CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OR MODES OF FORMING OR MAKING THE HEADS OF ORNAMENTAL NAILS WHEN SUCH HEADS ARE FORMED OF A DIFFERENT METAL OR METALS FROM THE SHANKS OF THE SAME
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon, Rivet Manu-
facturers, trading as Co-partners, at Gibb Street Works, Gibb Street,
Deritend, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, for the Invention
of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OR MODES OF FORMING OR MAKING
THE HEADS OF ORNAMENTAL NAILS WHEN SUCH HEADS ARE FORMED OF A
DIFFERENT METAL OR METALS FROM THE SHANKS OF THE SAME."
Sealed the 22nd August 1856, and dated the 26th February 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Henn and Thomas
Haddon at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 26th February 1856.
We,, SAMUEL HENN and THOMAS HADDON, Rivet Manufacturers, trading as
Co-partners, at Gibb Street Works, Gibb's Street, Deritend, Birmingham, in
the County of Warwick, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention
for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OR MODES' OF FORMING OR MAKING THE
HEADS OF ORNAMENTAL NAILS WHEN SUCH HEADS ARE FORMED OF A DIFFERENT METAL
OB. METALS FROM THE SHANKS OF THE SAME," to be as follows, that is to say:-
Our improvements principally relate, in the first place, to the description of
nails known as brass headed nails, which heretofore have been made by forming.
the shank or nail from rod iron, by forging or beating out the ends to form the
point, and then cutting them off the required length, always observing to form

page_text: one or two nicks close to the top end; the shanks or nails thus formed are
next placed in a pair of suitable sand moulds, from which the original patters
have been removed. In this condition the moulds are screwed together and
molten brass is poured into the cavities (formed by the impression of the heads
of the original patterns), and flowing around the top end of each shank or nail,
according to the number placed in the mould; the heads are thus formed and
are afterwards finished by turning, burnishing, lacquering, etc., the nick or
nicks before mentioned preventing the head thus formed from coming off or
turning round. And our improvements consist in forming a large semi-spherical
or other shaped head on such shanks or nails after the manner in which the
heads are formed on rivets, whether such shanks or nails are formed or forged
from wire, rod iron, or cut from sheet iron in the usual way in which cut nails
are or may be made. To cover the heads of such nails with brass, German
silver, or any other suitable metal or metals, we use the same process as before
described, viz., that of placing them in moulds and covering the head with
molten metal; but instead of making our moulds of sand, we prefer using
metal moulds, or part metal and part sand; and instead of finishing by turning,
we propose, after cleaning the heads, to finish them by placing them in a
suitable bolster or bed, and giving them a blow or blows with a stamp hammer,
the finished form of the heads being sunk in the under side of such hammer.
We can carry on this principle down to nails small enough for ornamenting
furniture, producing in every instance a stronger and better nail.
And, secondly, our improvements consist in applying brass or other metal
coverings to the heads of the description of nails that are too small to admit of
their being cast, as, for instance, the manner in which we propose putting a
brass or other metal head to a small-sized tack nail is, first, by clipping the
head round and covering it with a disc cut from thin brass or other metal, but
large enough to be turned under, clipping the head, which may be made by
suitable dies, flat, convex, or any other desired form; and when a larger head
is required than could be formed by this process, we use a disc of zinc or other
suitable metal, cut the size or shape of the desired head, having a hole in its
centre through which the shank of the nail is passed; and in this form it is
finished by covering with sheet metal in the manner before described. And
again, when small nails are required to be made from wire having a large head
in the manner described in the first part of our Provisional Specification, but
being too small for casting, we apply the brass or other shell covering in the
manner last described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 25th August 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, SAMUEL
HENN and THOMAS HADDON, of Gibb Street Works, Gibb Street, Deritend,
Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Nail and Rivet Manufacturers,
trading as Co-partners, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the nineteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant us,
the said Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon, Her special licence that we,
the said Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon, our exccutors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as we, the said Samuel Henn and Thomas
Haddon, our 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 Channe!
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MODE OR MODES OF FORMING OR MAKING THE HEADS OF ORNAMENTAL NAILS WHEN
SUCH HEADS ARE FORMED OF A DIFFERENT METAL OR METALS FROM THE SHANKS OF THE
BAME," upon the conditions (amongst others) that we, the said Samuel Henn
and Thomas Haddon, by an instrument in writing under our 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 we, the said Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon,
do hereby declare the nature of our 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) :-
+
Our Invention consists in the application of the well-known process or
mechanical appliances used for pointing certain description of nails, as well as
forming rivets or such like articles, to that of pointing, and partially forming
the heads of ornamental nails, such heads to be further formed by placing them
in suitable metal moulds, or moulds made partly of sand and partly of metal,
plaster of Paris, or other suitable material, and casting over them brass, German
silver, or other metal, and finished by placing them in a suitable bed or bolster,

