IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, THEIR PRIMERS, AND IN THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Year: 1869

page_text: En the Matter of Letters Patent granted to DAVID HUNTER
BRANDON, of 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, in the Empire of France,
Civil Engineer, for "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, THEIR
PRIMERS, AND IN THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME," bearing
date Twenty-fourth July, One thousand eight hundred and
sixty-nine, No. 2257.
DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to be
entered by the said David Hunter Brandon according to the
Statutes in that case made and provided.
WHEREAS, since the filing of the Specification of the said Letters
Patent, I have become aware that a method of manufacturing the shells
or cases of cartridges somewhat resembling that described and shewn in
the Specification and Drawing filed by me in compliance with a proviso
contained in the said Letters Patent was known, and that some of the
other matters contained in my said Specification were not new at the
date of my said Letters Patent, I therefore disclaim certain words forming

page_text: part of the title of my said Letters Patent, and also certain parts of my
said Specification together with certain Figures in the Drawing relating
thereto, that is to say, I strike out and disclaim from the title of the said
Letters Patent the words "and in the methods of manufacturing the
same," and before the words "their primers" I insert the word "and,"
so that the title when so amended will read "Improvements in Metallic
Cartridges and their Primers." And from the Specification of the said
Patent as printed in the blúe books published by the Commissioners
of Patents I strike out and disclaim the following parts, (that is to say,)
In page four of the printed Specification I strike out from line five
beginning with the words "The recess or cavity" to line nineteen inclu-
sive. From line twenty in the same page I strike out the word "also"
and the words "another description of," and I insert the word "a" in
place thereof. From line twenty-seven I strike out the words " twenty-
two."
From line thirty-one I strike the word "fifteen," and from lines
thirty-one and thirty-two I strike out the words "different kinds of heads
for annular or for central fire as well as." In page five I strike out from
line fifteen, beginning with the words "Fig. 8 represents " to line twenty-
nine inclusive, and after the words Fig. 11 in line fourteen I insert the
words "and 22." From line thirty in the same page I strike out the
words "in the last case another," and in place thereof I insert the word.
"a." I also disclaim and strike out from the Drawing, Figures 8, 9, 10,
12, and 13, referred to in the paragraphs included in lines fifteen to
twenty-nine, page 5.
out
^
And from the claiming clauses at the end of the Specification I strike
out the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth claims as contained in line
thirty-four, page six, to line seven, page seven inclusive. And from line
eight, page seven, I strike out the words "and sixthly."
The Specification so amended will then stand as follows:-
These improvements relate to that class of metallic cartridges where
the head and the shell are made of one piece of metal.
To form my cartridges I take a blank round piece of metal of the required
thickness and form it under a press with suitable dies into a concave
cup. I successively pass this cup through decreasing sizes of dies so
that the sides of the same are gradually drawn out and from the shell of
the cartridge, the head during this time retaining its original thickness.
I then compress the bead under a press, by which I form the rim, the

page_text: recess or cavity in which the priming cap is placed, and if requisite pierce
the hole by which the fire communicates with the charge. The tools
used for this purpose are so shaped as to leave at the place where the
head and shell unite inside the cartridge additional metal, forming a
circular concave shoulder. I adapt these cartridges for the reception of
a priming in the shape of a small metallic disc composed of an anvil and
its casing. The anvil is a small disc which can be dished for the
reception of the priming, and the casing a short metallic tube closed at
one extremity and of sufficient length when passed over the anvil to be
turned under the same so as to enclose it.
In order that my Invention be thoroughly understood I will proceed
to describe it conjointly with the Figures of the annexed Sheet of
Drawings, in which Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 represent the progressive
manufacture of a blank; Figures 5, 6, and 7 the formation of the flanch
and the head to suit the kind of inflammation required, and the remaining
Figures the primers I employ with these latter.
For the manufacture of my cartridges I take a sheet of metal,
preferably copper, which I convert into a cartridge ready to receive its
priming and charge by means of three successive operations, the first of
which consists in cutting out a blank and striking it up partially
with a slight draw, see Fig. 1, the second in drawing down the same
without diminishing the thickness of that part forming the head;
whereby I constitute the shell, as shewn in Fig. 4; three or more
successive drawings are necessary to this end during the operation the
metal requires annealing one or more times. The effect of this drawing
is to reduce both the external and internal diameter of the shell, the
volume of metal thus displaced being added to its length. This work
should be done in dies of tempered steel. The third and last operation
consists in forming the riu or flanch upon the head as well as the recess
or cavity for holding the primer or cap; this work is done in a fly press
or other appropriate machine by the aid of a punch or a die, as shewn at
Figures 5, 6, and 7. In this first Figure I have represented a blank
inserted in the die ready to receive the blow of the punch, and in the
second I have represented the punch down and the cartridge case
finished; the third represents the operation performed for a central-fire
cartridge, shewn at Figs. 11 and 22.
I will describe a primer in the shape of a small flat disc and consisting
in a cup, an anvil, and the fulminate placed between these two parts.

