IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, FORM, AND USE, AND MEANS OF FIRING OF PROJECTILES, AND IN THE CON
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Berney, of Bracon Hall, in the County of
Norfolk, Clerk, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION,
FORM, AND USE, AND MEANS OF FIRING OF PROJECTILES, AND IN THE CON-
Sealed the 16th July 1867, and dated the 26th January 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Berney at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th
January 1867.
J, THOMAS BERNEY, of Bracon Hall, in the County of Norfolk, Clerk, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION, FORM, AND USE, AND MEANS OF FIRING OF PROJECTILES, AND IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND USE AND MEANS OF FIRING OF ORDNANCE AND OTHER ARMS,'
to be as follows:-
This Invention consists, first, in improvements in the construction, form,
and use, and means of firing of projectiles, and, secondly, in " " improve-
ments "in the construction and use of and means of firing of ordnance and
other arms," and consists of several parts both with regard to projectiles and
to ordnance and other arms, which parts or some modification of the same or
of any of them, whether in the construction and forms and use and means of
firing of projectiles, or in the construction or conversion or use and means of
firing of ordnance or other arms, I claim the use of respectively, either at the
same time or at different times with each other, or with some or one of them
A

page_text: or otherwise, or they, or some or one of them may be used separately and
independently of each other.
In making improvements in projectiles which were called Berney cartridges
by a Patent No. 8143, bearing date July 6th, 1839, and in other projectiles,
I use in some cases cast iron, and by preference the spathic or sparry iron
found in the Devonian system in Exmoor Forest and in the Siegen district of
the same system in Germany, and I cast the head and neck of the projectile
of the desired form in metal or other suitable mould; this neck may be solid
or hollow, and about the neck or shoulder of it is placed a band of any suitable
metal, and by preference of steel, in which case it is shrunk on hardened and
tempered, and to this band a spiral or coil of any suitable metal, and by
preference of drawn iron, is affixed by welding, rivetting, or otherwise. In
some cases instead of forming a solid or partially solid head I form a shell or
hollow head of cast metal, to which the shoulder band as before is in some
cases affixed, and in some cases an entire cap of wrought iron or steel or other
metal is used, and to these the spiral or coil is fastened. The form I prefer
for some purposes is an ogival form (but not of my Invention), but for striking
iron armour at an inclination I should use the form contained and specified in
my former Patent consisting of a group of projecting figures of any suitable
form, and by preference of such as have a conical or a conoidal vertical section
enveloping a central conical, or a conoidal, or an ogival figure, either wholly or
in part. This coil may be of one or of more coils, and be returned round the
base of the projectile; but I prefer to use a double coil, and in some cases a
treble or quadruple coil, and to commence to coil at the base of the frame
and in the middle of each length of drawn or other metal required, or in such
manner that the two or more ends of equal length are fastened as before
described or otherwise to the shoulder band or hollow or other head of auy
kind, or in some cases round the neck of the casting or other head. In some
cases the coils are fastened together at the base to themselves, or to a collar
or otherwise; these coils are formed of any suitable sectional form, and by
preference of a round, flattened on one side, in which a groove is formed, or of
a tubular form open along one side, and they are coiled at suitable distances
apart, so as to form a frame capable of retaining more or less as may be
required the balls or bullets or shot to be used with it, or so as to retain them
entirely, and then larger spaces are made near or about or at the base of the
frame, and in some cases about the centre only of the base to allow of their
escape when otherwise liberated. These balls may be of cast iron, of hardened
lead, or other metal or alloy of metals, and for fowling pieces of common lead,
shot, or otherwise, and the interstices between them may be and are by

