of Paris, in the Empire of
France.
NOW KNOW YE. that 1, the said John Henry Johnson, 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
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the breech-loading
firearms for which Letters Patent was granted to William Edward
Newton on my behalf, bearing date on or about the Ninth day of April
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, No. 1200,
The accompanying Sheets of Drawings illustrate a breech-loader con-
taining the further improvements above referred to, and also illustrate
the improvements in metallic cartridges.
Figure (Sheet 1) represents a side elevation of the improved breech-
loader; Figure 2 is a plan of the same; Figure 3 is a side elevation of
the muzzle end of the barrel showing the respective positions of the
bayonet and barrel; Figure 4 is a back elevation of the same; Figure 5
represents the mode of construction of the improved cartridge; Figure 6
is an end view of the cleaner; Figure 7 is a side elevation of the same;
and Figure S is an end view of the rifled barrel.
Figure 9 (Street 2) is a longitudinal vertical section of the breech-
loader taken along the centre line of the barrel; Figure 10 is a horizontal
longitudinal section shewing in plan view the grooves formed in the
rear end of the sliding breech; Figure 1.1 is a longitudinal section of the
arm showing the moveable breech or bolt in elevation and in its open or
backward position, also the elevation sight in side and face view;
Figure 12 is a transverse section taken along the line 1, 2, in Figure 9;
Figure 1 is a similar section taken along the line 3, 4; Figure 14 is a
vertical section of the apparatus employed in making the improved
cartridges; and Figure 15 is an external elevation of the same.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the
Creading Figures

page_text: As will be seen on referring to the Drawings annexed the open part of
the breech A which receives the cartridge is provided at its lower part
with a cavity d in which the dirt and dust may be received, which
without this provision would be liable to interfere with the proper action
of the different parts of the mechanism. The extreme faces of this
receptacle are provided at ƒ and g with two inclined planes, the use of
which will be herein-after described. It may be remarked also that the
closing projection b of the moveable breech C is on the one hand
prolonged in front sufliciently far to afford space for the screw R which
secures the cartridge extractor above the hook of the latter, and on the
other hand to form a stop for the bolt, which stop shall come in contact
with the fixed breech when this bolt is pushed forward. The long collar
or socket D which encloses the bolt C is shown of sufficient length to
enable the spring H of the striker to be long enough to ensure a regular
and certain action.
works.
"
One essential feature of this Invention consists in the peculiar arrange-
ment of the trigger mechanism, which consists of such a combination of
levers that the pressure exerted by the finger on the trigger . does not,
as hitherto, involve a powerful friction against the holt. To obviate this
defect the trigger spring M operates on the end of the shorter arm of
the trigger, which in its turn transmits its action to the shorter arms of
the curved tumbler or lever N. This lever is so constructed as never
to miss entering to the bottom of the full-cock bent or notch m during
the forward movement of the latter by reason of the end t of the
tumbler N being situate above the axis on which the lever itself
Care has also been taken to provide the half-cock bent or
notch with a heel, which prevents the end of the tumbler" or
lever N from being disengaged therefrom by any manipulation of the
trigger L.
The rib or projection in which are formed the bents m
and is cut with an inclined surface, so as to ensure the free play of
the bolt C and the entrance of the point t into the bents. i, j, k, l,
Figure 10) are grooves made in the top of the bolt C, and surrounding
a projection ', in which grooves engages a stud o lixed to the long collar
or socket D. By combining this arrangement with the heel in the half-
cock hent n," the bolt C and the trigger mechanism are always
rendered fixed when at half-cock. To the under side of the fixed breech
piece A there is fixed a blade spring O, which at one end terminates in a
rurved surface P intended to facilitate the automatic introduction of the
cartridge into the arm, whilst the other extremity of the spring tends

