IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF AND IN THE MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING PROJECTILES
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Coope Haddan, of Cannon Row, in the City of
Westminster, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF AND IN THE MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING
PROJECTILES."
Sealed the 25th September 1857, and dated the 9th April 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Coope Haddan at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
9th April 1857.
I, JOHN COOPE HADDAN, of Cannon Row, in the City of Westminster, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF AND IN THE MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR
DISCHARGING PROJECTILES," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in manufacturing projectiles with touch-holes,
openings, or channels through or upon them, for the purpose of igniting from
the muzzle of a cannon, mortar, or gun the powder or charge employed for
the propulsion of the projectiles, and in discharging such projectiles by means
of electric wires or fusees, or other equivalent meaus, inserted through such
touch-holes, openings, or channels either before or after placing the projectiles
in the cannon, mortar, or gun; and further, in discharging projectiles
(whether manufactured as above set forth or otherwise) the more accurately.

page_text: in any required direction by means of an improved single or double telescope
or sighting tube, or apparatus fitted with legs, limbs, standards, or supports
(adjustable or otherwise) jointly with pointed or V surfaces of contact, for
resting in corresponding holes, grooves, or notches in or upon the cannon or
gun, so that the legs, limbs, standards, or supports may be removed with the
telescope or sighting tube or apparatus itself from the cannon or gun imme-
diately before discharging it.
When it is desirable to increase the ordinary length of projectiles, which
consist jointly of a projectile and a wad, the projectile tapering towards its
tail end and the wad being readily separable from the projectile, I interpose
between the back or tail end of the projectile and the wad a metal plate, disc,
or cup, so constructed as to maintain the tail end of the projectile in the
center line of the bore, and receive the pressure of the wad against it, and
either so that rotation may thereby be imparted to the projectile or otherwise
but in all cases so as that the projectile itself may readily leave both the plate,
disc, or cup and the wad behind it in its flight.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Coope Haddan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th October 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
COOPE HADDAN, of Cannon Row, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said John Coope Haddan, Her special licence that I, the said John Coope
Haddan, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said John Coope Haddan, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at- all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF AND IN THE MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR
DISCHARGING PROJECTILES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said John Coope Haddan, my executors or administrators, by an instrument

page_text: in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should par-
ticularly 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 imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Coope Haddan, do hereby declare.
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say:-
:
My Invention consists, firstly, in manufacturing projectiles with touch-holes,
openings, or channels through or upon them, for the purpose of igniting from
the muzzle of a common mortar or gun the powder or charge employed for
the propulsion of the projectiles, and in discharging such projectiles by means
of electric wires or fuses, or other equivalent means, inserted through such
touch-holes, openings, or channels either before or after placing the projectiles
in the cannon, mortar, or gun.
The following Figures of the accompanying Drawing No. 1 illustrate the
manner of performing this part of my Invention. Figure 1 is a section of an
improved solid shot, similar to an ordinary solid shot, with the simple
exception of the hole, opening, or channel a, which is formed either at the
time of casting or may be drilled in it afterwards; Figures 2 and 3 are
similar views of an improved hollow shot or shell, also of the ordinary
description, with the exception of the tube b, which is screwed into it for
forming the channel a. (Figure 2 shews the exterior of the tube b, and
Figure 3 shews it in section). bx is a leather or other washer for the collar 62
of the tube to bear against, so as to make a tight joint.. Figure 4 is a section
of an improved shell, similar to that shewn at Figure 2, excepting that instead
of a screw fitting for the tube b a taper fitting is adopted, and the tube is fixed
by two small screwed pins c, c. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the chamber
end of an ordinary mortar, shewing the method of firing my improved pro-
jectiles. For this purpose I employ a small stick d, which is represented
again in the Figure 6 opposite to the channel a of an improved shell, the
upper end of the channel being enlarged (as represented here, and also in
Figures 1 and 3,) for the purpose of receiving the lower end of the stick,
which is to be placed into it before firing. It is to be understood that the
stick has a hollow passage or channel through it, as indicated by the dotted
lines in the Figure 6, and that this channel, and also the channel a in the
several projectiles, are to be filled with powder or any suitable igniting
composition either at or immediately before the time of firing, or previously,

