IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS.
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the "International
Patent Office," No. 8, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in
the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS.' -A communication
from abroad by Samuel Remington, of Ilion, New York, United
States of America.
33
Sealed the 26th January 1869, and dated the 29th July 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 29th July 1868.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office,"
No 8, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, PARTS OF
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS," a communication,
to be as follows:-
The breech-loading fire-arms to which these improvements relate are

page_text: of the class wherein the breech aperture is closed by a cylindrical bolt
fitted to turn and slide in a suitable chamber in line with the barrel, and
in which the cartridges are exploded by means of a pin or rod carried by
the said bolt and actuated by a hammer at the side of the breech shoe,
the pin being turned away from the hammer to allow the bolt to be
drawn back.
The said improvements consist chiefly in the novel construction of the
firing pin, and in the peculiar arrangement of the same in combination
with the bolt and breech shoe, whereby the danger of accidentally
exploding the cartridges, either by pulling the trigger or by otherwise
striking the firing pin, is entirely obviated.
The said improvements also consist in the novel mode of preventing
the binding or sticking of the bolt in its chamber; in the devices for
holding the said bolt in any position in which it may be adjusted,
and preventing its slipping accidentally from such position in whatever
way the arm may be carried; also in the peculiar construction of a
stop which prevents the accidental removal or escape of the bolt from
its chamber, and at the same time allows it to be readily removed
when required for cleaning or other purposes.
The said improvements also consist in the novel arrangement of
the parts of an ordinary gun lock for increasing the strength and
durability of the same, and adapting such locks more perfectly to
the purpose of my Invention.
The said improvements also consist partly in the combination of these
novel devices or portions of the same with each other and with the
ordinary parts of the breech mechanism herein described.
The stock and barrel may be constructed in any ordinary manner, and
the barrel may be secured to the breech shoe by a screw thread or by
other suitable means. The bolt is fitted to slide and turn freely in
a chamber in the said shoe, and is provided with a handle at the side
whereby it can be readily and conveniently manipulated. The bolt
is provided with a loose piece or head which is secured to the bolt
in such a manner as to slide endwise with the said bolt but not to
turn with it. To connect the said loose piece to the bolt the loose
piece or head is provided with a shank or extension which fits so as
to turn freely in the bore or central perforation of the bolt. The point
of a screw which projects through a stop and guide piece attached
to or formed on the bolt is fitted into a circular groove or channel

page_text: in the loose piece or head, and prevents its removal from the bolt
while it permits the latter to turn freely independently of the said piece.
The latter is kept from rotating with the bolt as the same is turned
in its chamber by means of an extractor which is attached to the
loose piece or head and slides in a longitudinal groove or chanuel
formed from end to end of the bolt chamber. The stop and guide piece
on the bolt acts in the same manner as in other arms of this class.
The said stop piece when the bolt is adjusted to close the breech fills
the space between a shoulder at the forward end of the shoe and
the recoil shoulder against which the bolt is sustained at the time of
firing. I prefer to curve the shoulder at the forward end of the shoe
at the left-hand corner of the same to prevent striking the cartridges
with the end of the bolt in closing the breech, and to cause the said
shoulder to act as a cam or wedge to start the shells in extracting them
from the charge chamber.
The striking or firing pin extends through the centre of the bolt
and loose piece, a lateral extension or fin on its rear end being arranged
in the proper position to be struck by the hammer when the trigger
is pulled. The said firing pin is preferably formed of a flat piece of
steel, its forward end being reduced into a circular form to fit a central
perforation in the loose piece or head. The web or flat part of this pin
is fitted to work easily in the bore of the bolt, and the lateral extension or
fin at its rear end is fitted to slide through a projecting piece at the side of
the rear end of the bolt, which projecting piece when the bolt is adjusted
to close and secure the breech fits closely behind the rear surface of
the shoe. The lateral extension on the firing pin receives the blow of the
hammer, and is so formed and arranged in relation to a recess in the rear
surface of the shoe as to allow the pin to act upon the cartridge if the
hammer falls when the breech is properly closed, but to prevent any
possibility of exploding the cartridge by prematurely pulling the trigger.
When the breech is properly closed and the bolt is secured by turning
the handle down to the right-hand side of the shoe the lateral fin lies
opposite the said recess, and if the trigger is then pulled the pin will be
driven forward and the cartridge will be exploded; but if the trigger
should be pulled and the hammer thereby released before the bolt is
properly adjusted, the fin resting against the solid part of the rear surface
of the shoe will be stopped and the firing pin will not be driven forward.
The upper side of the recess is curved or inclined so as to act as a wedge