page_text: constantly to elevate the piece Q, which is provided with projections u
and ; the projection (as will be seen on referring to Figures 9 and 11
on Sheet 2) is intended to restrict or limit the recoil of the bolt C by
entering a notch a formed on the under side thereof behind the enlarged
extremity K; thus it is simply requisite to press upon the end of the
piece Qin order to remove or detach the bolt or sliding breech as well as
the parts connected therewith; the projection serves also by entering
the notch to prevent the bolt C from sliding forward and closing the
breech when the muzzle of the gun is inclined downwards. The second
projection of the piece Q serves as a stop or obstruction to the flange of
the cartridge when it is drawn back by the extractor 1, and thus
facilitates its automatic discharge from the arm. The extractor I
(Figures and 11. Sheet 2) is contained in the closing projection b of
the bolt C. It is maintained in its place by a screw R. against which it
is constantly pressed by a helical spring S disposed at the rear end of the
part b. The dimensions of the chamber which encloses the extractor
are such that the latter may have sufficient play therein to allow it to
seize the flange w of the cartridge when moved forward with the bolt at
the time of closing the breech. In order to keep the catch of the
extractor lowered upon the flange during the whole time of opening
the breech the upper surface of the catch is formed with an inclination z
bearing against the screw R, which thus serves to regulate with accuracy
the position of the extractor in its sheath or chamber. Another inclined
surface causes the extractor to mount over the flange of the cartridge
case Tat the moment. the catch or claw encounters the flange when
forcing the cartridge into the barrel.
1 may remark that the fixed
breech A is provided at f with an incline, which has for its object the
compelling the bolt C to be drawn back slightly at the moment of
opening the breech and during the last portion of the partial rotation
imparted to it by the actuating lever F. By this means considerable
power is obtained in extracting the cartridge case, which by its expansion
on explosion of the charge may probably be firmly secured in the barrel.
The face C of the fixed breech piece is also provided at g with an incline.
which permits of the backward movement of the bolt, and which further
serves for the introduction of the cartridge into the barrel with con-
siderable force at the moment of closing the breech.
Another part of this Invention relates to an improved construction of
elevation sights, and consists in providing the slide m not only with the
usual notch for rapid firing, but also with a small central hole n' for

page_text: taking accurate and deliberate aim. On one of the sides of the frame U
divisions are made corresponding to the ordinary notch, and on the other
side other divisions are provided corresponding to the axis of the hole n'.
These two series of divisions are distinguished by the letters, V and O
marked on the elevation sight itself, the letter Vindicating that the
divisions below it correspond to the V-shaped' notch in the cross sight.,
whilst those underneath the letter O correspond to the round hole, and
thus the soldier is not liable to confuse the two series of divisions when
using the gun. The slide m', contrary to the usual arrangement, is
placed in position from below on the frame. Conjointly with this
elevation sight an adjustable front sight is employed.
The cleaner (Figures 6 and 7), Sheet 1, consists of a piece of brass
drawn to give it elasticity, and slit into four parts forming springs; the
use of this metal, which is softer than that of the barrel, obviates all
chance of injury to the latter by the friction of the cleaner.
An improved mode of fixing the muzzle to the end of the stock is
also introduced. Heretofore a screw has been employed inserted from
the under side of the stock, but this possesses two important disad-
vantages. 1st, that the screw so situate is exposed to continual shocks
from the ramrod when being drawn out, which tend to loosen it; 2ndly.
the screw penetrates only a small thickness of the wood, and has con-
sequently only a small hold.
It is therefore proposed to introduce the
screw Y laterally, by which arrangement it is not subjected to shocks
from the ramrod, and is held by the full width of the stock, and retains
the muzzle securely in its place. The bayonet, as will be seen on
referring to Figures 3 and 4, is in a line with the ramrod.
The attachments or "
capuchines W which connect the barrel with
the stock are provided with the ordinary cars connected by a screw, but
the metal loops which connects the strap for slinging the arm is in this
arrangement connected to the screw by a double claw in such a
manner that it is simply requisite to remove the screw in order to
detach the loop s' and attach it to another capuchine of the gun when it
is desired to change the point of attachment of the sling, either for the
purpose of increasing or reducing its length, and this without operating
upon the sling itself. A small shoulder on each face of the double
claw maintains the loop in its place in a permanent manner when the
screw is screwed home. In this improved arm a species of grooving
is employed in which all the surfaces, both raised and sunk, are con-

page_text: centric with the axis of the barrel, and which is characterised moreover
hy the fact that a very narrow projection in comparison with the width
of the grooves is employed. By reason of this peculiarity, and as the
ball does not generally reach the bottom of the grooves, a very slight
friction is created. The loss of gas, which might escape between the ball
and the grooves, is prevented by the wad, which is placed behind the
all in the cartridge. The grooves are not prolonged as far as the
breech chamber, so that a smooth bore is obtained of sufficient length
to enable the ball to be completely expelled from its socket before
entering the rifle grooves.
The object of this arrangement, which it is proposed to apply to all
breech-loaders receiving metallic cartridges, is as follows:-If the ball
be not exactly and accurately centered in the cartridge, and there does
not exist a certain length of smooth bore in front of it, it naturally,
engages more or less obliquely with the grooves; whereas by the
improved arrangement the direction of the ball is straightened before it
enters the grooves, and moreover as the ends of the grooves do not
terminate suddenly, but run into lengthened inclines, the guiding of
the ball is effectually accomplished. It is more particularly in com-
bination with this smooth portion of the bore that the improved rille
grooves will give the most satisfactory results.
This absence of grooves
in a certain length of bore in front of the chamber tends to facilitate
considerably the transformation of arms using paper cartridges into arms
using metallic ones, it being simply necessary to adjust a piece of metal
to the hinder portion of the barrel without prolonging the grooves into
this piere so far as the chamber, thus avoiding a difficult and expensive
operation.
This Invention also has reference to improvements in the construction
of cartridges for breech-loading fire-arms, which improvements are illus-
trated by Figure 5, Sheet 1, representing an end view and a longitudinal
section of the improved cartridges, also a sectional view detached of the
rear end of the case after the first stamping. To facilitate the intro-
duction of the hall (which is enclosed at its rear portion in an envelope
of paper, so as to form what is known as the "patched bullet") into
the brass case the latter is slightly bored out inside at its front end. In
this way the ball or bullet is easily inserted without tearing the paper
covering, and when inserted the elasticity of the metal holds it securely
in its place.
Care is taken to interpose between the powder and the

