IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECHI-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1877

page_text: A
LETTERS PATENT to Edward Griffith Brewer, of Chancery Lane, London,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECHI-LOADING FIRE-ARMS."
communication from abroad by Valentin Sauerbrey, of Basle, Switzerland.
Sealed the 13th June 1878, and dated the 14th December 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Griffith Brewer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th December 1877.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER, of Chancery Lane, London. IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS." (A communication from abroad by Valentin
Sauerbrey, of Basle, Switzerland.)
This Invention refers to those breech-loading fire-arms having blocks constructed
on what is known as the "Peabody" and "Martini" principle.
The block in this Invention is not, as in the fire-arms known as aforesaid, fixed
to the box of the breech by a hinged screw, but it moves freely between the sides
of the box in an oblique direction by lateral guides, which slide in grooves formed
in the sides of the box.
The striking apparatus is not contained in the block, as in the Martini gun, and
does not form a separate plate, cocking separately, as in the Peabody gun. The
parts of the striking apparatus are secured to the shield of the trigger-guard, and
the striking hammer is cocked by means of a lever which brings down or up the
stop or gas block. The hollow formed in the back part of the box, in front of the
tail of the breech, enables the interior of the barrel to be examined without taking
out any of the parts of the arm, and to do this it is only necessary to lower the
stopping block.
The Invention is applicable to all kinds of breech-loading fire-arms, whether to
those used for precision or for army purposes, and any sort of cartridge is capable of
being used.
The forward part of the box is threaded and screws to the barrel; the back part
forms the tail of the breech made at the top, so as to be able to see the inside of the
barrel. The tail of the breech shews the holes of two screws by which it is secured

page_text: to the stock and shield. In the right side there is a fitting in which the pin of the
crank screwed to the strong part of the shield works. The left side of the arm may
be fixed to the body of the box by two screws, and may consequently be removed;
but the box may be made of one piece, forming the conducting grooves, by means of
machine tools. The closing block is provided with oblique plates, corresponding to
the grooves of the breech box and the talons in which the arins of the closing lever
take. The upper plate is cut out to facilitate the introduction of the cartridge into
the arm; it is also slightly inclined at the rear, in order to facilitate the exit of tho
washers of the expended cartridge. The upper part is bored with two holes for the
striking spindle, which may be changed at will, so as to use central fire or rim
cartridges.
The parts of the percussion apparatus and lever are contained in the shield, and
this is formed of a box with strong sides, in which there are holes for the spindle of
the lever and piercer and for the tumbler screw and extractor. The bottom of the
box is hollowed out longitudinally, to allow of play for the movement of the tumbler
and springs.
The upper part of the closing lever has two lateral arms, which fit the talons of the
stopping block; the lower part is provided with a cylindrical base, forming the pivot
of the piercer, in the body of which the lever is lodged. The lever is traversed by
a pentagonal aperture, in which a portion of the lever and piercing shaft is secured.
The striking hammer has a hollowed-out part, in which is placed the closing lever,
the pivot hole, the support of the chain, and the cocking notch. The shaft of the
lever is of varying length and form, the bolt of the crank screwed to the threaded
part, the pentagon axle of the crank and part of the shaft turns in the crank, and a
strengthening portion in the right side of the shield box. There is also a pentagonal
axle for the lever and pivot, free to turn in left side of box; there is also a main
spring, and other parts not necessary to be referred to in detail here.
The upper
branch of the extractor is provided with a head which rests in a space formed in
the barrel to the left; the lower part forms hinge and pivot about a screw fixed to
the shield box; the lower part has two branches, which receive the shock of the
stopping block to cause the extractor to pivot.
The loading requires the following movements:-
1. Seize the crank button and turn it from top to bottom, to cause the block to
descend.
2. Introduce the cartridge into the barrel.
3. Close the piece by turning the crank from the bottom upwards.
The movement of the crank, which, as well as the lever, is fixed to the shaft by
ineans of pentagons, causes the shaft to turn, and at the same time the rear lever.
The arms of the lever describe the arc of a circle, and slide the length of the talons
of the stopping block, on which they press to cause the latter to descend in the
direction of the guiding grooves; the lever at the same time presses on the striker,
which turns it back; the mainspring stretches, and the movement is terminated;
the point of the tumbler enters the stop notch of the striker, which thus remains.