page_text: so as to be ready for use when required. The discharge is to be effected by
means of an ordinary fuse, placed on the end of the stick when required, or by
a light applied directly to the end of the stick, or by means of an ordinary
quill and lanyard; or the tube may have wires previously fixed or placed
therein for the purpose of firing by electricity. In this case I prefer to make
one wire hollow or tubular, or of an U-shaped section, so as to lap round or
enclose the other, and they are to be insulated from each other with a gutta
percha or other covering, and united with a fine wire or small strip of platinum
at the point intended to be inserted into or next to the composition or powder,
for the purpose of igniting it when the platinum becomes heated by the
passage of electricity along it. The wires are intended to pass completely
through the stick, and down and protruding through the channel a in the.
projectile, (which channel is not to be filled with powder or composition when
electric firing is intended,) and so as to become inserted in the propelling
charge employed in the chamber of the mortar.
My Invention consists, secondly, in discharging projectiles (whether manu-
factured as above set forth or otherwise) the more accurately in any required
direction by means of an improved single or double telescope or sighting tube,
or apparatus fitted with legs, limbs, standards, or supports (adjustable or
otherwise) jointly with pointed or V surfaces of contact, for resting in corre-
sponding holes, grooves, or notches in or upon the cannon or gun, so that the
legs, limbs, standards, or supports may be removed with the telescope or
sighting tube or apparatus itself from the cannon or gun immediately before
discharging it.
The accompanying Drawing No. 2 illustrates the manner of performing
this part of my Invention. Figure 7 is a side elevation of an improved
apparatus adapted for the purpose referred to; Figure 8, a plan view; and
Figures 9 and 10, elevations of the two opposite ends respectively. A is an
ordinary telescope fitted with "cross hairs," intended to be seen or looked
through in the direction denoted by the arrow B in Figures 7 and 8; C is a
frame at one end; and D, a frame at the other end, in which the telescope A is
mounted; both frames admitting of vertical adjustment by means of the
screws E, E, and the screw F respectively. The method of mounting in the
frames is by means of slides G and H respectively, the slide G allowing a
horizontal adjustment of the forward end of the telescope within the frame C,
so as to turn or direct it in any horizontal direction (within certain limits)
from the frame D as a center, as denoted by the arrows I, I, in Figure 8.
K is a rack fixed to a frame C, and L the handle of a pinion gearing with it
for effecting this adjustment. The apparatus generally is intended to be made

page_text: of brass or gun metal, but the adjusting screws E, E, which form two out of
its three legs or feet, terminate in steel pins or points E*, E*. The third leg
or foot M, which also has a steel pin cr point M*, is fitted to the frame D so
as to be adjustable therein, for the purpose of fixing the points by means of
the clamping screw M² at the same distance from each other under varying
positions of the vertical adjustment, in fact, so as to adapt it to register
correctly under the varying circumstances mentioned within small holes made
for their reception in the cannon or gun, for the more accurate discharging of
which the apparatus is intended to be used. P is a cross telescope of ordinary
construction, likewise fitted with "cross hairs," and mounted upon the frame
C by means of a ball and socket swivel joint, which allows it to turn completely
round, and also affords considerable vertical adjustment, and Q is a clamping
screw for fixing it when adjusted. Spirit levels may be fixed on one or both
of the telescopes. The mode of using the apparatus is as follows:-The
cannon or gun having been directed or laid, the apparatus is to be placed upon
it with the feet or points E*, E*, and M* resting in the corresponding holes,
one of which (intended for the point M*) may be the touch-hole of the
cannon or gun. The telescope A is then to be directed so that its "cross
hairs" may coincide with some fixed object forwards, or somewhat in the
intended direction of firing, and likewise also the telescope P is to be or may
be directed so that its "cross hairs" may coincide with some fixed object lying
at right angles or obliquely with regard to the direction of the telescope A.
The various clamping screws are then to be fixed and the instrument carefully
removed, when the cannon or gun may be discharged without injuring it. If the
shot or shell should have struck or reached the exact intended destination, the
apparatus being carefully replaced upon the cannon or gun, will afford the
means of directing or laying it exactly as before, for which purpose it must be
shifted or moved until by inspection through the telescopes the cross hairs are
found again to coincide with the fixed objects to which they were originally
directed. If the direction of the shot or shell should prove incorrect, repeated
alterations of the position of the cannon or gun are to be made and repeated
adjustments of the telescopes made till a successful result is obtained. The
more particular object of the telescope P is for fixing the direction when the
forward view commanded by the telescope A is clouded with the smoke of
repeated discharges. I would here remark, that instead of pointed feet,
V-shaped fect or surfaces of contact may be substituted, the holes in the
cannon or gun being replaced by grooves or notches to correspond. And I
would further remark, that the legs, limbs, standards, or supports of the
apparatus may be rendered adjustable in any other convenient manner than is

