Iм- PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR FIRE-ARMS AND ORDNANCE
Year: 1864

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st
December 1864.
I, THOMAS WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Mecha-
nical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR FIRE-ARMS AND
ORDNANCE," to be as follows:
My Invention consists firstly of the following arrangement of the parts of
breech-loading fire-arms. I elongate the breech end of the barrel three or
four inches, and in the elongation I cut an opening, through which the cart-
ridge is introduced. Into the elongated part I fit a sliding plug or block
for closing the breech during discharge. The said sliding plug or block is
carried by a dovetail rib, situated in the rear of the elongated' part, and partly
embedded in the stock. The rear of the said plug or block fits the dovetail
rib, and slides freely thereon. At about the middle of the said block I hinge
a plate or flap; the said plate or flap is hinged in or near the axis of the
block, and near its top or upper side, a notch or recess being cut into the side
of the elongated breech, so that when the plate is shut down it lies in the said
notch and abuts against a strong shoulder formed by the edge of the said
elongated breech, which said shoulder supports the plug or block in its plug
during discharge. When the plate is raised from the notch, the plug may be

page_text: withdrawn from the barrel, and a fresh charge introduced. The end of the
plate or flap is formed to serve as a handle for raising and lowering it, and for
withdrawing the plug or block in loading. A spring is placed under the joint
of the plate, which said spring keeps the plate down during discharge. The
handle or plate is so situated, and its front edge is made of such a breadth
that when raised, the front edge is opposite to the cock, and the said cock
cannot be raised for firing until the said handle or plate is shut down. A
portion of the rib on which the block slides is made moveable, so that the
plug can be removed from the breech for cleaning.
This fire-arm is intended to fire cartridges made up with paper and a felt
wad in the ordinary way. Instead of forming the nipple and percussioning on
the barrel they may be formed on the forward end of the sliding plug or block.
In this case I make the communication hole so that it ignites the cartridge in
the centre of its rear end or base. The extreme forward end of the closing
plug or block is formed with a conical projection upon it, similar to a nipple.
The said projection perforates and enters the base of the cartridge when it is
being pushed up, and the fire is thus conducted to the powder and the gun
discharged. The projection is formed with a series of notches on it, so that
when it perforates the cartridge the edge of the perforation engages in one or
more of the said notches. The projection thereby holds the cartridge case,
and on the withdrawal of the plug extracts it. I prefer to use with this fire-
arm the cartridge with a metallic case, herein-after described.
I modify the fire-arm described in the following manner :-Instead of
making the plug or sliding block in one piece, I make the forward end
separate from the other part, and connect it thereto by means of a stem
working in the axis of the block. In this modification the handle or flap for
operating the sliding block or plug is made solid on the plug, and rotates, or
partially rotates with it in closing and opening the breech. A spring is pro-
vided to act upon the stem of the plug and hold it in its place against the
shoulder of the breech during discharge. The said spring works in a hole
in the sliding block. The plug or handle is made to act upon a bolt or
plate, which prevents the raising of the hammer until the breech is securely
closed.
The sliding bolt or closer by which the breech of the barrel is closed
during discharge may be made to slide backwards and forwards in the follow-
ing manner: The said bolt or closer is made to slide on a dovetail bar or rib
in the rear of the breech end of the barrel. In order to effect the sliding
motion of the said bolt or closer I joint to the end of the dovetail bar a strap
or lever, the said lever being also jointed near its middle to the rear end of a