The point of the tumbler is always pressed by its spring to the body of the
striker.
In descending, tho back part of the stopping block strikes the extractor arm,
which oscillates on its screwed pivot; the extractor takes hold of the rim of the
cartridge, extracts, and throws it away by the speed with which it moves.
When the cartridge is introduced into the barrel, the piece is closed by means of
the crank, which turns the lever forwards. The arms of the lever cause the stopping
block to ascend. The vertical position of the lever keeps the block in its place and
the crank at its internal flat part, with a small button corresponding with the hollow
formed in a stud left in the stock in order to prevent it from spontaneously turning
while the striker remains cocked.
To fire, press on the detent, which causes the tumbler to oscillate, disengaging
from it the point of the notch of the striker; the mainspring expands, and drives
the piercer on the spindle and ignites the charge.

page_text: The striker at the moment of the discharge becomes placed perpendicular to the
line of fire, and thus considerably increases the assistance of the stopping block. As
the rear plate of the block does not press till the last moment on the bottom of the
cartridge, and cannot reach the spindle until the block is entirely in place, it is not
possible that the charge can be exploded before the stopping point is perfectly
made.
To take the arm apart remove three screws, and the stock screw which holds the
shield to the arm; withdraw this shield, and at the same time all the internal pieces
of the mechanism, the stopping block, which is withdrawn at the same time, raised
by the hand, which is only sustained by the arms of the lever.
The pieces of the mechanism are taken apart in the following order: First, the
extractor; second, the mainspring, with the screw and tumbler spring; third, the
tumbler; fourth, the crank and its nut; fifth, the projection of the crank; sixth,
the shaft used for disengaging the lever and piercer, but these parts ought not to be
taken out except in extreme cases. The putting together is just the reverse
operation.
One chief advantage in this arm is the facility with which it can be cleaned,
which may be accomplished without taking any of the parts asunder, and the barrel
can be examined at each loading. The construction is simple and cheap, as com-
pared with others, and is applicable to existing systems of fire-arms.
The Invention further consists in making provision for cocking and uncocking at
will, independently of the closing mechanisin, which may remain closed during this
operation, preserving at the same time the advantage of a percussion mechanism,
capable of being cocked by the mechanism without necessitating an additional
movement. A crank turned from top to bottom brings down the block, the lever
pressing on the piercer, turns the latter and the outside hammer.
In closing the piece by means of the crank, the piercer remains cocked and the
hammer remains in place. To uncock, the arm being loaded, the hammer is
retained with the finger by pressing on the detent, and the hammer is gently brought
under the crank; the striker follows the movement of the hammer and becomes
placed without any shock on the spindle. By turning the hammer the arm is
recocked without interfering with the stop block, for which purpose the striker and
closing lever have each an independent motion, and the parts can be operated from
outside the arm.
In applying a spindle to the striker in this arrangement, the bearing of the lever
must be formed to the left, while in the other arrangement the lever is placed to
the right of the striker. The lever is modified ad hoc.
To introduce the spindle of the striker into the aperture in the right side of the
box of the shield the left side must be raised, which thus forms a support which
may be raised or lowered at will. The hammer being outside the striker shaft, it
may be turned and cocked when required without operating on the closing
mechanism.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edward Griffith Brewer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th
June 1878.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER, of Chancery Lane, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS." (A communication from abroad by Valentin
Sauerbrey, of Basle, Switzerland.)
This Invention refers to those breech-loading fire-arms having blocks constructed
on what is known as the "Peabody" and "Martini" principle.
The block in this Invention is not, as in the fire-arms known as aforesaid, fixed
to the box of the breech by a hinged screw, but it moves freely between the sides
of the box in an oblique direction by lateral guides which slide in grooves formed
in the sides of the box.
The striking apparatus is not contained in the block as in the Martini gun, and
does not form a separate plate cocking separately as in the "Peabody" gun. The
parts of the striking apparatus are secured to the shield of the trigger guard, and
the striking hammer is cocked by means of a lever which brings down or up the
stop or gas block. The hollow formed in the back part of the box in front of the
tail of the breech enables the interior of the barrel to be examined without taking
out any of the parts of the arm, and to do this it is only necessary to lower the
stopping block.