page_text: above described, or may be constructed without adjustment when only a
rougher description of instrument, or one intended for obtaining only an
approximately correct position of the cannon or gun, is desired.
My Invention has reference, thirdly, to the manufacture of projectiles which
consist jointly of a projectile and a wad, the projectile tapering towards its
tail end, and the wad being readily separable from the projectile. Or, this
part of my Invention may be considered as a means of or an apparatus for
discharging projectiles; in either case the projectile intended being of a more
than ordinary length, or the angle of the tail end being such as to render
inapplicable or inconvenient the ordinary or hitherto published methods of apply-
ing the wad. And this said part of my Invention consists in interposing
between the back or tail end of the projectile and the wad a metal plate, disc,
or cup, so constructed as to maintain the tail end of the projectile in the
centre line of the bore of the cannon or gun, and receive the pressure of the
wad against it, and either so that rotation may thereby be imparted to the
projectile or otherwise, but in all cases so as that the projectile itself may
readily leave both the plate, disc, or cup, and the wad behind it in its flight.
The following Figures of the Drawing No. 1 illustrate the manner of per-
forming this part of my Invention.
The Figure 11 represents the general idea, use, and application suggested
by the foregoing definition. The dotted lines m indicate a longitudinal section
of the bore of an ordinary cannon or gun. n is the elongated tapering pro-
jectile proper (in exterior view); o, the separable wad (in section); and p, the
interposed metal plate, disc, or cup" (in section), here represented as of a
conical form. The cross section of the projectile, Figure 12, and the reference
letters 9, 9, 9, are intended to shew that it may have (if desired) the swellings
or projections upon it, as particularly set forth and described in the Complete
Specification filed in pursuance of the grant to me of Letters Patent for my
Invention of "Improvements in Projectiles, and in Machinery for Manu-
facturing the same," bearing date the Thirtieth day of October One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-four (No. 2305). Figure 13 is a detached view of
the extreme tail end of the projectile, the references in this Figure, and also
in other Figures, denoting an iron rod employed when the projectile is made
of lead or soft metal, for the purpose of strengthening it, (the metal being either
cast around the iron rod, or the rod being afterwards fitted in the projectile).
The front end of the rod is pointed, the intention being, that in the event of its
becoming driven or forced further into the projectile it may cause it to expand
slightly at its greatest diameter, and force the swellings q, q, q, more tightly
into the bore of the cannon or gun; the back end is also pointed to fit

page_text: against the conical plate p. When the projectile is made of hard instead of
soft metal the rod is not required. Figures 14 and 15 are detached views
(section and front end respectively) of the plate p; and Figure 16 is a front
end view of this plate and the wad o placed together.
Figure 17 exhibits a modification of the foregoing arrangements, the
extremity of the tail end of the projectile or of its rods (if a rod be used)
being formed into a pin or peg for fitting into a little hole made to receive it
in the plate p.
Figures 18 and 19 are also modifications, a spherical or cup-shaped form of
the plate p being substituted instead of a conical form, the two Figures shewing
the plate presented in opposite directions respectively.
Figures 20 and 21 are further modifications, representing the conical plate
presented in a reverse direction, and the latter being in the form of the
frustrum of a cone instead of a complete cone. In all cases the tail end of the
projectile corresponds with the plate, and the wad is also to be of a suitable
corresponding form. The operation of the disc and wad is to keep the tail
end of the projectile in the centre line of the bore of the gun. It is to be
noted, that the plates, discs, or cups may be formed either of iron, brass, or
other suitable metal or material by punching, casting, or in any other con-
venient manner, and also that they may have any other convenient form or
proportions than those represented; and also that there is no special feature of
novelty in the material or mode of making the wads, which may be as here-
tofore, excepting only that they require to be of a shape corresponding with
the particular form of plate, disc, or cup which is employed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Coope Haddan, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Ninth day of October, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-seven.
•c*rr}
J. C. HADDAN