page_text: leaf or plate, the front end of the said leaf or plate being jointed to the top of
the bolt or closer. By raising the lever the plug or closer is withdrawn from
the breech end of the barrel and the charge may be placed in front of the
closer, and by lowering the said lever the plug or closer is pushed forward
and closes the breech end of the barrel, the charge being pushed into the
charge chamber by the closer. The gun is now ready for discharge. The
closer is supported during discharge by a lump on the under side of the lever,
which said lump, when the lever is lowered, fills up the space between the
rear end of the plug or closer and the projection on the end of the dovetail
bar to which the lever is jointed.
I fit into the
My Invention consists further of the following improvement in breech-
loading fire-arms for firing self-igniting cartridges: - I cut an opening
through the top of the barrel at its rear or breech end.
said opening a solid block or breech piece. The said block or breech piece
is made to rise and fall in the opening by an ascending and descending
motion. The motion of the solid block or breech piece is effected by a lever.
The block or breech piece has a pin or striker fitted in it, which pin or striker
on being struck by the hammer is driven against the cartridge and ignites it. In
a fire-arm of this kind the cartridge is inserted in the charge chamber imme-
diately in front of the block or breech piece, the said solid block or breech
piece opening or closing the breech end of the barrel by its descent or ascent.
In using this fire-arm it is charged by moving the lever so as to depress the
solid block or breech piece and thereby open the breech end of the barrel.
The cartridge is introduced into the charge chamber in the barrel and the
block or breech piece raised by the lever and fixed in the slot. The gun is
now ready to be fired. The block or breech piece is supported during dis-
charge by the solid end of the barrel at the rear of the slot. The cartridge
case of the discharged cartridge is drawn from the barrel by a sliding hook or
otherwise.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms for firing percussion or self-igniting cartridges. I enlarge
the rear or breech end of the barrel, and I fit into the enlarged part a plug
or block which is capable of a sliding motion and also of a motion of partial
rotation in the barrel. The plug or closer has a tongue or projection on one
side, which tongue slides along a groove or opening in the barrel when the
plug is withdrawn for charging. When the plug is pushed home for closing
the breech the said tongue or projection is turned into a slot or opening made
across the barrel and abuts against a shoulder formed by the edge of the
barrel, and thus sustains the closer in its place during discharge To fire the

page_text: cartridge I fit into the body of the plug a plate or striker having a circular
part along each of its edges. The lower part works in a hole in the axis of
the plug, and the upper part works in a hole in the upper part of the tongue.
The upper circular part of the striker extends through the rear of the projec-
tion, so as to receive the blow of the hammer in igniting the cartridge. The
lower circular part or end of the striker is rounded or pointed, so as to strike
upon and ignite the cartridge when it is struck at the opposite end and driven
forward by the hammer. Instead of igniting the cartridge by the plate striker
described, it may be ignited by a single pin striker working in a hole in the
closer. This hole is drilled at an angle with the axis of the barrel, so that
the forward end terminates in the axis of the barrel, and the rear end about
the centre of the hammer, so that the pin is struck by the hammer its
forward end is driven against the percussion cap or cartridge and ignites it.
The plug or closer is rotated and worked backwards and forwards in loading
by means of its stem, which terminates in a handle in the rear of the barrel.
Or the plug may be worked by taking hold of the projecting tongue by hand
and thereby giving it the required motion. The case of the exploded cart-
ridge is withdrawn by a hook or extractor attached to the closer. On
drawing back the plug the case is withdrawn. A fresh cartridge may
then be introduced and the plug or closer pushed up and fastened ready
for discharge.
My Invention consists further of the improvements herein-after described
in sliding and fixing double-barrelled breech-loading fire-arms in which the
barrels have a longitudinal motion to and from the break-off. I form on the
body of the break-off a fixed vertical projection or upright, the said upright
working in a slot between the barrels and projecting a short distance above
the top of the said barrels. The slot or opening between the barrels is of a
length sufficient to permit the barrels to be moved the required distance from
the break-off for charging. To the top of the said rib a flat strap or lever is
connected in the manner herein-after described, the free or rear end of the
said strap having a rectangular opening made in it, which opening, when the
said strap is shut down, engages with two lumps or projections, one formed on the
back of the break-off and the other on the extreme breech ends of the barrels.
When the open ends of the barrels are brought against the face of the break-
off, the strap shuts down upon the projection on the said barrels and that on
the break-off, and thereby binds the said barrels firmly to the break-off. The
end of the locking strap or lever is jointed to the barrels, and the said strap or
lever is connected to the upright between the barrels by a link or lever jointed
to the said upright and to the said strap or bolt. By raising or lowering the