page_text: "
and striking or forcing, the head into a die, either by means of a common stamp
or other suitable appliances; and in the smaller class of nails, where strength,
appearance, and economy is an object, we propose to cover the head with sheet
brass, German silver, or other metal, in contradistinction to casting; but in
this case, as in the foriner, we first form an enlarged part on the shank of the
nail before applying the finished head. But as the description of our Invention
will be best understood by referring to the Drawings hereunto annexed, we will
proceed at once to describe the same.
Figure 1 represents the shank of a common brass headed nail, with the head
in' section, the shank and point having been forged by beating and hammering,
that being the regular mode of manufacture, and introduced here for the
purpose of shewing the the common mode of making this description of nails.
The shank is nicked at the top end and placed into a 'mould, from which the
original patterns have been withdrawn, when the molten metal is poured in and
forms the head as here shewn, which head may be varied in shape or size,
according to the original pattern. The shapes usually made are exhibited in
this and at Figure 2, of which Figure 3 represents 'a top view. And our
improvements on this mode consist in forming a head at the top of the shank,
as exhibited at Figure 4, the enlarged part at the top being formed in the
manner in which the heads are formed on screws, rivets, and some description
of nails, and the point formed at the same time the head is being formed, or by
a subsequent process. We commence by taking, say, a bundle of iron wire of
the required size, passing the end between the feed rolls of a machine such as
is used for forming the heads on screws or rivets, which machine forms the
head and cuts off the shank to the desired length, which may now be, pointed
by the same machine or by a subsequent process. In forming the head, we
arrange the tools so as to leave a frieze or ragged rim, formed by the iron being
squeezed out from between the meeting of the tools, the use of which will be
Hereafter, described. The shank and semi-formed 'liead is now ready to be
placed in the mould, which we do in a vertical position for covering, by casting
on the outer shell or head, which may be brass, copper, zinc, German silver, or
other suitable metal or metals, and the mode which we find to answer best for
realising this part of our Invention 'we will now proceed to describe..
*a, a, and 'b; b, 'Figure 5, represents the lengthway section of the mould
frames, the lower one b, b, being deep enough to receive the shank of the nail,
standing in a vertical position. c, c, c, etc., représents also, in section, the
heads of the metal pattern, compactly bedded in the sand of the top mould
marked D. The bottom mould frame b, b, may be filled in the space marked D!
with loose sand-(as here represented) or be left entirely void. EE, represents

page_text: the mould boards, but the screw clamps for holding them together we have not
thought it necessary to exhibit. F represents a hole in the meeting of the
mould frames, through which the metal is poured in the process of covering the
heads, usually called the get hole.
Figure 6 represents a transverse section of the last Figure, but in this case
we have shewn the metal pattern withdrawn and a perforated metal plato
substituted for the plate marked h, h, shewn in the last Figure resting on a
rabbet formed on the lower mould frame, through the holes of which and in the
cavities formed by the shanks projecting downwards on the under side of tho
pattern or plate marked h, h, before described, the nails or shanks g, g, etc.,
are placed, and the difference in the form of the impression made in the sand
of the top mould by the patterns marked c, c, c, etc., in the last Figure, and the
size of the semi-formed heads on the nails g, g, etc., is to be filled up by the
molten metal in the process of casting; the ragged frieze forced out around
the semi-formed head, as also on its under side, by the meeting of the tools
before referred to, will entirely prevent the cast head from shaking or moving
about; after which the moulds are relieved from the screw clamps, and the nails
and plate h, h, taken out from the lower mould frame, when the plate h may
be easily removed and the nails torn apart where they are united for the purpose
of allowing the metal to flow from one to another as they meet in each.row.
j, k, are ears formed on the sides of the top and bottom mould frame for
the purpose of receiving the pins m, m, by which means the moulds are fixed
together, and prevented from having any lateral action.
Figure 7 represents a top view of the metal patterns c, c, etc., and plate h, h,
which here shews that the patterns of the heads are placed in rows and slightly
united together for the purpose of allowing the metal to flow from one to the
other. The pattern is represented as broken off for the convenience of space,
Figure 8 represents either the plate h, h, to which the patterns c, c, &c., are
fixed, or the plate h', which is placed into the moulds after the withdrawal of
the patterns, as exhibited at Figure 6. The pattern of the nail heads. marked
c, c, etc., can be varied according to the design required, taking care that they
are placed in rows, and united together for the convenience of pouring a row of
them from one get or pouring hole. It is not necessary that we preserve the
semi-spherical shape, as represented by the cavities in the sand at D", Figure 6,
or at c, c, etc., Figure 5, as they may be of any other desired shape, such (as
for instance) as the nail exhibited in section at Figures 9 and 10, with their
top views, Figures 11 and 12.
For the finer description of nails that will not admit of the head being finished.
with casting, we propose to semi-form the head in the same way as with the,