page_text: or cam and force the firing pin back when the bolt is turned to the rent
hand.
By the peculiar construction and arrangement of the firing pin and
the loose piece or head I also prevent all danger of exploding the
cartridges by accidentally striking the end of the said pin by any object
or body when the said pin is turned to the left-hand side of the shoe
away from the hammer, in which position the pin is more exposed than
at other times to the chance of being so struck. This purpose is effected
by fitting the shoulder of the pin between two jaws on the end of
the shank of the loose piece or head, the said jaws being formed
in such a manner that they act as a cam upon the said shoulder as
the bolt is turned in its chamber. When the said bolt is adjusted into
the position for securing the. breech the recess between the jaws lies
parallel with the shoulder on the pin and allows the said pin to move
forward, but when the bolt is turned so far to the left that the rear
end of the pin is clear of the hammer the said recess and shoulder cross
each other, the shoulder resting against the top of the jaws. If the
firing pin should be now struck the force of the blow will be expended
upon the loose piece, the pin being thereby stopped, and the explosion of
the cartridge prevented. The firing pin may at any time be readily
removed from the bolt by taking out a screw which is fitted in the rear
end of the latter, and which when in place prevents the falling out of the
said pin.
In order that the arm may be carried without danger of disarranging
the bolt or allowing the cartridge to fall out of the charge chamber I pro-
vide the means for locking the said bolt securely. For this purpose I form
a notch in the end of the bolt to receive the nose of the cock or hammer
which is let down into the said notch. The bolt is then securely held
between the hammer on one side and the surface of the shoe on the other
side, and cannot be turned or drawn back in its chamber till the hammer
has been set to full or half cock.
The extractor is a steel spring provided with a hook or claw which is
formed in such a manner as to slip easily over the flange or rim of a
cartridge shell lying in the charge chamber, and to catch under the same
and bring it from the said chamber when the bolt is drawn back. I
prefer to secure this extractor to the loose piece or head by means
of a dovetail piece which is fitted into a corresponding recess in the said
loose piece. This mode of attachment allows the extractor to be

page_text: conveniently removed and replaced when necessary. The spring or bar
of the extractor is lengthened and turned over at its rear end to form
another spring, which bears against the surface of the longitudinal
groove or channel formed in the bolt chamber, and without diminishing
the facility of manipulation causes just sufficient friction to keep the bolt
in any position in which it may be adjusted in its chamber and prevent
its sliding accidentally endwise therein, which would otherwise occur in
handling or using the arm. Instead of forming this friction spring
on the end of the extractor I may if desired place it on any other
convenient part of the bolt or chamber.
To prevent the contact of the entire surfaces of the bolt and chamber
with each other and the liability which would thereby be incurred of the
sticking or binding of the bolt in the said chamber, and to cause the said
bolt at all times to work with great ease and freedom therein, I fit the
bolt to bear upon the projecting ends of studs or pins which extend
through the bottom or other convenient part of the shoe. I also prevent
contact and diminish the friction between the stop piece and the sides of
the shoe by means of studs or projections on the said piece or on the
sides of the shoe. The pin which secures the handle in the said stop
piece may be conveniently extended at each end for this purpose.
To prevent the accidental sliding or slipping of the bolt out of its
chamber I prefer to employ a spring stop arranged at the proper distance
at the rear of the bolt and provided with a spring which causes its head
to project above the surface of the shoe. While this stop is in this
position its head prevents the escape of the bolt. When it is desired to
remove the bolt from its chamber this stop may easily be depressed, in
which position it allows the bolt to slide over its head. If desired,
instead of this spring stop a simple stud or screw may be made to serve
a like purpose.
My improved lock is provided with a notched tumbler and sear which
operate in combination with a mainspring, as in ordinary gun locks.
The arrangement of these parts is however peculiar and affords several
advantages which could not otherwise be obtained. The parts of this im-
proved lock are enclosed in a narrow box whose sides are attached to a
base which is fitted to the bottom of the shoe, one of the said sides being
made removable. The axle or fulcrum pin of the tumbler, and also the
centre pin of the sear, are supported in bearings in both sides of the said
box. The scar spring is secured to the under side of the base instead of