page_text: locking-strap or lever the barrels can be made to retire from or advanco
against the break-off, and thus open or close the breech ends for charging or
discharging; or the barrels may be fixed during discharge in the following
manner: A horizontal tongue between the barrels passes through a slot in
the face of the break-off and engages with a spring bolt or fastening at the
back of the break-off, which may be actuated by the lever so as to release
the barrels.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms :-I form at the open breech end of the barrel a cylindrical
lump of about twice the diameter of the barrel. The axis of the said lump is
parallel with that of the barrel, but is not coincident therewith, being situated
in a line near the lower edge of the barrel. The said lump constitutes a short
cylinder, the upper edge of which is in a line with the upper edge of the
barrel, nearly one-half of the said cylinder extending below the barrel. The
said lump is screwed externally, and has a hole of the same size as and
coincident with the bore of the barrel. On the said lump a cap is screwed, a
radial slot of the size of the bore of the barrel being made in the base of the
said cap. By turning the said screwed cup on the lump, the slot in it may be
brought to coincide with the hole in the lump and barrel, or a solid part of the
cap may be brought opposite to the hole in the lump and barrel, and the
breech end of the gun closed. When the cap is in the former position the
cartridge may be passed through its slot into the barrel; when it is in the
latter position the breech is closed, and the gun is ready for firing. The
precussioning may be formed on the barrel and the piece discharged by a
hammer in the usual way, but I prefer to form the precussioning on the cap, by
which means a more central fire and greater compactness of construction
are secured. The rotatory motion of the cap is effected. by a lever or thumb.
plate.
In place of closing the breech end of the barrel in the way last described,
the following method may be adopted :-I make a breech piece at the rear of
the open breech end of the barrel, and between the said open breech end.
and the said breech piece I introduce a circular plate or closer, the said plate
or closer being capable of a rotatory motion on an axis which screws into the
breech piece. The said plate or closer is of about twice the diameter of the
barrel, and its axis is nearly in a line with the lower edge of the barrel: A
radial slot is made in the said plate or closer, and by giving a motion of rotation
to the said plate or closer the said slot may be brought into a line with the
bore of the barrel, and the charge may be introduced into the barrel through
the said slot; or a solid part of the plate or closer may be brought opposite.

page_text: the bore of the barrel, and the breech thus closed for firing. The motion of
the plate or closer is effected by a lever or thumb plate, and, owing to the
screwing motion of the axis of the said plate or closer, it is made to advance
against the breech end of the barrel as it is turned in the direction proper
to close the said breech end of the barrel. The percussioning and nipple
may be arranged in the manner explained with reference to the last described
part of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading rifles-I attach to the stock a metal frame or break-off, the said
break-off having a rib or bar extending some six or eight inches along the
stock and embedded in it. To the forward end of the said rib I hinge or joint
the barrel so that the breech of the barrel is capable of being raised to and
lowered from the break-off by means of the said hinge or joint. Underneath
the breech of the barrel and on its rear end I form a short rib or projection,
the said rib or projection when the barrel is shut down fitting into a slot in
the frame or break-off, and abuts against the end of the said slot, and sustains
the barrel firmly against the face of the break-off during fire. The barrel is
raised and lowered on its joint by a crank on a cross spindle under the barrel.
The end of the spindle has a handle attached to it for rotating it, and
thereby raising and lowering the barrel, and the barrel is held down firmly by
a spring during fire. The extreme rear of the breech of the barrel is made
conical outside so that the flange of the cartridge case projects a little beyond
it, and may be easily drawn out by the fingers. The hammer for discharging
the
gun works in the rear and centre of the break-off, and is pointed at its
nose or face so as to strike through a small hole in the break-off and ignite
the cartridge.
My Invention consists further in making mechanically fitting projectiles of
iron, steel, or other hard metal or alloy, and afterwards coating them with
copper, or zinc, or other soft metal or alloy.
My Invention consists further in making projectiles of lead or soft metal
with cups or caps on the front made of metal harder than that of the body of
the projectile. The front of the body of the projectile is of reduced diameter,
and fits in a hole formed in the cup or cap; the said cup or cap is not forced
quite home on the body of the projectile, an annular space being left between
the two, which said space is filled with wax or other solid lubricant. On
discharge, the front or reduced part of the body of the projectile is forced
home into the cup or cap, and the lubricant squeezed out from between them
into the inner surface of the barrel.
Or the cap or front end of the projectile and body of the projectile may