page_text: ball a washer of wax, suet, or other fatty matter, or a wad of felt
saturated in fatty matter, or any other wad capable of preventing the
escape of the gases along the rifle grooves. The wad employed is lined
with paper on one face in order to prevent the greasy matter from
coming into actual contact with the powder. In addition to the for-
mation of a tight packing behind the ball by this wad and preventing
the escape of gas when firing, it possesses the further advantage of
lubricating the bore, which is cleaned by the paper covering of the ball
at the next discharge.
In order to facilitate the manufacture of these cartridges a special
tool is employed, represented at Figures 14 and 15 (Sheet 2), consisting
of a cylinder al and a piston or plunger y', which allows of the successive
introduction of the greasy or other wad and the ball, which latter is
forced into the case in a direction perfectly parallel with the axis of the
cartridge. This apparatus may not only be employed in the manufacture
of new cartridges, but may be utilized for refilling empty cases, which in
this system of fire-arm are not often damaged, it therefore constitutes an
indispensable accessory to the improved cartridge, and may be employed
for filling either military or sporting cartridges.
In order to facilitate the withdrawal of the full cartridge from the
cylinder this latter is provided at its lower portion with two notches
or recesses, which enable the cartridge to be seized by its flange and
drawn out of the tool in which it has been filled. In the centre of the
rear end of the cartridge, which may be made in one piece with the case
or made separately and secured by soldering or otherwise to the latter,
there is formed by stamping and in the one piece of metal a cavity
intended to receive the percussion cap or priming, the bottom of which
cavity is forced inwards so as to form a cone, which constitutes the anvil
for taking the blow of the striker upon the cap. Round this anvil are
formed a number of perforations, which afford access for the flame to the
powder, as will be seen on referring to the end view in Figure 5 (Sheet 1).
This cavity is of large diameter, since if made smaller it would be
exceedingly difficult to stamp it, as it ought to have sufficient deptli to
admit of its lower end being forced inwards to form the anvil. This
large diameter, however, of the cavity does not affect injuriously the
action of the cap, as will be seen presently.
In order to form the cavity before referred to in the base of the cart-
ridge, as well as the annular space which surrounds it for holding a ring

page_text: for strengthening the base, the piece of metal of the form represented in
Figure 5 is first obtained, and then by a second stamping the finished
shape is imparted to it shown in the complete sectional view of the
cartridge. In the first stamping care is taken to give to the annular
projection which surrounds the cavity a greater elevation or height than
is required when the same is completed in order that in the second
operation, in which this projection is flattened, a portion of its metal
may serve to improve the central cavity. In the second operation the
projection round the cavity may, if desired, he flattened completely. The
cap w employed in these cartridges is of the same diameter as the cavity,
but on the one hand it is necessary that there be at that part of the cap
which is struck by the striker a thickness of fulminate sufficient to
prevent missfire, whilst on the other hand if a sufficiently thick layer of
the fulminate be deposited over the entire bottom of the cap it would
possess too much explosive force and would have a tendency to deform
the base of the cartridge and to displace the cap, thereby permitting the
gas to escape. The result would therefore not unfrequently be that the
cap would become detached and would fall into the charge chamber at
the moment of opening the breechi. In consequence of these two con-
siderations the fulminate is applied only to the centre of the cap, where
it is subjected to the action of the striker, whilst at the same time foo
great an explosive force is not exerted. It will thus be evident that this
improvement is of very great importance from the fact of its obviating
the objections above referred to.
In manufacturing the caps or primers the fulminate is sometimes
employed in a moist condition, and in order to allow of the water or
alcohol contained therein to evaporate care is taken to leave a small hole
in the thin piece of tinfoil which is placed over the fulminate for the
purpose of keeping it in its place. The under side of the sheets of tinfoil
from which the small perforated dises are cut which are intended to be
placed over the fulminate is varnished before cutting out the disc,
whereby a certain amount of rigidity is imparted to the metal and the
action of the cutting punch is greatly facilitated. Moreover the discs so
varnished on their under side become when inserted into the cap firmly
cemented thereto round their edges by the action of the moisture in
the composition, the interior of the cap being also coated with varnish.
so that the fulminating composition will be securely maintained in
position.