page_text: preference filled with coal dust or other suitable substitute. This coiled case
so formed is covered with any suitable casing, and in some cases it is by
preference banded with thin metal, but of sufficient substance at the base to
bear the explosion from the gun. This case may be easily constructed so as
to be stripped off, and the escape of the balls, whether rapidly or by slow
degrees so as to attain an extended range, would depend upon the openings,
as before described. These projectiles are particularly applicable also for wild
fowl shooting and other sporting purposes, and for use with rifled arms of all
kinds. The range, however, will be further extended to any practicable
distance by having a stronger case, as before mentioned, to be retained till
torn from it by a bursting or liberating charge to be ignited by a time fuse,.
or by concussion, or otherwise; and for this purpose a sufficient charge of
powder with the time fuse or otherwise to be used is confined in a suitable
tube or otherwise, and is trained by preference along the groove or hollow of
one or more of the coils. Other arrangement may be adopted, but by this
plan the powder cannot be exploded by the action of iron shot. By this
means a very extended range may be attained for it as a single projectile,
which when the case has been torn off by the liberating charge will commence
to disengage the balls it may contain; but (and especially if they be disengaged
at the base of the projectile) with inappreciable centrifugal force at a distance
where a few hundred yards cannot be correctly estimated, and will continue to
do so for a distance varying according to the openings made, each bullet or
other shot it is believed commencing an onward course with the same initial
velocity as the projectile from which it has just been disengaged. A similar
projectile may, when required, be used at close quarters effectively by merely
making an incision through the outer covering into the tube containing the
liberating charge at any of suitable points to be marked on the projectile for
the purpose, so that if requisite the case would be stripped off very shortly
after its leaving the gun. In some cases the liberating charge is to be
ignited by concussion by suitable means on striking the ground, and in such
case it is conceived that instead of its contents being scattered at once, and
pessibly out of range, it would commence to disengage its contents on rebound.
If fired into a wood and the projectile strike timber in such manner that the
coil become drawn out, the contents it is thought would be as it were discharged
as from a gun. The same effect it is conceived would in some cases ensue
when formed with a solid head, as first described for use against ships. Should
the head only of the projectile pierce the side of a ship and the after part
hang in the aperture the coil so made, would, it would seem at least, be drawn,
out at length, and its contents be discharged into the ship; and other forms

page_text: and other arrangements than those above described, whether of the wrought
iron or of the drawn iron, or of the steel, or of the cast head, or of the outer
case, or of the fuse, and liberating charge or other parts above described may
be used in improving the construction, form, and use and means of firing of
Berney and other projectiles for use with ordnance or other arms.
This Invention consists, secondly, in improvements in the construction and
use and means of firing of ordnance and other arms. In constructing breech-
loading ordnance or other arm the opening through the breech end of each
piece is formed by preference of larger dimensions than the bore beyond it
in order to admit a charge or charging hollow metal moveable breech of
considerable strength and of a flange which is intended in most cases to
supercede the use of the ordinary vent piece and other breech stopper (though
in some cases it may be used with it) and against the flange the breech screw
is screwed and supports its base. And here it may be stated, once for all,
to avoid repetition, that I do not confine myself to any particular form,
or size, or substance, or position, or mechanism, or connection with each
other, or means of using or means of firing, in respect either of the charging
instrument, or of the flange, or of the priming and igniting instrument,
or of the apparatus for discharging the gun, or of any fuse carrying or other
projectile before or now to be described, or of any of their parts respectively,
or of any other part of this Invention, nor to any modification of the same
in all or some or any one of them, but I will proceed to describe them, such
as I prefer them to be, and varying according to the size of the guns with
which they may be used. This charging instrument is formed somewhat
conically in order to fit into a conical recess or chamber formed in the breech
of the piece of ordnance or other arm, but no more than is necessary to
admit of its withdrawal easily, and the breech end of the barrel is preferred
to come at least as far back as the base of the flange, and as much further as
desirable for strength, and their internal and external diameter respectively
to be equal and similar to each other so that they fit each other accurately.
This charging instrument is of any suitable metal, but by preference either
of steel or of the gun metal called "sterro metal," or of any good variation
in its component parts, and I fully anticipate the introduction into it of a
larger proportion of best iron, such as the John Knight and Co. iron of
the Cookley Ironworks, near Kidderminster, is made from (which is so
remarkable for its extraordinary toughness) to add to its present great strength
and elasticity. The exterior diameter of the mouth of it is limited to the
depth of the rifle grooves, and the interior diameter of the lip corresponds
with the base end of any projectile to be used with it, so as to enclose a pa