page_text: be connected in the following manner-At the back of the cap a slighily
conical stem is made, which takes into a slightly conical hole in the projectile.
The lubricant is placed between the cap and body of the projectile as before
described, and on discharge the body of the projectile is forced home on the
stem of the cap. The lubricant is thereby squeezed out, and the body of the
projectile is expanded. Or the projectile may be made solid, and provided
with a depression or cup at its front end, into which depression or cup a series
of radial slits are cut on the front end of the projectile. The said cup is filled
with. the lubricant, and on discharge the pressure of the atmosphere on the
front of the projectile forces the lubricant through the said slits on to the
inner surface of the barrel.
.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in making
cartridges of the kind called skin cartridges :-Instead of attaching the skin
directly to the bullet, I first wrap one or two folds of paper round the bullet
and attach the skin to the paper by tying or otherwise. I then saturate the
paper with grease or other lubricant. When these cartridges are fired the
paper slips off the bullet as it leaves the muzzle of the gun and the flight of
the bullet is steadier than when the skin or paper is tied or gummed to the
bullet.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading cartridges carrying their own ignition:-I form the case of the
cartridge of a short hollow cylinder or tube of sheet metal. I turn up the
edge or end of the said tube to form a slight shoulder or flange, or I enlarge
the tube for a short distance at its rear end for the same purpose.
I fit or
press into the base or rear end of the metal case or tube a paper block or
cushion. I secure the said paper block to the rear of the case by perforating
holes therein, the burr of the holes entering the paper and attaching the
case to the paper block. Or the paper block may be fixed in a separate
short flanged tube, and the latter secured in the cartridge case made of
plain tubing. I fix in the centre of the paper block a small metal tube with
a flange at its top or rear end, and a fine hole or perforation in its centre.or
bottom end. I put a metal peg or pin into the said tube, the said peg or
pin being drilled, cupped, or hollowed out at its front end sufficiently to
contain the requisite amount of detonating powder. On striking the solid end
of the peg or pin its forward end is driven against the bottom of the tube, and
the charge thereby ignited. Or the percussion powder may be put in the
bottom of the tube, and detonated by the pin or peg. In this modification
the tube passes through the paper block, and has cross openings through
which the fire is communicated to the gunpowder. Or I make the case of

page_text: thick paper, and close its rear end with a metal cap having a hole in its
middle. This hole is covered by a disc of paper to keep in the powder, and
the fire is communicated from the precussion cap through the hole in the
base of the cartridge. Or I make the cartridge entirely of metal, and turn in
or close its rear end, leaving a small hole at the turned-in end. The conical
projection or nipple on the end of the plug previously enters the hole on
closing the breech, and the explosion tightens the case on the projection so
that on withdrawing the plug or closer the cartridge case is drawn with it
from the chamber, and a new cartridge may be introduced.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in making the cases level or
even with the sides of the bullet, by which they offer less obstruction in
loading. In effecting this, I make the rear end of the bullet of less diameter
than the other part, so that the case is just flush with the bullet. The rear
of the bullet where it enters the case may be glued or gummed previous to
inserting it in the case, or the bullet may be held firmly by perforating the
metal case where it fits on the bullet, and the burr caused by the per-
forations entering the bullet and holding it tight.
Or the edge of the case
may be rounded or tapered off, or the case may be pressed into a circular
groove or neck in the rear end of the bullet, and thus made even with the
bullet.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in the following [method of
constructing self-igniting cartridges :-I attach to the base of the cartridge a
metal tube of about the length required for the powder end of the cartridge.
The percussion powder is placed in this tube, and a wire pin is introduced at
the rear, which on being struck by the hammer is driven against, and ignites
the powder. The fire is communicated to the gunpowder through cross holes
in the tube. The precussion powder may be placed in a hole or recess in
the forward end of the pin instead of in the tube. Instead of inserting the
tube in the end of the bullet it may be fixed in a wood or paper block or
wad, and made to rest against the base of the bullet. The tube may project
through the block or wad, and enter a hole in the bullet to steady it. A thin
paper case is gummed or pasted round the bullet in this cartridge as is usual
for containing the powder, and the said case is folded over or twisted round
the end of the tube. The remains of this case after the cartridge has exploded
are carried through the gun at the next discharge, so that no extractor is
needed for this cartridge.
My Invention consists further of the following method of extracting and
making mechanically fitting projectiles for fire-arms. Instead of forming the
projections which engage with the grooves in the barrels on the rear end or

page_text: on the whole length of the projectile as is usual, I form the said projections
near the front or forward end of the projectile. The centre of gravity is
thereby placed more in front of the projectile, and its accurate flight more
effectually insured.
The several improvements described in projectiles and cartridges are
applicable to projectiles and cartridges for ordnance as well as small arms.