page_text: larger kinds exhibited at Figures 4 and 9, also in section at Figures 10 and 20,
varying the shape as required; or these 'semi-formed heads (on the shanks),
instead of being subsequently covered with other metal, may be formed or cut
into diamonds, and further finished by being pushed through a perforated disc,
of a flat or raised shape, burnished or otherwise finished. A nail of this descrip-
tion we have exhibited at Figure 13, and in a top view at Figure 14.
'Figure 15 represents the section of a nail, the shank being made of wire with
a semi-formed head, as in the last case. n is a disc of iron or zinc, through
which the shank passes, and is secured close to the head' by being pressed
together with suitable tools; and o represents the outer covering, which may
be brass, German silver, plated, or any other suitable metal, which is lapped
over the edge of the under disc n, and is then permanently secured. It is
evident, that if a regular semi-spherical sliape should be desired, it is only to
alter the shape of the tools by which the shank and under disc are united
together, when the head may be pressed down or sunk into a corresponding
cavity in the lower disc; nor is it necessary that the shanks of such nails should
be made of wire, as they may be cut from sheet metal or sheet iron, in the
ordinary way in which cut nails are made, having a head formed on them
sufficient to shoulder on and hold the under disc, when it must be pressed in,
as before described.
Figure 16 is merely a top view of Figure 15, and Figure 17 represents
a nail, forged or formed like a common clout or tack nail, taking care that the
iron that spreads out, forming the semi-head, is left stronger and thicker at the
part where it unites with the shank, which may be easily done by counter-sinking
the die which gives form to the under side of the head; the head of the nail
thus formed is passed through a pair of clipping tools, which gives uniformity
'and shape to the head before receiving the metal covering, which covering
I have represented in section marked p.
Figure 18 is a top view of the finished nail, here drawn of a circular
form, but which may be of any other desired shape, which would lessen the
tendency of the top covering or shell to turn round and work loose on the
under part.
Figure 19 represents the same description of nail as Figure 17, with the
exception that we have represented the shank as formed of wire, and may or
may not be pointed, as preferred, the head being finished by an outer covering,
which we prefer being first raised into the shape shewn in section at r, which
being passed down over the head, the under rim s, s, can be turned in on the
'under side of the head, clipping and lapping it over; the shank being formed
of wire, the head will be of a regular shape, and will not require clipping

page_text: preparatory to receiving the outer shell. And this mode of covering and
finishing the heads of nails may be applied to larger ones, as exhibited at
Figure 20, and in a top view at Figure 21.
The manner of finishing off the heads of such nails, thus covered with
shell metal, is by means of polishing, burnishing, lacquering, etc., in the usual
way.
The nails finished with cast heads, we propose, first, to clean from all sand
and grit, and finish by placing them vertically on the bolster or bed of a
common stamp, and striking the head into the required shape by means of
the stamp hammer, the true form of the finished bead being sunk on its
under side; this will obviate the necessity of turning; but as this process may
be somewhat slow, we propose to place them into a revolving bolster, set up in
a kind of self-acting machine, the die forming the head being forced down on
it (as the nails are brought round in their respective positions) by means of a
cam revolving at the end of a lever. This machine we have exhibited in
a side and end view on Sheet Two, which we will now proceed to describe,
lettering the same parts, as they occur in each view, with the same letter of
reference.
A is a strong heavy casting, which may be fixed to a wood or iron stand, the
latter being here exhibited, marked B, B; C is a lever, working on a fulcrum
or axis at D, at the long end of which is placed a friction roller marked E,
partly shewn in dotted lines; this roller works on the axis F, and the lever
rises and falls by the revolving action of the cam, shewn in dotted lines
formed on the axis G, on which is also placed the cog wheel H, H, the teeth
of which takes into another wheel of the same size, shewn principally in dotted
lines in the side view, working on the axis I, and which wheel takes into a
pinion, also shewn in dotted lines, fixed on the axis J, which also carries the
fly wheel K, K, and fast and loose pullies L, L; and it is evident that at each
revolution of the axis G, the lever C will be lifted up by the action of the
cam into the position shewn by the dotted lines a and b, and it is by this
action that we propose to force or squeeze the heads of the nails into the
desired form, by that part of the lever C which projects forward to the right
of the axis D. M is a revolving bolster, having any suitable number of
holes on its periphery pointing to the centre, and round each hole on the
face is placed a steel die or boss, on which the under side of the heads
of the nails rest during the time they are pressed into form. On the axis
of the bolster M is placed the ratchet wheel N, with a projecting arm O,
which is attached by a connecting rod P to the wheel Q, so that as the
cog wheels II and R are revolving in contrary directions, it is evident that