page_text: I place this disc in a cavity sunk in the head of the cartridge for that
purpose, when inserted the said disc being level with the outer face of
the head. The eight Figures 14 to 21 serve to illustrate this pellet or
disc under different stages of manufacture, and Fig. 22 the position it
occupies in the head of the cartridge.
Figures 14, 15, and 16 represent my first system of manufacture, in
which Fig. 14 is a section of the cup, Fig. 15 a section of the concave
anvil charged with fulminate, whilst Fig. 16 shews the manner of uniting
these two parts by doubling the lower edge of the cup under the anvil.
Fig. 17 represents a modification of this arrangement in which the disc
or pellet is simply driven in the cup until it is about flush with its
lower edge.
Figures 18, 19, and 20 represent a second system, in which Fig. 18 is
the cup charged with fulminate, Fig. 19 the flat anvil, and Fig. 20 the
junction of these two parts similar to the one indicated at Fig. 16.
Fig. 21 represents a modification of this arrangement similar to that
indicated at Fig. 17.
Fig. 22 represents one of my pellet primers constructed in accordance
with one or the other of the arrangements above described, and placed
within the head of the cartridge.
In these last Figures I have indicated but one single central hole
through the anvil for the passage of the fire of the fulminate to the
charge; if requisite, however, the number of these holes may be
augmented.
Independently of the advantages obtained by the mechanical manu-
facture of a cartridge ready to be charged as I have above described,
and made of one piece with metal condensed by drawing and stamping,
the distribution of this metal according to the types of cartridges which
I have indicated gives to them increased solidity and toughness hitherto
unobtainable. I refer more particularly to the strength and thickness
of the rim or flanch relatively to that of the head at d, and particularly
the circular shoulder or internal strengthening part e consisting in an
increased thickness of metal at the place where the head leads off to
form the cylindrical shell, and where the curve of this additional metal
begins at the thinnest part of the head, id est, the circle d, and extends
inside the cartridge below the external line where the rim of the head
stands out from the shell.

page_text: Having thus described the nature of my improvements, as well as the
best means that I am acquainted with for carrying the same into
practice, I claim as the Invention, the pellet or disc primers described
with reference to the Figures 14 to 21 inclusively, in conjunction with a
solid rim cartridge.
best means that I am acquainted with for carrying the same into
practice, I claim as the Invention, the pellet or disc primers described
with reference to the Figures 14 to 21 inclusively, in conjunction with a
solid rim cartridge.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Hunter Brandon, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, the Thirtieth day of December,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Hunter Brandon, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, the Thirtieth day of December,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
I hereby grant my fiat giving leave to the above-named David Hunter
Brandon to file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Specification
to which the same relates, the above written Disclaimer and Memorandum
of Alteration.
centh day rebruary
thousand eight
and seventy-one.
R. P. COLLIER,
Attorney-General.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to David Hunter Brandon, of 13, Rue Gaillon,
Paris, Empire of France, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, THEIR PRIMERS, AND IN THE
METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME."-A communication by Burkley
Benjamin Hotchkiss, of 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, Empire of France.
Sealed the 18th January 1870, and dated the 24th July 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said David Hunter Brandon
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 24th July 1869.
I, DAVID HUNTER BRANDON, of 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, Empire of
France, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, THEIR PRIMERS, AND
IN THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME," a communication, to be as
follows:-
These improvements relate to that class of metallic cartridges where
the head and the shell are made of one piece of metal.
°
To form my cartridges I take a blank round piece of metal of the
required thickness, and form it under a press with suitable dies into a
concave cup. I successively pass this cup through decreasing sizes of