page_text: to the side of the lock plate in the ordinary manner. By this method of
construction I am enabled to place the lock in the centre of the stock
and secure the same to the under side of the shoe; its attachment to
the said shoe is effected by screws which pass through holes in the
base of the lock, and whose ends may form the antifriction studs for
the bolt to work upon. The mainspring is a flat piece of steel nearly
straight, and is secured by a screw to the under side of the shoe
with its free end resting upon the shoulder of the tumbler. This
tumbler is formed with the ordinary notches to receive the nose of the
sear and hold the hammer at half or full cock. My improved lock,
though consisting of the same parts as an ordinary gun lock, is by the
peculiar arrangement of these parts rendered much cheaper of con-
struction and stronger than such ordinary locks, and being placed in the
centre of the stock is more effectually protected from injury or derange-
ment than if it were arranged at the side. The mainspring is cheaper
and more durable than those bent or doubled in the ordinary form and
secured to the side of the lock plate. The back of the box lies in
contact with a recoil plate which is fixed in the stock. The hammer is
formed with its outer surface plain or flat. A curved portion or segment
turns in a curved recess formed in the side of the shoe and does not
project laterally beyond the surface of the shoe. This curved portion
fills up the space which would otherwise always be left at the sides of the
hammer. The latter is firmly secured upon the end of its fulcrum pin,
which may be either square or otherwise conveniently formed for the
purpose. If desired, an ordinary side lock may be used with the other
parts of my improvements instead of the improved lock above described.
My improved lock may be also used in other fire-arms.
For the straps which are usually attached to military fire-arms I
employ swivels which are more simple of construction and stronger and
more convenient in use than such devices as hitherto constructed. The
link of my improved swivel is formed of a piece of round wire and bent
into the required form. To insert the ends of this link into the hole in
the plate or band one end is bent slightly out of line with the other and
inserted into the hole. The link is then pushed far enough through to
allow the other end when straightened to be also inserted. A space is
left between the two ends and a pin or stud is placed between them to
prevent the removal or displacement of the link, the said stud being
secured in the socket by rivetting or otherwise.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 28th January 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the" International Patent Office," No. 8, Southampton
Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Consulting
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of July, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the
thirty-second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake,
Her special licence that I, the said William Robert Lake, my exe-
cutors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Robert Lake, 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 law-
fully 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 BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, PARTS OF
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS,'
upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Robert Lake,
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 Seal Patent Office within six calendar months.
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, 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 accom-
panying Drawings forming a part of this Specification :-
The breech-loading fire-arms to which these improvements relate are
of the class wherein the breech aperture is closed by a cylindrical
bolt fitted to turn and slide in a suitable chamber in line with the
barrel, and in which the cartridges are exploded by means of a pin

page_text: or rod carried by the said bolt and actuated by a hammer at the side
of the breech shoe, the pin being turned away from the hammer to
allow the bolt to be drawn back.
The said improvements consist chiefly in the novel construction of
the firing pin, and in the peculiar arrangement of the same in com-
bination with the bolt and breech shoe, whereby the danger of
accidentally exploding the cartridges either by pulling the trigger or
by otherwise striking the firing pin is entirely obviated.
The said improvements also consist in the novel mode of preventing
the binding or sticking of the bolt in its chamber; in the devices for
holding the said bolt in any position in which it may be adjusted,
and preventing its slipping accidentally from such position in what-
ever way the arm may be carried; also in the peculiar construction
of a stop which prevents the accidental removal or escape of the bolt
from its chamber, and at the same time allows it to be readily removed
when required for cleaning or other purposes.
The said improvements also consist in the novel arrangement of the
parts of an ordinary gun lock for increasing the strength and durability
of the same and adapting such locks more perfectly to the purpose of
my Invention.
The said improvements also consist partly in the combination of these
novel devices or portions of the same with each other and with the
ordinary parts of the breech mechanism herein described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a plan of part of a rifle with my improvements applied
thereto shewing the breech closed. Figure 2 is a plan of the same
shewing the position of the parts when adjusted to allow the arm to be
carried without danger of discharging the cartridge. Figure 3 is a side
view partly in section showing the parts in position for discharging the
said rifle. Figure 4 is a side view showing the parts in the position in
which they are thrown by discharging the rifle. Figure 5 is a transverse
section on the line x, x, Figure 1, but with bolt adjusted for being drawn
back. Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line y, y, Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a rear end view of the bolt detached. Figure 8 is a longi-
tudinal section of the bolt. Figures 8 and 8b are sections of the said
bolt on the line ¹, ¹, Figure 8. Figure 9 is an edge view of my
improved lock detached. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate my improved

