An Improved Magazine Rifle.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Aug., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 18th May, 1889-Accepted, 27th July, 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Magazine Rifle.
1, GUSTAVUS, Baron DE OVERBECK, of 23 Ryder Street, St. James, in the County
of Middlesex (a communication to me from abroad by Victor von Schoenberger, of
Pestalozzigasse 4, Vienna, Merchant,) do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows :-
This invention has for its object an improved magazine rifle.
The barrel is closed at its rear end by means of a block similar to the drop block
of the well known Martini rifle, and when the rifle is loaded by hand, the fore end
of the block descends to admit the cartridge and rises again behind it in all respects
as in the rifle above named. The way of imparting movement to the block however
is different. Upon the right side of the rifle a slide with a convenient handle is
provided and to open the breech this slide is drawn rearwards. A link is jointed to
the slide at its fore end, and the other extremity of the link is provided with a pin
or stud, which enters a recess in the side of the breech block.
As the slide is below the block the link when the slide is drawn rearwards pulls
down the fore end of the block and when the slide is pushed forward it elevates
the block.
In operating in this manner also the link assumes an inclined position and it
presses against the hammer, bringing it to the cocked position in which it is caught
by the sear.
The breech block in descending comes against an arm connected with the extractor,
and so movement is given to the extractor to eject the case of the cartridge last fired.
In addition however to being in this way loaded by hand, the arm is capable of load-
ing automatically from a magazine which is situate immediately in rear of the breech
block. The magazine is capable of containing four cartridges laying one over the
other horizontally, and the magazine contains a zigzag spring tending to press the
cartridges upwards. The magazine is closed at the top by a pair of spring doors
capable of yielding downwards to admit cartridges into the magazine, but preventing
them from rising out of it. When loaded from the magazine the breech-block, after
the fore end of it has been caused to drop in the manner already described to open
the barrel, descends at its rear end also, and this movement is imparted to it by
pulling the handle further back beyond the point to which it travels when loaded by
hand. The slide has a turn-button upon it which (when hand loading) stops the
movement of the slide before it has made a full stroke, but, when loaded from the
magazine this button is turned out of the way. When the stroke of the slide is thus
prolonged, the pin upon the link connecting it with the breech block during the latter
part of the movement of the slide, passes along a suitable curved groove in the side
of the breech-block a flap piece herein after mentioned against which it has pressed
now being able to yield to allow the pin to pass. Thus the pin reaches a bolt which
maintains the after end of the breech block; it withdraws this bolt, and when the
breech block is free, it proceeds to pull down the breech end, the link at this time
passing into a suitably formed guide passage in the frame. In this way the rear end
of the breech-block is lowered sufficiently far to allow a cartridge to pass from the
magazine direct into the barrel over the top of the breech block, and there is an
aperture in the front wall of the magazine to allow the cartridge so to pass.
When the rear end of the breech block is brought to its lowest position it is
secured and held by the spring bolt which is again pressed forward by its spring.
During the latter part of the rearward movement of the slide it engages with a rack,
which it draws rearward with it, and so takes into a pinion upon the axis of a chain

page_text: wheel. A chain passes around this wheel and the chain carries a pin or
finger which
in this manner is caused to advance from the back to the front of the magazine. The
finger in so doing drives the uppermost cartridge out of the magazine and home into
the barrel of the rifle. When the slide is pushed forward again the pinion is rotated
in the opposite direction and the finger is drawn back. The finger is jointed to the
chain, it folds down when passing back to its place and then coming against a suitable
stop it turns outwards again ready for its next action.
When the rack comes to the end of its stroke it is released from the slide whilst
the slide continues to travel forwards. The pin upon the link which the slide carries,
now comes against a spring switch-piece upon the side of the breech block, and this
switch piece prevents the pin following the course which it took in depressing the
breech block and shunts it into another suitably formed course, and whilst it is in this
course the fore end of the link comes against a flap piece jointed to the breech block.
The front of this flap piece bears against the breech face so that it is unable to yield
out of the way of the pin; consequently the pin thrusting against it lifts the block
simultaneously or nearly so at both ends. The fore end of the block comes to its
place slightly before the rear end and this final movement allows the pin on the link
to pass the flap piece and it then returns past the upper end of the switch piece to its
original place.