page_text: dies, so that the sides of the same are gradually drawn out and form the
shell of the cartridge, the head during this time retaining its original
thickness. I then compress the head under a press, by which I form the
rim, the recess or cavity in which the priming cap is placed, and, if
requisite, pierce the hole by which the fire communicates with the charge.
The tools used for this purpose are so shaped as to leave at the place
where the head and shell unite inside the cartridge additional metal,
forming a circular concave shoulder.
The recess or cavity can be adapted for central-fire or for annular-fire,
the anvil for central-fire being either a separate piece inserted with the
cap or forming part of the cartridge itself in the shape of a raised teat.
I also manufacture these cartridges for receiving a peculiar shaped
cap capable of ignition both by annular or by central percussion. The
said cap is somewhat similar to an ordinary percussion cap with a
projecting flanch, the head being charged with fulminate not only under
the fold of said flanch but also under the entire head. The cartridge for
this description of cap I manufacture with a central hole for the insertion
of the cap and a circular cavity for the reception of its flanch or rim, and
in this case I either make the cartridge of one solid piece of metal with
or without the additional metal at its internal angle, as above stated, or,
in the latter case, with an internal thimble or ring for the purpose of
about doubling the thickness of metal of the cartridge at the head under
the recess for flanch of cap and a certain distance down the shell.
I also adapt these cartridges for the reception of another description of
priming in the shape of a small metallic disk composed of an anvil and
its casing. The anvil is a small disk, which can be dished for the
reception of the priming, and the casing a short metallic tube closed at
one extremity and of sufficient length when passed over the anvil to be
turned under the same so as to enclose it.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said David Hunter Brandon in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 24th January 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, DAVID
HUNTER BRANDON, of 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, Empire of France, Civil
Engineer, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of July, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the
thirty-third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said David Hunter Brandon, Her
special licence that I, the said David Hunter Brandon, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said David
Hunter Brandon, 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 "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC CARTRIDGES, THEIR PRIMERS, AND
IN THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME," being a communication to
me from Burkley Benjamin Hotchkiss, of 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris,
Empire of France, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said David Hunter Brandon, my executors or administrators, 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 Scal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said David Hunter Brandon, 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, reference being had to the Drawings
hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that
is to say):
These improvements relate to that class of metallic cartridges where
the head and the shell are made of one piece of metal.
To form my cartridges I take a blank round piece of metal of the
required thickness and form it under a press with suitable dies into a
concave cup. I successively pass this cup through decreasing sizes of
dies, so that the sides of the same are gradually drawn out and form the
shell of the cartridge, the head during this time retaining its original
thickness. I then compress the head under a press, by which I form tho.
rim, the recess or cavity in which the priming cap is placed, and, if

page_text: requisite, pierce the hole by which the fire communicates with the
charge. The tools used for this purpose are so shaped as to leave at the
place where the head and shell unite inside the cartridge additional
metal, forming a circular concave shoulder.
The recess or cavity can be adapted for central-fire or for annular-fire,
the anvil for central-fire being either a separate piece inserted with the
cup or forming part of the cartridge itself in the shape of a raised tit.
I also manufacture these cartridges for receiving a peculiar shaped
cap capable of ignition both by annular or by central percussion. The
said cap is somewhat similar to an ordinary percussion cap with a pro-
jecting flanch, the head being charged with fulminate not only under the
fold of said flange but also under the entire head. The cartridge for this
description of cap I manufacture with a central hole for the insertion of
the cap and a circular cavity for the reception of its flanch or rim; and in
this case I either make the cartridge of one solid piece of metal, with or.
without the additional metal at its internal angle, as above stated, or, in
the latter case, with an internal thimble or ring for the purpose of about
doubling the thickness of metal of the cartridge at the head under the
recess for flanch of cap and a certain distance down the shell.
I also adapt these cartridges for the reception of another description of
priming in the shape of a small metallic disc composed of an anvil and
its casing. The anvil is a small disc, which can be dished for the
reception of the priming, and the casing a short metallic tube closed
at one extremity and of sufficient length when passed over the anvil to
be turned under the same so as to enclose it.
In order that my Invention be thoroughly understood, I will proceed
to describe it conjointly with the twenty-two Figures of the annexed
Sheet of Drawings, in which Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 represent the
progressive manufacture of a blank; Figures 5, 6, and 7, the formation
of the flanch and the head to suit the kind of inflammation required; and
the fifteen remaining Figures different kinds of heads for annular or for
central-fire, as well as the primers I employ with these latter.
For the manufacture of my cartridges I take a sheet of metal,
preferably copper, which I convert into a cartridge ready to receive its
priming, and charge by means of three successive operations, the first of
which consists in cutting out a blank and striking it up partially with a
slight draw, see Fig. 1, the second in drawing down the same without
diminishing the thickness of that part forming the head, whereby