The annexed Drawing shows the mode of closing employed in a Swiss fire-arm,
but the Invention is applicable to all kinds of fire-arms and cartridges.
Figure 1 represents an external view of part of the arm in clevation; a is the
barrel with the bridge; b, the upper part of the box reaching beyond the stock;
m, the crank or stop; n, the nut of the lever spindle; o, the boss of the crank;
2, the trigger guard; j, the trigger; q, the stock.
Figure shows in vertical and longitudinal section the block-up closing the
barrel, the box, the block, the shield, and the stock in longitudinal section; here the
parts are as follows:-a, the barrel; b, the box; c, the stop or breech block; d, the
shield; e, the block lever; f, the striker with its chain (chainette); g, the main-
spring with the screw ;.h, the tumbler, pawl, or scar; i, i, the scar spring; j, the
trigger; R, the striker bar; l, the extractor; q, the stock; 21, 211, 111, screws for
holding the box shield to the barrel and stock; s' and s", the two wood screws,
securing to the stock the ends of the tail of the breech and shield; t, the spindle of
the block lever and striker.
Figure 3 shows the system uncovered after the plate is raised (the left side of
the box). The block is lowered, the breech open allows of the introduction of the
cartridge, and the striker is cocked. The position of the striker is shown by the
dotted lines. The same letters correspond to the same parts shown, whether by
separate or combined views, in all the Figures.
I
Figure 4 shows the breech. box, at a the right side, at the back, and at the
front.
At Figure 4 the internal form, corresponding to the longitudinal section, is
shown by the dotted lines, as well as the contour of the oblique conducting grooves
of the block.
The forward part of the box is threaded and screws to the barrel, the back part
forms the tail of the breech hollowed out at the top, so as to be able to see the
inside of the barrel. The tail of the breech shows the holes of two screws by which
it is secured to the stock and shield. In the right side there is a fitting, in which
the pin of the crank screwed to the strong part of the shield works. The left side
of the arm is secured to the body of the box by two screws, and may consequently
be removed; but the box may be made of one piece, forming the conducting grooves
by means of machine tools.
Figures 5, a, b, c, d, and e show different views of the stop or breech block c;
Figure 5, a view of the right side; here the oblique panels are seen corresponding

page_text: with the grooves of the breech block and the catches in which the arms of the
closing lever take.
The upper plate, seen at Figure 5b, is hollowed to facilitate the introduction of
the cartridge into the chamber; it is also slightly inclined at the rear in order to
facilitate the ejection of the spent cartridges. The upper part is bored with two
holes for the striker spindle, see Figure 50, which can be changed when desired, so
as to adopt the arm to centrol fire or to rim cartridges.
Figures 6, 6, and 6 show the shield in elevation at a and in plan at b; at a is
shown the shape of the box, which contains the percussion apparatus and the lever;
this box is formed of two strong sides, in which holes are forined for the lever and
striker spindle and for the screw of the tumbler and extractor. The bottom of
the box is hollowed longitudinally, to allow play for the movement of the tumbler
and springs.
Figure 7 shews the shape of the closing lever. The upper part has two lateral
arms which take into the hooks of the stoppering block; the lower part is provided
with a cylindrical boss forming the pivot of the striker in the body of which the
lever is placed. The lever has a pentagonal aperture in which the part b of the
spindle t, Figure 9, is secured.
Figure 8 shews the striking hammer in side and front view with the hollowed
part, in which is placed the lever for closing the pivot hole, the support of the chain,
and the cocking notch.
Figure 9 shows the lever spindle, which varies in form and diameter throughout
its length; a is the threaded part, to which is screwed the nut n of crank the m; b is
the pentagonal journal of the crank m; e, the portion of the spindle which turns in
the boss of the crank; d, the part which turns in the right side of the shield frame;
c, pentagonal bearing of the lever; f, the pivot turning in the left side of the box.
Figure 10 shews the mainspring (percussion spring) seen in plan, with the hook
of the chain, the hole for the screw, and the hole for the passage of box screw 1.
Figure 11 shews the tumbler h, seen in plan; and Figure 12, the tumbler
spring i, of sheet steel, seen in plan and side view.
Figure 13 shews the shape of the extractor 7, the upper branch of which is pro-
vided with a boss head which rests in a space formed for it in the left of the barrel.