page_text: Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be
used or 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 combination of a sliding bar extractor with the incline in
the fixed breech or receiver for the sliding breech for the purpose of
starting the cartridge case from the chamber by a positive motion in
the act of unlocking the breech-piece, substantially as herein-before
described.
Second. The construction of a chamber or cavity d in the bottom of
the fixed breech, for the purpose herein-before described.
Third. The combination of the long collar or socket D extending
considerably over the rear portion of the sliding breech with the peculiar
trigger mechanism arranged and operating substantially as and for the
purpose herein-before described.
Fourth. The combination of the projection enclosed by the grooves
i, j, k, l, on the bolt C with the stud o fixed on the long collar or socket D,
and with the heel or projection on the half-cock "bent, substantially
as and for the purpose herein-before described.
"
Fifth. The extending of the closing projection b of the sliding breech
beyond the front end of the latter, so that the screw fixed therein may
come above the hook of the cartridge extractor, and that the bolt or
sliding breech may be provided with a stop which strikes against the
fixed breech when the bolt is pushed forward, substantially as herein-
before described.
Sixth. The combination with an extractor contained within the sliding
breech of an arm disposed in the lower portion of the fixed breech for
the purpose of catching and stopping the lower part of the flange of the
empty cartridge case when being drawn out, and thereby facilitating
its automatic removal from the fire-arm, substantially as herein-before
described.
Seventh. The peculiar trigger mechanism so arranged as to afford
suflicient hold on the "bents" whilst having the least possible friction
against the sliding breech, substantially as herein-before described.
Eighth. The peculiar arrangement of "tumbler" N having its point
situate above the plane of the axis upon which it works in order to ensure

page_text: its proper engagement with the bent," substantially as herein-before
described.
Ninth. The application and use of the spring O and guide P for
facilitating the introduction of the cartridge into the barrel, as
herein-before described.
Tenth. The construction of elevation sights wherein a perforation is
made through the sliding cross bar to be used in taking accurate aim, and
the combination thereof with the ordinary V notch for rapid firing and
with two distinct series of divisions marked on the upright of the elevation
sight, substantially as herein-before described.
Eleventh. The placing in position of the slide of the elevation sight
from below, as herein-before described.
Twelfth. The peculiar construction of cleaner composed of drawn
brass and made elastic in lieu of constructing it of cast steel.
Thirteenth. The peculiar hooked metal loop for the attachment of the
sling or carrying strap, as herein-before described.
Fourteenth. The system of rifle grooving wherein the surfaces are
all concentric with the axis of the bore and with narrow projections
between the grooves, as herein-before described and illustrated by the
Drawings.
Fifteenth. The terminating the rille grooves before reaching the
cartridge chamber so as to leave a sufficient length of smooth bore in
front of the chamber to allow the bullet to become disengaged from the
cartridge case before engaging with the rille grooves, substantially as
herein-before described.
"
Sixteenth. The combination of a lubricating wad with a patched
bullet or bullet lapped with paper and a solid brass cartridge case, as
herein-before described.
Seventeenth. The boring out slightly of the interior of the fore part
of the brass cartridge case for the purpose of facilitating the inser-
tion of the bullet without injury to the paper lapping, as herein-before
described.
Eighteenth. The placing the fulminating composition in the centre
only of the cap or primer, for the purpose herein-before described.
Nineteenth. The forming a circular projection round the cavity of the
cartridge by a stamping process and the more or less flattening of such

page_text: circular projection by a second stamping process for the purpose of
improving the cavity and of imparting rigidity to the metal constituting
the base of the cartridge case, substantially as herein-before described.
Twentieth. The strengthening the base of the cartridge by soldering,
as herein-before described. .
Twenty-first. The varnishing the under surface of the tinfoil which is
applied to the varnished surface of the bottom of the cap or primer, for
the purpose herein-before described.
Twenty-second. The perforating the centre of the piece of tinfoil which
covers the fulminating composition for the purpose of allowing of the
free escape or evaporation of the moisture contained therein, as herein-
before described.
Twenty-third. The peculiar instrument or tool for charging cartridges,
as herein-before described.
Twenty-fourth. The connecting the muzzle end of the barrel with the
stock by a screw passing transversely through the stock and part of the
barrel, for the purpose herein-before described.
Twenty-fifth. The combination of a screw passed transversely through
the stock and part of the barrel with the projection on the ramrod, as
herein-before described.
Twenty-sixth. The disposing of the blade of the bayonet in the same
plane with the ramrod in combination with an adjustable sight, as
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this
my Specification set my hand and seal, the Seventeenth day of
May One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)