page_text: I constitute the shell, as shewn in Fig. 4; three or more successive
drawings are necessary to this end; during the operation the metal
requires annealing one or more times; the effect of this drawing is to
reduce both the external and internal diameter of the shell, the volume
of metal thus displaced being added to its length; this work should be
done in dies of tempered steel. The third and last operation consists in
forming the rim or flanch upon the head as well as the recess or cavity
for holding the primer or cap; this work is done in a fly press or other
appropriate machine by the aid of a punch or a die, as shewn at
Figures 5, 6, and 7; in this first Figure I have represented a blank
inserted in the die ready to receive the blow of the punch, and in the
second I have represented the punch down and the cartridge caso
finished; the third represents the operation performed for a central-fire
cartridge, shewn at Fig. 11.
Fig. 8 represents the form of head which I manufacture for receiving a
primer adapted both for central-fire and rim-fire; Fig. 11, the one I
prefer for a central-fire primer, in which the inflammation takes place
against the little anvil a raised out of the metal of the cartridge; Fig. 12,
the one in which I employ a similar primer with a detached anvil 6,
consisting in a little piece of plate iron, the tail of which is passed
through a hole made in the centre of the head of the cartridge (sco
detached plan of same); and Fig. 13, the form of head adapted for
receiving an ordinary percussion cap with its anvil c.
Figures 9 and 10 represent two other descriptions of cartridges for the
use of the primer both for annular and central-fire; in the first, Fig. 9,
the rim is formed by doubling the metal over on itself; in the second,
Fig. 10, whilst having recourse to the same system of manufacture,
I add inside a strengthening ring f countersunk at its centre to receive
the primer.
I will describe in the last case another primer in the shape of a small
flat disc, and consisting in a cup, an anvil, and the fulminate placed
between these two parts; I place this disc in a cavity sunk in the head
of the cartridge for that purpose, when inserted the said disc being level
with the outer face of the head. The eight Figures, 14 to 21, serve to
illustrate this pellet or disc under different stages of manufacture, and
Fig. 22 the position it occupies in the head of the cartridge.
Figures 14, 15, and 16 represent my first system of manufacture, in
which Fig. 14 is a section of the cup; Fig. 15, a section of the concave

page_text: anvil charged with fulminate; whilst Fig. 16 shews the manner of
uniting these two parts by doubling the lower edge of the cup under the
anvil; Fig. 17 represents a modification of this arrangement, in which
the disc or pellet is simply driven in the cup until it is about flush with
its lower edge.
Figures 18, 19, and 20 represent a second system, in which Fig. 18 is
the cup charged with fulminate; Fig. 19, the flat anvil; and Fig. 20,
the junction of these two parts similar to the one indicated at Fig. 16;
Fig. 21 represents a modification of this arrangement similar to that
indicated at Fig. 17.
Fig. 22 represents one of my pellet primers constructed in accordance
with one or the other of the arrangements above described and placed
within the head of the cartridge.
In these last Figures I have indicated but one single central hole
through the anvil for the passage of the fire of the fulminate to the
charge; if requisite, however, the number of these holes may be
augmented..
Independently of the advantages obtained by the mechanical manu-
facture of a cartridge ready to be charged as I have above described,
and made of one piece with metal condensed by drawing and stamping,
the distribution of this metal according to the types of cartridges which
I have indicated gives to them increased solidity and toughness hitherto
unobtainable. I refer more particularly to the strength and thickness
of the rim or flanch relatively to that of the head at d, and particularly
the circular shoulder or internal strengthening part e consisting in an
increased thickness of metal at the place where the head leads off to
form the cylindrical shell, and where the curve of this additional metal
begins at the thinnest part of the head, id est, the circle d, and extends
inside the cartridge below the external line where the rim of the head
stands out from the shell.
Having thus described the nature of my improvements, as well as the
best means that I am acquainted with for carrying the same into
practice, I claim as the Invention,―
Firstly. The
process
described for manufacturing blank cartridges.
Secondly. The process and tools employed for forming the head of the
cartridge, with its rim and cavity or recess, as described.

page_text: Thirdly. The diminished thickness of the head at d relatively to that
of the rim, and particularly the internal shoulder or additional metal e,
Figures 8, 11, 12, and 13.
Fourthly. The primer serving for both annular and central-fire,
described with reference to Fig. 8.
Fifthly. The anvils a and b, Figures 11 and 12, in conjunction with
the solid reinforced rim.
And, sixthly. The pellet or disc primers, described with reference to
the Figures 14 to 21 inclusively, in conjunction with a solid rim
cartridge.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Hunter Brandon, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, the Twenty-first day of January, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
5 Witness to the signature of
D. H. Brandon,
W. MORGAN BROWN.
D. H. BRANDON. (L.S.)