In opening the breech the hammer is forced back, and the link operates against it
and brings it to such a position that it is caught by the sear. When the pin on the
link commences to operate to draw down the fore end of the breech block it bears
against the piece which is jointed to the block and it prevents it for the time from
descending the guide groove, this piece bearing also against the breech face. As the
block descends this piece turns and enables the pin to travel past it for a sufficient
distance, either to depress the block at the fore end only or to carry down both ends
of the block as the case may be.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Magazine Rifle.
I, GUSTAVUS Baron DE OVERBECK of 23 Ryder Street St. James' in the County
of Middlesex (a communication to me from abroad by Victor von Schoenberger of
Pestalozzigasse 4 Vienna Merchant) do hereby declare the nature of this Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This Invention has for its object an improved magazine rifle.
The barrel is closed at its rear end by means of a block similar to the drop block of
the well known Martini rifle and when the rifle is loaded by hand the fore end of the
block descends to admit the cartridge and rises again behind it in all respects as in
the rifle above named. The way of imparting movement to the block however is
different, upon the right side of the rifle a slide with a convenient handle is provided
and to open the breech this slide is drawn rearwards. link is jointed to the slide at
its fore end and the other extremity of the link is provided with a pin or stud which
enters a recess in the side of the breech block.
As the slide is below the block the link when the slide is drawn rearwards pulls
down the fore end of the block and when the slide is pushed forward it élevates the
block.
In operating in this manner also the link assumes an 'inclined position and it
presses against the hammer bringing it to the cocked position in which it is caught
by the sear.
The breech block in descending comes against an arm connected with the extractor,
and so movement is given to the extractor to eject the case of the cartridge last fired.
In addition however to being in this way loaded by hand the arm is capable of loading

page_text: tomatically from a magazine which is situate immediately in rear of the breecu
lock. The magazine is capable of containing several cartridges lying one over the
ther horizontally and the magazine contains a zigzag spring tending to press the
artridges upwards. The magazine is closed at the top by a pair of spring doors
apable of yielding downwards to admit cartridges into the magazine but preventing
hem from rising out of it, or a hinged door may be substituted. When loaded from
he magazine the breech block after the fore end of it has been caused to drop in the
manner already described to open the barrel, descends at its rear end also and this
novement is imparted to it by pulling the handle further back beyond the point to
which it travels when loaded by hand. A turn button which (when hand loading)
tops the movement of the slide before it has made a full stroke is when loading from
When the stroke of the slide is thus prolonged,
he magazine turned out of the way.
the pin upon the link connecting it with the breech block during the latter part of the
movement of the slide passes along a suitable curved groove in the side of the
breech-block a flap piece hereinafter mentioned against which it has pressed now
Thus the link reaches a bolt which
being able to yield to allow the pin to pass.
maintains the after end of the breech block it withdraws this bolt and when the breech
block is free the pin proceeds to pull down the breech end, the link at this time pass-
ing into a suitably formed guide passage in the frame. In this way the rear end of
the breech block is lowered sufficiently far to allow a cartridge to pass from the
magazine direct into the barrel over the top of the breech block and there is an
aperture in the front wall of the magazine to allow the cartridge so to pass.
When the rear end of the breech block is brought to its lowest position it is secured
and held by the spring bolt which is again pressed forward by its spring. During
the latter part of the rearward movement of the slide it engages with a rack which
it draws rearward with it and so takes into a pinion upon the axis of a chain wheel.
A chain passes around this wheel and the chain carries a pin or finger which in this
manner is caused to advance from the back to the front of the magazine. The finger
in so doing drives the uppermost cartridge out of the magazine and home into the
barrel of the rifle. When the slide is pushed forward again the pinion is rotated in
the opposite direction and the finger is drawn back. The finger is jointed to the chain
it folds down when passing back to its place and then.coming against a suitable stop
it turns outwards again ready for its next action.
When the rack comes to the end of its stroke it is released from the slide whilst
the slide continues to travel forwards. The pin upon the link which the slide carries,
now comes against a spring switch-piece upon the side of the breech block and this
switch piece prevents the pin following the course which it took in depressing the
breech block and shunts it into another suitably formed course and the pin thrusting
The fore end of
against the block lifts it simultaneously or nearly so at both ends.
'the block comes to its place slightly before the rear end.