page_text: of it and a suitable wad is placed over the powder charge which it is to
contain. By this means the barrel for the length of the charging instrument
is protected from deteriorating effects of the sulphur which it is believed is
otherwise driven by the explosion into the interstices of the expanded metal
preventing the re-union of its crystals, and the putting of the flannel or other
powder bags into the gun is also avoided, and the danger and expence arising
therefrom, and perhaps also any necessity for sponging out the gun. The
internal diameter of this instrument may in some cases nearly throughout
its length equal that of the bore beyond it, but for the purpose of adding
enormously to the resisting strength of the gun it is preferred to place a
considerable thickness of it within the diameter of the barrel. The base end
of it is made of suitable substance, and the angle is filled up in a curve, and
in the centre is a boss or mound which is flat at the top and a vertical section
of it would present side lines of an ogee form. This acts as a key stone to
an arch and receives the close part of a tubular priming and igniting instrument
which in some cases is preferred to be screwed through the whole substance
of the base, but in some cases only to the depth of the boss, and an ogee
formed flange on it rests upon the flat before mentioned with the diameter
of which it coincides; through the centre of this is a small chamber which
receives the priming and igniting charge, and which may be contained
in a Boxer or other suitable metal percussion cartridge case (not of my
Invention), and also a small fuse carrying projectile. The forward part of this
priming and igniting instrument is an open structure formed. of bars, and by
preference of five, though if the service Boxer cartridge be used six may be
requisite; and they are all of a similar sectional form, namely, that of an ogive
(that is to say of a pointed arch), and which is based upon rather more
than a semicircular arch, and in such manner that the same line would be
tangential to both curves at the point of their meeting. These bars are
arranged with their edges outwards, and around the central line radially
with their central planes at angles of 72° with each other, and at such distance
from it that they form an openwork barrel of pentagonal forin, the inner
diameter of which equals that of the chamber before mentioned, and the space
between each pair of bars is of such size as to exclude the finest of the coarse
powder used with cannon; these bars are connected together at intervals by
pieces or chocks arranged in an annular position about planes at right angles to
the central line, and their transverse section is also of ogival form so as to be
easily moulded, and their inner surfaces form arches from bar to bar. By these
means the fuse carrying projectile when discharged from the chamber before
mentioned by the explosion of the priming and igniting charge is conducted

page_text: through the whole length of the powder chamber of the charging instru-
ment, and the flame of the fuse is enabled in passing to act freely upon the
powder lying between the bars. There are compounds of potassium with
which fibre may be impregnated to form a fuse, and any fuse suitable for the
purpose is included in this proposal, but I prefer to use an elongated bullet to the
base or hollow of which are attached by a ring, and through which are passed
short lengths of steel wire twice, so as to spring out radially or one length
repeatedly, and upon which in either case the usual or any improved kind of
gun cotton has been braided or otherwise secured; and in some cases a net
of fine wire copper being preferred may be fastened to the little projectilo and
be used to contain gun cotton or other suitable combustibles, and is included
in this proposal. By the above means the powder it is believed must be
ignited throughout the length of the charging instrument as nearly as possible
instantaneously, and total combustion of it be ensured within the gun before
the projectile leave it, and so that the action of the whole charge must be
brought to bear upon the projectile at once. The charging instrument
contains the whole charge of powder, and by the diminished diameter of the
powder chamber, and by the partial occupation of it by the priming and
igniting instrument, the powder can no longer lie in such a mass in one spot,
but is extended further forward in diminished diameter, and the barrel is
thereby proportionately relieved, while enormous resisting strength is added to
the gun, as may be perceived by comparing the mean diameter of the substance
of metal placed within the diameter of the barrel in an inverse ratio with that
of a similar substance of the outer part of the gun. This or these instruments
would be found to be a most important addition to guns in which the breech
or breech screw turn out on a hinge or are otherwise removed for loading and
to those which have the ordinary vent piece or other breech stopper; I use
'them also with modification for muzzle-loaders; but this is not all, we
have still to speak of the flange as herein proposed and capable of adjustment
for use with it or otherwise with ordnance of different natures of Her Majesty's
service, and with other arms, and of the apparatus suggested for securing
the necessary impact for discharging the priming charge in the tubular
priming instrument. In some of those guns in which the breech or the
breech screw is entirely withdrawn for the purpose of loading the gun, the
'Hange, which I prefer where suitable to be of ogival internal form of one
diameter, rests upon it when screwed up, but other form may in some cases
be used; but in some of those of a larger nature in which the breech screw
is only partially withdrawn, and the projectile has to be passed through a
central opening in it, the flange is so contrived as to be capable of con-