page_text: the arm O.will be brought forward in the direction of the arrow, when the
pall S, fastened to the axis t on the inside of this arm, will drop down in
front of the uppermost tooth of the ratchet wheel N, and in the revolu
tion of the wheel Q, the ratchet wheel will be turned from tooth to tooth;
it is now represented at the half stroke, and when the axis T is brought
forward parallel with the axis I, the pall will fall down over the uppermost
tooth, and in the continued revolution of the wheel R, the ratchet wheel will
be made to turn in the direction of the arrow until it has brought the head of
the nail shewn at u into a vertical position, at which. moment the top tool V,
working behind the front or guide plate W, is brought down on it by the action
of the cam, which at this, moment will be in a vertical position, and forcing the
front end of the lever down on the top tool or die V. As this is repeated, and
the bolster put in motion at each front tooth taken up on the ratchet wheel N,
it is evident, that by feeding the machine, that is, by placing the nails to be
operated upon in the holes as they present themselves in the front of the
bolster, that as the bolster passes round, the finished nails will fall out or drop
into the box Y, to be emptied and again filled at pleasure.
We have found it necessary to add some few parts of minor detail, namely,
the part marked z, which is a small bit of steel secured on the front side of
the casting; projecting. over the periphery of the bolster, for the purpose of
slightly lifting the nail from the bolster, that when it passes round it will freely
fall out. And, again, at the top of the tool marked V, we place a large steel
head marked A', capable of being set with a screw, so that it may be raised or
lowered for the purpose of regulating the amount of pressure when in contact
with the front end of the lever C; and the part B' extends down behind the
tool marked V, and has a sliding motion in connection with the same, which
motion is regulated by the screw C', by which means the tool V is lifted up by
the; reverse action of the lever, so that the head of the nail may pass freely
round.
We do not propose confining ourselves to the finishing of the nails, described
and exhibited on Sheet One, by this process, as by means of the revolving
bolster, cast brass nails, known as chair nails, may be planished on the face of
the head in much quicker time than by the process usually adopted, in addition
to which, the process hitherto adopted requires some strength and skill on the
part of the operator, whilst this machine may be fed by a child, and the speed
with which the bolster may be made to revolve, can be easily regulated
according to the description of nails desired to be so finished.
Having thus described the nature of our Invention, and the manner in
which the same may be carried into effect, we wish it understood that we

page_text: do not claim the casting of brass on the heads of nails, nor the covering of
the heads of nails with sheet metal, as both are old and common in the
market; but what we do claim as our Invention (for economising the more
costly material, of which the head may be covered or finished, as well as for
the general character and appearance of the nail,) is,-
Firstly, the pointing and forming or partially forming, the heads of the
description of nails herein described (before covering or finishing), by the well-
known process or machinery used, or that may be used, for forming rivets,
screw heads, or such like articles, without confining ourselves to any particular
size or shape of such heads or points.
Secondly, we claim the mode, herein described, of making the patterns and
casting on the outer or shell heads of such nails, without confining ourselves to
any proportions, form, or size of mould frames, and other details, as the same
are capable of considerable diversification or modification.
And, lastly, we claim the use of the self-acting or revolving bolster, herein
described, and exhibited on Sheet Two, for forming, planishing, or finishing
the beads of such or similar nails, after they have been cast on, as well as
a means of finishing the sort of nails usually cast in brass, and known as chair
nails.
In witness whereof, we, the said Samuel Henn and Thomas Haddon,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-six.
SAMUEL HENN.
(L.S.)
Witness,
Mark of THOMAS HADDON x. (L.S.)
JAMES S. COCKINGS, Patent Agent,
Birmingham.