In opening the breech the hammer is forced back and the link operates against it
When the pin on the
and brings it to such a position that it is caught by the sear.
link commences to operate to draw down the fore end of the breech block it bears
against the piece which is jointed to the block and it prevents it for the time from
descending the guide groove, this piece bearing also against the breech face. As the
block descends this piece turns and enables the pin to travel past it for a sufficient
distance, either to depress the block at the fore end only or to carry down both ends
of the block as the case may be.
In order that my said Invention may be more fully understood and readily carried
into effect I will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1. Sheet 1 shows an elevation of the right hand side of the rifle with the
cover-plate removed.
Figure 2 Sheet 1 shows an elevation of the
plate.
Figure 3 Sheet 1 shows a plan of the same.
right hand or outside of the cover-

page_text: Figure 1 Sheet 2 shows an elevation of the left or inside of the cover plate with
the parts connected to it and
Figure 2 Sheet 2 is the same view with these parts removed.
Figures 3 and 4 Sheet 2 are sections on the lines 1. 1. and 2. 2. figure 2
respectively.
Figures 5. 6 and 7 Sheet 2 are a front view left hand elevation and plan of the
rack.
Figures 8. 9 and 10 Sheet 2 are a front view plan and left hand elevation of the
cartridge feeder.
Figures 11. 12. 13 and 14. Sheet 2 are a right hand elevation, a front view, a left
hand elevation and rear view of the turn button.
Figures 15 and 16 Sheet
and pin.
are a front view and left hand elevation of the link
Figures 17 and 18 Sheet 2 are a left hand elevation and front view of the double
pinion.
Figures 19. 20 and 21 Sheet 2 are a right hand elevation, a left hand elevation and
transverse section (on the line 3. 3. figure 20) of the slide.
Sheet 3 shows the details of the breech-block.
Figure 1 is a rear view of the block proper and parts carried by it.
Figure 2 is an elevation of the right hand side.
Figure 3 is a front view.
Figure 4 is an elevation of the left hand side.
Figures 5 to 8 are similar views of the block proper, the parts carried by it being
removed. The remaining figures on the sheet show separate views of these parts.
Figures 9 show the firing pin.
Figures 10 the switch piece.
Figures 11 the spring actuating the switch piece.
Figures 12 the flap piece.
Figures 13 the retaining bolt.
Figures 14 the lever for operating the retaining bolt.
Sheet 4 shows the casing.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the right hand or inside.
Figure 2 is a transverse section on the line 1. 1. (Figure 1) looking to the left
hand and
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line 2. 2. (Figure 1) looking to the right.
Figures 4 shew the plate N* separately which when slidden into its place, forms
the right hand side of the magazine.
Figure 1. Sheet 5 is a front view of the hammer.
Figure 2 Sheet 5 is an elevation of the right hand side.
Figure 3. Sheet 5 is a rear view and
Figure 4 Sheet 5 is an elevation of the left hand side.
Figure 5. Sheet 5 is an elevation of the right hand side of the extractor.
Figure 6 Sheet 5 is a rear view.
Figure 7 Sheet 5 is an elevation of the right hand side of the trigger.
Figure 8 Sheet 5 is an elevation of the left hand side and
Figure 9 Sheet 5-is a plan.
Sheets 6 and 7 are similar views to Figure 1 Sheet 1, the three views showing the
different positions assumed by the parts when the gun is being loaded by hand.
Sheet shows the gun when it has just been fired.
In
Sheet 7 shows the breech-block lowered so as to allow of the insertion of a fresh
cartridge and Figure 1 Sheet 1 shows the breech closed and the gun cocked.
these three figures the cover-plate is removed and with it the handle, slide and link
by which the parts are operated.
Figs. 1 & 2 Sheet 8 show diagrams indicating two positions of the breech-block,
the handle slide and link.
Figure 1 corresponding to Sheet 6.
Figure 2 corresponding to Shank

page_text: I will now proceed to describe the various parts of the gun and its operation when
loaded by hand the general description referring to Figure 1. Sheet 1. and
Sheets 6 and 7 whilst after each part, is mentioned the figures where its details are
best seen.