The lower part forms a hinge and pivots about a screw fixed to the shield box.
The lower part has two branches, which receive the shock of the stopping block to
cause the extractor to pivot.
Figure 14 shews the crank m and its nut n in plan, it is also seen in side view
at Figure 1.
Manner of Charging and Operation of the Mechanism.-The closing block is
provided with oblique plates, corresponding to the grooves of the breech box and
the talons in which the arms of the closing lever take. The upper plate is cut out
to facilitate the introduction of the cartridge into the arm; it is also slightly
inclined at the rear in order to facilitate the exit of the washers of the expended
cartridges. The upper part is bored with two holes for the striking spindle, which
may be changed at will so as to use central fire or rim cartridges.
The parts of the percussion apparatus and lever are contained in the shield, and
this is formed of a box with strong sides in which there are holes for the spindle of
the lever and piercers, and for the tumbler, screw, and extractor. The bottom of
the box is hollowed out longitudinally to allow of play for the movement of the
tumbler and springs.
The upper part of the closing lever has two lateral arms which fit the talons of
the stopping block; the lower part is provided with a cylindrical base, forming the
pivot of the piercer, in the body of which the lever is lodged. The lever is traversed
by a pentagonal aperture, in which a portion of the lever and piercing shaft is
secured. The striking hammer has a hollowed out part, in which is placed the
closing lever, the pivot hole, the support of the chain, and the cocking notch. The
shaft of the lever is of varying length and form. The bolt of the crank is screwed
to the threaded part. The pentagon axle of the crank and part of the shaft turns

page_text: in the crank and a strengthening portion on the right side of the shield box. There
is also a pentagonal axle for the lever and pivot free to turn in left side of box.
There is also a mainspring and other parts not necessary to be referred to in detail
here. The upper branch of the extractor is provided with a head which rests in a
space formed in the barrel to the left; the lower part forms hinge and pivot about
a screw fixed to the shield box; the lower part has two branches which receive the
shock of the stopping block to cause the extractor to pivot.
The loading requires the following movements :-
First. Seize the crank button and turn it from top to bottom to cause the block
to descend.
Second. Introduce the cartridge into the barrel.
Third. Close the piece by turning the crank from the bottom upwards.
The movement of the crank, which as well as the lever is fixed to the shaft by
means of pentagons, causes the shaft to turn, and at the same time the rear lever.
The arms of the lever describe the arc of a circle, and slide the length of the talons
of the stopping block, on which they press to cause the latter to descend in the
direction of the guiding grooves; the lever at the same time presses on the striker,
which turns it back, the mainspring stretches, and the movement is terminated; the
point of the tumbler enters the stop notch of the striker, which thus remains.
The point of the tumbler is always pressed by its spring to the body of the
striker. In descending, the back part of the stopping block strikes the extractor
arm, which oscillates on its screwed pivot; the extractor takes hold of the rim of the
cartridge, extracts and throws it away by the speed with which it moves.
When the cartridge is introduced into the barrel the piece is closed by means of
the crank, which turns the lever forwards. The arms of the lever cause the stopping
block to ascend. The vertical position of the lever keeps the blocks in its place and
the crank at its internal flat part, with a small button corresponding with the hollow
formed in a stud left in the stock, in order to prevent it from spontaneously turning
while the striker remains cocked.
To fire, press on the detent, which causes the tumbler to oscillate, disengaging
from it the point of the notch of the striker; the mainspring expands and drives the
piercer on the spindle, and ignites the charge.
The striker at the moment of the discharge becomes placed perpendicular to the
line of fire, and thus considerably increases the resistance of the stopping block. As
the rear plate of the block does not press till the last moment on the bottom of the
cartridge, and the striker cannot reach the spindle until the block is entirely in
place, it is not possible that the charge can be exploded before the stopping joint is
perfectly made.
To take the arm apart remove three screws and the stock screw which holds
the shield to the arm; withdraw this shield, and at the same time all the internal
pieces of the mechanism, the stopping block, which is withdrawn at the same time,
raised by the hand, which is only sustained by the arms of the lever.
To take the arm to pieces take out the screws, 11, 111, and the wood screws
&', 8, which connect the shield to the arm; to withdraw this shield, and at the same
time all the internal parts of the mechanism, the stop block, which is withdrawn at
same time, is raised by the hand, as it is only held by the arms of the lever.