page_text: traction sufficiently to allow of its being similarly admitted through the
opening together with the charging instrument, or after it, and of extension
to fit the required position in the breech, and is preferred to be of steel.
The means used herewith for the purpose of obtaining the necessary impact
for discharging the priming and igniting charge placed in the tubular priming
instrument, and contained as before said in some cases in a Boxer or other
suitable percussion cartridge (not of my Invention) consists where there is
room of a strong metal main tube having an enlarged end, and a loose collar
fitted with a screw or otherwise, by means of which this main tube is held
securely up to the end of the priming and igniting instrument or the small
chamber which receives it. The other end is supported in some cases of the
smaller nature in the central line by a single standard springing from the
inside of the base of the flange, but in those of a larger nature by a wheel
fitted upon it with two or three or more spokes, so as to act as handles
according to the size of the gun in pressing it, into position, the periphery
being of such size as to fit against the inside of the flange or otherwise act
upon it in either position required, whether contracted or extended, to each
part of which it being suitably connected. This main tube carries an inner
tube containing an horizontal striker, having at its back end an incline formed
thereon against which the incline of another bar when brought into position
rests, which, when struck with force, drives the striker forward, giving the
necessary impact, and passing the incline of the striker bolts it tightly in its
place at the end of the priming instrument. Though other angles might be
The main tube has a suitable
used the angles I prefer are bevels of 45° each.
opening or openings to admit of the insertion into it of the Boxer or other
cartridge used, and of its fall when removed or withdrawn by suitable clams or
by other means. The hammer, and which where there is room may be
the ordinary hammer and lanyard of the sea service guns or other suitable
one, is fixed to the lock tube or otherwise (and which also, in some cases, acts
also as a long nave to the wheel handle), or as may be convenient, but is
capable of any separate adjustment from it, and by preference by a double or
treble screw or other means, and carries in situ under the hammer the outer
or little bar, which has also at its end a flat, and is close to but does not
press upon the main tube; but the tube of the horizontal striker is connected
in some cases to the lock tube through a slot made for the purpose, so that
the inclines of the two bars respectively are always exactly in position the one
over the other. When the lock tube is pushed forward into its place so that
the end of the lock tube slides into the position prepared for it at the loose
collar before mentioned, the cartridge is pressed firmly in the position

page_text: prepared for it in the small chamber, and the little bar is then in a position
coinciding with an opening made for it through the main tube, and being in
position over the incline of the striker is there held by a suitable spring or
otherwise, giving perfect security. The apparatus is arranged in some cases to
be bolted in position, but the little bar is liberated before firing the gun. In
some cases a fuse only is used for exploding the igniting charge and the fuse
carrying projectile; also in the vent piece, where used, the vent holes at
present in use afford the positions preferred for the striker and for the incline
bar; when either from its great weight or from its being used with an usual
vent piece or otherwise the charging instrument is put into the gun separately;
the necessary handle to it is made by forming in some cases an uniform ring
at the base, and by preference next the outer edge. The half on one side is
made to turn out as a handle of any suitable sectional form, and, by pre-
ference, of that of an imperfect square, the angles of the side towards the
centre having been rounded. In order to prevent some effects of vibration
and shock from the discharge upon ordnance and other arms, and also
especially some effect upon small arms and upon the men themselves causing
deviation of the projectile, I turn down a portion of the outside of the
barrel as near to the end as convenient, and, by preference, in rings, so
as to leave proper support to the bayonet handle, and I fill up the space
with lead or alloy of lead or other soft metal; it may be soldered on to the
barrel.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Berney in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th July 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
BERNEY, of Bracon Hall, in the County of Norfolk, Clerk, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Thomas Berney, Her special licence that I, the said Thomas Berney, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thomas
Berney, 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

page_text: vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION,
FORM, AND USE, AND MEANS OF FIRING OF PROJECTILES, AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION
AND USE AND MEANS OF FIRING OF ORDNANCE AND OTHER ARMS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Thomas Berney, my executors or adminis-
trators, 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 Thomas Berney, 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
This Invention consists, first, in the construction, form, and use and means
of firing of projectiles; and, secondly, in the construction and use of and
means of firing of ordnance and other arms, and consists of several parts both
with regard to projectiles and to ordnance and other arms, which parts or
some modification of the same, or of any of them, whether in the construction,
and forms, and use, and means of firing of projectiles, or in the construction,
or conversion; or use, and means of firing of ordnance or other arms, I claim.
the use of respectively, either at the same time or at different times with each
other, or with some or one of them or otherwise, or they, or some or one of
them may be used separately and independently of each other.
In making improvements in projectiles which were called Berney cartridges,
by a Patent No. 8143, bearing date July Sixth, One thousand eight hundred
and thirty-nine, and in other projectiles, I use in some cases cast iron, and,
by preference, the spathic or sparry iron found in the Devonian system in
Exmoor Forest and in the Siegen district of the same system in Germany,
and I cast the head and neck of the projectile of the desired form in metal or
other suitable mould. This neck may be solid or hollow, and about the neck
or shoulder of it is placed a band of any suitable metal, and by preference of
steel, in which case it is shrunk on hardened and tempered, and to this band
a spiral or coil of any suitable metal, and by preference of drawn iron, is
affixed by welding, rivetting, or otherwise. In some cases, instead of forming
a solid or partially solid head, I form a shell or hollow head of cast metal, to
which the shoulder band as before is in some cases affixed, and in some cases
an entire cap of wrought iron or steel or other metal is used, and to these the
spiral or coil fastened. The form. I prefer for some purposes is an ogival,