A. (figures 2 and 3 Sheet 1 and figure 4 Sheet 2) is the handle, it is fixed to the
slide A which works on the outside of the cover-plate-to its front end is pivotted the
link A3 (figures 15 and 16 Sheet 2) inside the cover-plate. This link carries at its
other end the pin A³. B is the breech block (Sheet 3) whose right hand side has in
it a groove B in which the pin A³ works. At the front end of the breech-block is the
firing pin C (Figures 9, Sheet 3) and on the right hand side is the switch piece D
(Figures 10 Sheet 3) controlled by the spring D (Figures 11, Sheet 3) fixed to the
under side of a flange on the left hand side of the breech-block, as shown in Figure 4,
Sheet 3, its other end taking into a notch in the axis of the switch-piece D which axis
passes through the breech-block. On the right hand side of the breech-block and
above the switch-piece D is pivotted the flap piece E (Figures 12, Sheet 3). The
left hand side of the rear of the breech-block carries the spring bolt F (Figures 13,
Sheet 3) which is slotted, to receive the nose of the lever G, (Figures 14 Sheet 3).
The position of these parts in the block is clearly shown in Figures 1-4, Sheet 3.
The operation of the gun is as follows:-
The gun having been fired and the parts being in the position shown in Sheet
and Figure 1, Sheet 8, the handle A is pulled back carrying with it the slide A¹ and
link A2, the pin upon the latter being in the position shown in Figure 1, Sheet 8,
being retained in that position by the switch-piece D and flap-piece E which latter is
prevented from turning by reason of its nose E¹ being in contact with the breech
face. As the handle A is pulled back the breech-block is pulled down into the
position shown in Sheet 7 and Figure 2 Sheet 8 pivotting about the bolt F which is
in the hole H of the casing; (Figure 1, Sheet 4) when it reaches this position the
nose of the flap-piece comes opposite to a recess in the breech-face and the flap is now
free to turn into the position shown in Sheet 7 allowing the pin A³ to move along the
groove in the breech-block. During this motion the lower rounded end of the
link A (Figures 15 and 16 Sheet 2) has come into the recess K₁ (figures 1 and 2
Sheet 5) of the hammer K and the hammer is pressed downwards and backwards
compressing the main spring K² (figure sheet 1 and sheets 6 and 7) until the
sear K³ (Figs. 7-9 sheet 5) drops into the notch K₁ (figure 3 Sheet 5) in the
hammer and retains the hammer at full cock. The breech-block also in its downward
course has come against the tail end L' of the extractor L (Figures 5 and 6. Sheet 5)
thereby turning it on its pivot L' and causing it to extract the cartridge. The parts
finally assume the position shown at Sheet 7 and Figure 2, Sheet 8.
The slide A¹ is now prevented from moving further to the rear by coming against
the nose of the turn-button M (Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 1 and figures 11-14 Sheet 2)
and a fresh cartridge having been inserted by hand the slide A¹ is pushed forward
again. The reverse operations now take place. By the first part of the movement
the pin A³ is brought to the front of the groove in the breech-block, it then com-
mences to force the breech-block upwards about its pivot and ultimately brings the
parts into the position shown at Figure 1, Sheet 1, and Figure 1 Sheet 8, completing
the cycle and leaving the hammer cocked.
Sheet 9 shows the cartridge holder or magazine which I employ when the gan is to
be used as a repeating arm.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the right hand side.
Figure 2 is a rear view.
Figure 3 is a front view, and
Figure 4 shows the holder full of cartridges.
In Figure 1, Sheet 1 and Sheet 6 the cartridge holder is not in the rifle. In
Sheet 7 and Sheet 10 it is shown in place in the first case being full of cartridges and
in the second containing two. The bottom of its rear end rests on the spring N
which tends to expel it as soon as the door N' is unfastened which is done as follows:-
the door N¹ is hinged to the left hand side of the rifle (the hinge not being shown in

page_text: any of the views) and has fixed to it the spring N* whose end bears upon the pin N³
(figure 1 sheet 2 and Figure 3 Sheet 1) on the cover plate tending always to open
the door N¹. The side of the door is slotted at N (figure 1 Sheet 1) to receive the
bolt N³ which is pressed inwards by the spring Ne (figures 2 and 3, Sheet 1).. N is
a thumb lever pivotted at N8 whose end enters a slot in the bolt No. When this.lover
is pressed the bolt is withdrawn and the door flies open. No is a jointed spring.arm.
which enters the open bottom of the cartridge holder and tends to force the cartridges
upwards.
If it is desired to use the arm as a repeating arm, the turn button M. (Figures 2
and 3, Sheet 1, and figures 11 to 14 Sheet 2) is turned so as to lift its nose out of the
way of the slide A¹ which can now be pulled further back than is shown in Figure 2.