The pieces of the mechanism are taken apart in the following order :-First, the
extractor; second, the mainspring g, with its screw and tumbler spring; third, the
tumbler ; fourth, the crank m and its nut n; fifth, the projection or boss c of the
crank; sixth, the spindle t used for.disengaging the lever e and striker f; but these
parts ought not to be taken out except in extreme cases. The putting together is
just the reverse operation.

page_text: can be examined at each loading. The construction is simple and cheap as compared
with others, and is applicable to existing systems of fire-arms. This system of fire-
arm is not expensive to construct, the parts being simple in form, and not numerous.
A very few not complicated machines or tools will be sufficient to manufacture with
advantage arms of this class. It is not necessary here to refer to arms of other
classes except to add that this system is applicable to all classes and carbines,
whether sporting or military. Nothing need either be said as to the precision of
the shooting.
Figures 1, 2, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7×, 7**, 7***, and 8 show an arrangement
for cocking and uncocking the strikers independently of the play of the action.
Most of the systems of block closing, which have not an independent plate, which
it is necessary to cock separately, as well as an extra motion for the charge, has a
great disadvantage, the arm cannot be cocked without operating the closing
mechanism. The Martini, for example, cannot be cocked except by bringing down
the block to open the barrel, the movement of the block moves the extractor, which
throws out the loaded cartridge which has been introduced into the barrel for firing,
and it is consequently necessary to leave this arm cocked if it is wished to have the
arm loaded.
The above arrangement remedies this inconvenience, whereby the cocking and
uncocking may be performed at will independently of the closing mechanism, which
may remain closed during the operation, preserving at the same time the advantage
of a percussion mechanism cocked by the play of the action without requiring an
extra motion.
The supplementary Drawings annexed shows the parts modified for the adoption
of this apparatus.
Figure 1 shows a part of the right side of the arm with the hammer crank.
Figure 2, the cocking hammer, inside view and plan.
Figure 3*, the crank modified.
Figure 4*, the striker f modified, with the hollow spindle which it receives, the
spindle t of the lever e; the striker spindle is provided at its end with a pentagonal
piece to secure the hammer there.
Figure 5*, the lever e modified, placed as shown at Figure 4 in the left side of
the striker.
Figure 6, the shaft t of the lever e, with two pentagons, one for the lever e, the
other for the crank.
Figures 7, 7**, 7***, the frame of the shields seen from three different sides,
the left side is removed to take the mechanism apart, and to put it together, and
thus forms a stay.
the
Figure 8, section of the frame and of the parts necessary, showing the axis t;
crossed part shows a section of the striker and its axis. By turning crank m,
turned from top to bottom, the block is caused to descend, the lever e pressing on
the striker turns it and the outside hammer at the same time; in closing the piece
by means of the crank the striker remains cocked and the hammer in place. To
uncock, the arm being loaded, the hammer is retained with the finger by pressing
on the trigger, and the hammer is gently brought under the crank, the striker
follows the movement of the hammer, and becomes placed without any shock on the
spindle R, Figure 2. By turning the hammer the arm is recocked without in-
terfering with the stop block, for which purpose the striker and closing lever have
each an independent motion, and the parts can be operated from outside the arm, and
for this purpose the striker is provided with a hollow spindle, provided at its end
with pentagon, to which the exterior hammer is secured. The axis t traverses the
lever e and striker spindle; this axis, and that shown in the Drawing, Figure 1, with
two pentagons to one, the lever is fixed to the other, which passes outside the
striker spindle, has adopted its crank, the two pieces being put in motion from the
outside. In applying a spindle to the striker in this arrangement, the bearing of
the lever must be formed to the left, while in the other arrangement the lever is
placed to the right of the striker. The lever is modified to introduce the spindle

page_text: of the striker into the aperture in the right side of the box of the shield, the left
side must be raised, which thus forming a support which may be raised or lowered
at will. This is shown in Drawings fixed to body of shield by dovetail and two
screws.
The hammer, being outside the striker spindle may be turned and cocked or un-
cocked when required without operating on the closing mechanism.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I claim, the improvements in breech-loading
fire-arms, substantially as herein-before described, and illustrated in the accom-
panying Drawings.
'
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Griffith Brewer, have hereunto set
my hands and seal, this Fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.