page_text: form, but not of my Invention; but for striking iron armour at an inclination
I should use the form contained and specified and shewn by Drawings in my
former Patent for improvements in projectiles and ordnance and other arms,
bearing date October 2nd, 1866, and Number 2530, consisting of a group of
projecting figures of any suitable form, and by preference of such as have a
conical or conoidal vertical section enveloping a central, conical, or conoidal or
an ogival figure either wholly or in part. This coil may be of one or of more
coils, and be returned round the base of the projectile,. but I prefer to use a
double coil, and in some cases a treble or quadruple coil, and to commence the
coil at the base of the frame, and in the middle of each length of drawn or
other metal required, or in such manner that the two or more ends of equal
length are fastened, as before described, or otherwise to the shoulder band or
hollow or other head of any kind, or in some cases round the neck of the
casting or other head; in some cases the coils are fastened together at the
base to themselves, or to a collar, or otherwise. These coils are formed of any
suitable sectional form, and by preference of a round, flattened on one side,
in which a groove is formed, or of a tubular form open along one side, and
they are coiled at suitable distances apart so as to form a frame capable of
retaining, more or less as may be required, the balls or bullets or shot to be
used with it, or so as to retain them entirely, and then larger spaces are made
near or about or at the base of the frame, and in some cases about the centre
only of the base to allow of their escape when otherwise liberated. These
balls may be of cast iron, of hardened lead, or other metal or alloy of metals,
and for fowling pieces of common lead, shot, or otherwise, and the interstices
between them may be and are by preference filled with coal dust or other
suitable substitute. This coiled case so formed is covered with any suitable
casing, and in some cases it is by preference banded with thin metal, but of
sufficient substance at the base to bear the explosion from the gun; this case
may be easily constructed so as to be stripped off, and the escape of the balls,
whether rapidly'or by slow degrees so as to attain an extended range, would
depend upon the openings, as before described. These projectiles are par-
ticularly applicable also for wild fowl shooting and other sporting purposes, and.
for use with rifled arms of all kinds, for which purpose they are provided where.
required both on the shoulder of the metal head and on the sides of the metal.
case with studs or other appliances suited to the rifled grooves. The range,
however, will be further extended to any practicable distance by having a
stronger case, as before mentioned, to be retained till torn from it by a
bursting or liberating charge to be ignited by a time fuse, or by concussion or
otherwise, and for this purpose a sufficient charge of powder with the time

page_text: fuse or otherwise to be used is confined in a suitable tube or otherwise, and is
trained by preference along the groove or hollow of one or more of the coils.
Other arrangement may be adopted, but by this plan it is believed the powder
cannot be exploded by the action of iron shot; by this means a very extended
range may be attained for it as a single projectile, which when the case has
been torn off by the liberating charge will commence to disengage the balls it
may contain, but (and especially if they be disengaged at the base of the pro-
jectiles) with inappreciable centrifugal force at a distance where a few
hundred yards cannot be correctly estimated, and will continue to do so for a
distance varying according to the openings madé, each bullet or other shot it
is believed commencing an onward course with the same initial velocity as the
projectile from which it has just been disengaged. A similar projectile may
when required be used at close quarters effectively by merely making an
incision through the outer covering into the tube containing the liberating
charge at any of suitable points which may be marked on the projectile for
the purpose, so that if requisite the case would be stripped off very shortly
after its leaving the gun. In some cases the liberating charge is to be ignited
by concussion by suitable means on striking the ground, and in such case it is
conceived that instead of its contents being scattered at once, and possibly out
of range, it would commence to disengage its contents in rebound. If fired
into a wood and the projectile strike timber in such manner that the coil
become drawn out the contents it is thought would in most cases be as it
were discharged as from a gun; the same effect it is conceived would in some
cases ensue when formed with a solid head, as first described, for use against
ships. Should the head only of the projectile pierce the side of the ship and
the after part hang in the aperture, the coil so made would, it would seem at
least, be drawn out at length, and its contents be discharged into the ship.;
and other forms and other arrangements than those above described, whether
of the wrought iron, or of the drawn iron, or of the steel, or of the cast head;
or of the outer case, or of the fuse and liberating charge, or of other parts,
above described, may be used in improving the construction, form, and use,
and means of firing of Berney and other projectiles for use with ordnance or
'other arms..
This Invention consists, secondly, in the construction and use and means
of firing of ordnance and other arms. In constructing breech-loading ordnance
or other arms the opening through the breech end of each piece is formed
by preference of larger dimensions than the bore beyond it, in order to admit
a charge or charging hollow metal moveable breech of considerable strength
and of a flange which is intended in most cases to supersede the use of the