Sheet 8. When this is done the pin A³ follows along the groove B' in the block B
(Sheet 7) and the link A2 comes against the tail end G₁ of the lever G (figures 1,
and 14 Sheet 3) pressing it to the left and causing it to withdraw the bolt I from the
hole H (figure 1 sheet 4). The rear end of the block being now. free to descend is
pulled down by the pin A³ continuing to move back and assumes the position shown
in sheet 10 and Fig. 3 sheet 8 and the bolt F drops into the hole H (figure 1,
sheet.4). As the handle continues to move back the pin A³ enters the slot O (figure 1
sheet 4) in the casing. The rack P (Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7, Sheet 2) now comes into
gear with the pinion Q¹ fixed to the pinion which latter gears with the cartridge
feeding rack R (figures 1, 8, 9 and 10, Sheet 2) which is jointed as shown and works
in the slot S in the cover plate (Figures 1-4, Sheet 2).
The cartridge feeder R has jointed to it a finger T upon which bears the spring T
tending to make it assume the position shown in Figure 9, Sheet 2. As the handle A
is pulled back and the cartridge feeder forced forward, as above described, the finger T
comes against the top cartridge in the magazine and pushes it forward into the barrel.
While this is taking place the jointed spring N° forces up the next cartridge to the
top of the magazine. The handle A is now pushed forward again and the spring
finger T in its backward path coming against the top cartridge in the magazine shuts
down and is able to pass it.
In order to prevent the cartridge feeder R from accidentally dropping out when the
rack P is not in gear with the pinion Q₁ the spring catch R¹ (figure 1 sheet 2) is
provided one end of which is fixed at R2 to the cover plate and whose other end is
forked to embrace one of the teeth of the rack R. One end of the lever R³ comes
beneath the angle of the spring R¹ whilst the end is bevelled and lies in the path
of the rack P which in coming back presses it to the right and thereby moves
the spring R¹ to the left out of the way of the rack R.
The backward motion of the handle A produces the reverse motions to those just
described. The pin A³ leaving the slot O enters the groove B¹ in the breech block
and the link coming against the tail end of the lever & withdraws the bolt F from
the hole H leaving the breech-block B free to be lifted. As the pin A³ moves along
the groove B¹ it comes against the switch-piece D and is thereby prevented from
going back by the same course as it came but passes above the switch-piece and
comes against the top of the block, thereby lifting it. When the handle A has
been fully pushed forward the breech-block will have been raised to its highest
position and the breech closed, and the bolt F drops into the hole H in the casing
and the cycle is complete, the parts being in the positions shown in Figure 1 Sheet-1,
and the arm is ready to be fired.
Sheet 11 shows a modified form of. cover-plate.
Figure 1 is a left hand or inside elevation.
Figure 2 is a section on the line 1, 1, Figure 1, looking back.
Figure 3 is a right hand or outside elevation.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section on the line 2, 2, Figure 3.
In these figures the handle A is not shown. It works in the slot X in the cover-
plate and is fixed to the sliding plate ✗¹ Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 11, on the inside.
This sliding plate carries a nut X² working upon a quick threaded screw Y which
at one end carries a pinion Y gearing with a pinion Z¹ fixed to a screw Z having

page_text: twice as rapid a pitch as the screw Y. The screw Z has upon it a nut Z³ which
carries the spring finger T by which the cartridges are pushed forward out of the
magazine into the barrel. In other respects the rifle operates as before described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. A drop block fire-arm in which the pivot of the block can be lowered so as
to allow cartridges to be pushed forward over the block from a magazine at
the rear.
2. In fire-arms such as are referred to in the first claim actuating the block by
means of a handle, slide and link, substantially as described.
3. In fire-arms such as are referred to in the first claim pivotting the block
upon a bolt which is withdrawn by the link or other moving part, substantially
as described.
4. In fire-arms such as are referred to in the first claim the breech-block and the
bolt, the switch-piece and flap piece attached thereto substantially as described.
5. In fire-arins such as are referred to in the first claim the combination of the
block and parts attached thereto with the handle, the slide and link substantially
as described.
6. The jointed feeder R substantially as described.
7. The combination of the parts for working the feeder R consisting of the rack P
and the pinions Q and Q¹ substantially as described.
8. Magazine fire-arms substantially as described and shown in the drawings.
OVERBECK.