page_text: ordinary vent piece or other breech stopper (though in some cases it may be
used with it), and against the flange the breech screw is screwed and supports
its base. And here it may be stated, once for all, to avoid repetition, that I do
not confine myself to any particular form or size, or substance, or position, or
mechanism, or connection with each other, or means of using or means of
firing in respect either of the charging instrument or of the flange, or of the
priming and igniting instrument, or of the apparatus for discharging the gun,
or of any fuse carrying or other projectile before or now to be described, or of
any of their parts respectively, or of any other part of this Invention, nor to
any modification of the same in all or some or any one of them, but I will
proceed to describe them such as I prefer them to be, and varying according
to the size of the guns with which they may be used. This charging instru-
ment is formed somewhat conically in order to fit into a conical recess or
chamber formed in the. breech of the piece of ordnance or other arm, but no
more than is necessary to admit of its withdrawal easily, and the breech end
of the barrel is preferred to come at least as far back as the base of the
flange, and as much further as desirable for strength, and their internal and
external diameter respectively to be equal and similar to each other so that they
fit each other accurately. This charging instrument is of any suitable metal,
but by preference either of steel or of the gun metal called "sterro metal," or
of any good variation in its component parts, and I fully anticipate the intro-
duction into it of a larger proportion of best iron, such as the John Knight and
Company's iron of the Cookley Ironworks, near Kidderminster, is made from,
(which is so remarkable for its extraordinary toughness), to add to its present
great strength and elasticity. The exterior diameter of the mouth of it is limited
to the depth of the rifle grooves, and the interior diameter of the lip corresponds
with the base end of any projectile to be used with it, so as to enclose a part
of it, and a suitable wad is placed over the powder charge which it is to
contain. By this means the barrel for the length of the charging instrument
is protected from deteriorating effects of the sulphur, which it is believed is
otherwise driven by the explosion into the interstices of the expanded metal,
preventing the re-union of its crystals, and the putting of the flannel or other
powder bags into the gun is also avoided, and the danger and expense arising
therefrom, and perhaps also any necessity for sponging out the gun. The
internal diameter of this instrument may in some cases nearly throughout its
length equal that of the bore beyond it, but for the purpose of adding
enormously to the resisting strength of the gun it is preferred to place a
considerable thickness of it within the diameter of the barrel. The base
end of it is made of suitable substance, and the angle is filled up in a curve,

page_text: and in the centre is a boss or mound which is flat at the top, and a vertical
section of it would present lines at its side of an ogee forni; this acts as a
keystone to an arch and receives the close part of a tubular priming and
iguiting instrument, which in some cases is preferred to be screwed through
the whole substance of the base, but in some cases only to the depth of the
boss, and an ogee formed flange on it rests upon the flat before mentioned,
with the diameter of which it concides; through the centre of this is a small
chamber which receives the priming and igniting charge, and which may be
contained in a Boxer or other suitable metal percussion cartridge case (not
of my Invention), and also a small fuse carrying projectiles. The forward
part of this priming and igniting instrument is an open structure formed of
bars, and by preference of five, though if the service Boxer cartridge be used
six may be requisite, and they are all of a similar sectional form, namely;
that of an ogive (that is to say, of a pointed arch), and which is based upon
rather more than a semicircular arch, and in such manner that the same line
would be tangential to both curves at the point of their meeting. These
bars are arranged with their edges outwards and around the central line
radially with their central planes at angles of 72° with each other, and at
such distance from it that they form an openwork barrel of pentagonal form,
the inner diameter of which equals that of the chamber before mentioned,
and the space between each pair of bars is of such size as to exclude the
finest of the coarse powder used with cannon. These bars are connected
together at intervals by pieces or chocks arranged in an annular position
about planes at right angles to the centre line, and their transverse section
is also of ogival form so as to be easily moulded, and their inner surfaces
form arches from bar to bar. By these means the fuse carrying projectile
when discharged from the chamber before mentioned by the explosion of the
priming and igniting charge is conducted through the whole length of the powder
chamber of the charging instrument, and the flame of the fuse is enabled in
passing to act freely upon the powder lying between the bars. There are com-
pounds of potassium with which fibre may be impregnated to form a fuse, and any
fuse suitable for the purpose is included in this proposal, but I prefer to use an
elongated bullet, to the base or hollow of which are attached by a ring, and through
which are passed short lengths of steel wire twice, so as to spring out from the
centre line or one length repeatedly, and upon which, in either case, the
usual gun cotton, the use of which has the advantage of giving off no smoke,
or any improved kind of gun cotton has been braided or otherwise secured,.
and in some cases a net of fine wire (copper being preferred) may be fastened-
to the little projectile, and be used to contain gun cotton or other suitable

page_text: combustibles, and is included in this proposal. By the above means the
powder it is believed must be ignited throughout the length of the charging
instrument as nearly as possible instantaneously, and total combustion of it be
thus insured within the gun before the projectile leave it, and so that the
action of the whole charge must be brought to bear upon the projectile at once.
The charging instrument contains, the whole charge of powder, and by the
diminished diameter of the powder chamber, and by the partial occupation of
it by the priming and igniting instrument, the powder can no longer lic
in such a mass in one spot, but is extended further forward in diminished
diameter, and the barrel is thereby proportionately relieved, while enormous
resisting strength is added to the gun, as may be perceived by comparing the
mean diameter of the substance of metal placed within the diameter of the
barrel in an inverse ratio with that of a similar substance of the outer part of
the gun. This or these instruments would be found to be a most important
addition to guns in which the breech stopper or breech screw turn out on a
hinge, or are otherwise removed for loading, and to those which have tho
ordinary vent piece or other breech stopper; I use them also with modification
for muzzle-loaders; but this is not all, we have still to speak of the flange
as herein proposed and capable of adjustment for use with it or otherwise
with ordnance of different natures and with other arms, and of the apparatus
suggested for securing the necessary impact for discharging the priming
charge in the tubular priming instrument.
In some of those guns in which the breech stopper or the breech screw is
entirely withdrawn for the purpose of loading the gun, the flange which I
prefer, where suitable, to be of ogival internal form of one diameter rests
upon it when screwed up, but other form may be in some cases be used; but
in some of those of a larger nature in which the breech screw is only partially
withdrawn, and the projectile has to be passed through a central opening in
it, the flange is so contrived as to be capable of contraction sufficiently to
allow of its being similarly admitted through the opening, together with the
charging instrument or after it, and of extension to fit the required position
in the breech, and this flange is preferred to be of steel. The means used
herewith for the purpose of obtaining the necessary impact for discharging the
priming and igniting charge placed in the tubular priming instrument and
contained, as before said, in some cases in a Boxer or other suitable per-
cussion cartridge (not of my Invention) consists, where there is room, of a
strong metal main tube having an enlarged end and a loose, collar fitted with
screw or otherwise, by means of which this main tube is held securely up to.
the end of the priming and igniting instrument, or the small chamber which

page_text: receives it. The other end is supported in some cases of the smaller nature
in the central line by a single standard springing from the inside of the base
of the flange; but in those of a larger nature by a wheel fitted upon it with
two or three or more spokes, so as to act as handles according to the size of
the gun in pressing it into position, the perifery being of such size as to fit
against the inside of the flange or otherwise act upon it in either position
required, whether contracted or extended, to each part of which it being
suitably connected; this main tube carries an inner tube containing an hori-
zontal striker having at its back end an incline formed thereon, against which
the incline of another bar when brought into position rests, which when struck
with force drives the striker forward, giving the necessary impact, and passing
the incline of the striker bolts it tightly in its place at the end of the priming
instrument. Though other angles might be used the angles I prefer are
bevels of 45° each. The main tube has a suitable opening or openings to
admit of the insertion into it of the Boxer or other cartridge used, and of its
fall when removed or withdrawn by suitable clams or by other means. The
hammer, and which where there is room may be the ordinary hammer and
lanyard of the sea service guns, or other suitable one, is fixed to the lock tube
(and which also, in some cases, acts as a long nave to the wheel handle),
or as may be convenient, but is capable of any separate adjustment from it,
and by preference by a double or treble screw or other means, and carries in
situ under the hammer the outer or little bar, which has also at its end a flat,
and is close to but does not press upon the main tube; but the tube of the
horizontal striker is connected to the lock tube in some cases through a slot
made for the purpose, so that the inclines of the two bars respectively are always
exactly in position, the one over the other. When the lock tube is pushed
forward into its place so that the end of the lock tubo slides into the position
prepared for it at the loose collar, before mentioned, the cartridge is pressed
firmly in the position prepared for it in the small chamber, and the little bar
is then in a position coinciding with an opening made for it through the main
tube, and being in position over the incline of the striker is there held by a
suitable spring or otherwise to give security. The apparatus is arranged, in
some cases, to be bolted in position, but the little bar is liberated before firing
the gun. In some cases a fuse only is used for exploding the igniting charge
and the fuse carrying projectile; also in the vent piece, where used, the vent
holes at present in use afford the positions preferred for the striker and for the
incline bar. When either from its great weight or from its being used with
an usual vent piece or otherwise the charging instrument is put into the gun
separately, the necessary handle to it is made by forming, in some cases, an

page_text: uniform ring at the base, and by preference next the outer edge. The half
on one side is made to turn out as a handle of any suitable sectional form,
and by preference of that of an imperfect square, the angles of the side
towards the centre having been rounded.¦
In order to prevent some effects of vibration and shock from the discharge
upon ordnance and other arms, and also especially with effect upon small
arms, and upon the men themselves, causing a deviation of the projectile, I
turn down a portion of the outside of the barrel as near to the end as
convenient, and by preference in rings, so as to leave proper support to the
bayonet bandle, and I fill up the space with lead or alloy of lead, or other soft
metal; it may be soldered on to the barrel.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Berney, bave hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-seven.
The very excellent Berney cartridges herein-before- alluded to having con-
sisted of an outer and of an inner case, the former made as usual of paper or
other suitable substance, and the latter (which immediately inclosed the shot)
made of wire formed into a spiral case, and the interstices between the shot being
filled with cinder dust and sawdust, and I having now described the nature of
my own Invention of improvements in the same for the purpose of adapting
them for use with rifled ordnance and other arms, and otherwise, and also the
nature of other parts of this Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, I hereby declare that I make the following claims so far as may
be compatible and consistent legally with the claims and provisions of my
former said Patent for "Improvements in Projectiles and Ordnance and otlier
Arms," bearing date October Second, One thousand eight hundred and
sixty-six, and No. 2530.
1stly, I claim the Invention of prefixing to the said spiral or coil in some
cases a solid head and neck of cast metal, about which a shoulder band of
steel is shrunk on, and to which the coil or coils are affixed by rivetting,
welding, or otherwise, or the coil frame is fastened about the said neck, the
said head may be of ogival form, not of my Invention or other approved
form.

page_text: 2ndly, of using a hollow cast head of metal with the other arrangements
as before to prefix to the said coil case:
3rdly, of using a hollow head of steel or other metal for the same purposes,
and of affixing the coils to it.
4thly, of using two or more coils for such
purpose..
5tbly, of using the form of metal herein described for such coils with a
groove on one side of it next the casing of the projectile, and of forming or of
joining the coils together at the base of it, or of coiling them from the base.
6thly, of forming the case about the coil or coils of sheet metal, to which
the studs (not of my Invention) for the rifle
grooves are affixed.
7thly, of making use of a fuse and liberating charge, and means of explosion
by concussion with the same, none of them however of my Invention.
8thly, of making use of one or more of the grooves of the said coils for the
purpose of containing the said fuse and liberating charge.
9thly, of making incisions through the outer case into the groove containing
the liberating charge with spots to be marked for the same, so as to get rid of
the case instantly for close quarters.
10tbly, I claim the use of the hollow metal moveable breech-charging
instrument of great strength, and of the form of it herein described, to be
formed of steel or of "sterro metal," the mouth of which incloses the base end
of the projectile and of the semicircular handle to it herein described.
11thly, of a priming and igniting instrument of improved form, as herein,
described, to carry the fuse carrying projectile of my former Patent through.
the powder chamber.
12thly, of a bunch of steel or other wire to be attached to the said fuse
carrying projectile, and of braiding on to or otherwise attaching to it gun
cotton (not of my Invention) to form the igniting fuse so as to cause as nearly
as possible instantaneous combustion throughout the whole length of the
charge, and also of the use of any other suitable means of effecting the said
combustion in conjunction with the said projectile, and by means of the said.
tubular igniting instrument.
13thly, of the flange herein described, and belonging to the before-mentioned
moveable breech, and which is intended in most case to supersede the use of
the ordinary vent piece or other breach stopper, though in some cases it may
be used therewith, also of its being capable of adjustment so as to enable it to
be inserted into large ordnance through the opening through the breech screw.
or breech end of the gun, and of its extension so as to fit against the end of.
the breech screw when inserted, and also of its contraction to enable it to be.
withdrawn, and also further of its being made of steel.

page_text: 14thly, of the hand wheel whereby its adjustment is effected.
15thly, of the lock, tube, and apparatus, and means of firing herein described
connected thereto.
And, 16thly, of the lead or other soft metal or alloy of metal to be placed,
and by preference in rings as described, about the muzzle of any rifle or
other arm.
THOMAS BERNEY.