page_text: method of constructing swivels and swivel bands for the suspending
straps of fire-arms. Like letters indicate the same parts in all of the Figures.
The stock a and barrel 6 may be constructed in any ordinary manner,
and the barrel may be secured to the breech shoe c by a screw thread
or by other suitable means. The bolt d is fitted to slide and turn freely
in the chamber c¹ of the said shoe, and is provided with a handle d¹
whereby it can be readily and conveniently manipulated. The bolt d is
provided with a loose piece or head d which is secured to the bolt in
such a manner that it will slide endwise with the said bolt but will not
turn with it. I prefer to connect the said loose piece to the bolt in the
manner shewn in the Drawings and most clearly illustrated in the
sectional view, Figure 8. The piece d' is provided with a shank or
extension d³ which fits so as to turn freely in the bore or central per-
foration of the bolt d. The point of the screw e which projects through
the piece fis fitted into the circular groove or channel d' in the piece d³
and prevents its removal from the bolt while it permits the latter to
turn freely independently of the piece d². The latter is kept from
rotating with the bolt as the same is turned in its chamber by means
of the extractor g, which is attached to the loose piece d and slides
in the longitudinal groove or channel as the bolt moves endwise in
the chamber c¹. The piece f forms a stop and guide for the bolt das in
other arms of this class. The said piece when the bolt is adjusted as
in Figure 1 fills the space between the shoulders 1 and 2 of the shoe c
and prevents the recoil of the bolt at the discharge. I prefer to curve
the shoulder 2 at the left-hand corner of the shoe to prevent the striking
of the cartridges with the end of the bolt in closing the breech, the said
curved shoulder causing the bolt to come gently in contact with the
cartridge and also forming a cam or wedge to start the shells in ex-
tracting them from the chamber A. The striking or firing pin h extends
through the centre of the bolt d and piece d², its rear end being arranged
in the proper position to be struck by the hammer i when the trigger a
is pulled. The said firing pin is preferably formed of a flat piece of steel,
its forward end h¹ being reduced to a circular form to fit the perforation
in the piece d². The web or flat part 2 is fitted to work freely in the
bolt d, and at its rear end is provided with a lateral fin or arm /³ fitted
to slide through the projecting piece d* at the side of the bolt d. This
arın or fin h³ receives the blow of the hammer, and is so formed and
arranged in relation to the recess j at the rear of the shoe c as to prevent
any possibility of exploding the cartridge by prematurely pulling the

page_text: trigger. When the breech is properly closed and the bolt d secured, by
turning the handle d into the position shown in Figure 1 the fin ³ lies
opposite the recess j, and if the trigger is then pulled the pin / will be
driven forward and the cartridge will be exploded; but if the trigger
should be pulled and the hammer thereby released before the bolt is
properly adjusted, the fin ³will be stopped by the solid part of the rear
surface of the shoe and the pin h will not be driven forward. The upper
side of the recess j is curved or inclined so as to act as a wedge or cam
and force the firing pin back when the bolt is turned to the left hand.
By the peculiar construction and arrangement of the pin h and piece
or head d I also prevent all danger of exploding the cartridge by
accidentally striking the end of the firing pin h with any object or body
when the said pin is turned away from the hammer, as in Figures 2 and
5, the pin being then more than at other times exposed to the chance
of being so struck. This purpose is effected by fitting the shoulder h* of
the pin h in the notch or recess between the two jaws d' on the end of
the shank d³ of the head d³, the said jaws being formed in such a manner
that they act as cams upon the said shoulder and force the pin backward
as the bolt is turned in its chamber. When the bolt is adjusted into the
position shown in Figure 1 the recess between the jaws is parallel with
the shoulder h*, as shown in Figure 8, and allows said shoulder to enter
the notch and the pin to move forward when struck, but when the bolt
is in the position shown in Figure 5 the said notch and shoulder cross
each other, as shown in Figure 8b, the shoulder resting against the top 4
of the jaws do, and the point of the pin being within the piece d³. If
the pin should be now struck the force of the blow will be expended
upon the said piece instead of upon the cartridge, no discharge or explosion
taking place.
In order that the arm may be carried without danger of disarranging
the bolt or allowing the cartridge to fall out of the charge chamber I
provide means for locking the bolt securely in the position illustrated
in Figure 2. For this purpose I form the notch m in the end of the
bolt d to receive the nose of the cock or hammer, which is let down into
the said notch. The bolt is then securely held and cannot be turned
or drawn back in its chamber till the hammer has been set to full or
half cock. The pin h may be readily removed from the bolt d by taking
out the screw d.
By referring to Figure 8 it will be seen that the extractor g is provided

page_text: with a hook or claw g' which is formed in such a manner as to slip easily
over the flange or rim of a cartridge shell lying in the charge chamber A
and to take a firm hold upon the same and bring it from the said chamber
when the bolt is drawn back. I prefer to secure this extractor to the
piece d by the dovetail piece g² which fits a corresponding recess in the
piece d
This mode of attachment allows the extractor to be con-
veniently removed and replaced. The spring or bar g³ of the extractor
is lengthened behind the dovetail piece and turned over to form another
spring g', which bears against the surface of the longitudinal groove or
channel c² and without diminishing its facility of manipulation causes
just sufficient friction to keep the bolt d in any position in which it may
be adjusted, thus preventing its sliding accidentally endwise in its
chamber in handling the arm. Instead of forming this friction spring on
the end of the extractor I may if desired place it on any other convenient
part of the bolt or chamber. To prevent the contact of the entire surfaces
of the bolt d and chamber c¹ with each other and the liability which would
thereby be incurred of the sticking or binding of the bolt in its chamber
and to cause the said bolt at all times to work with great ease and
freedom in the said chamber I fit the bolt to bear upon the projecting
ends of screws k, k', k³, which extend through the bottom of the shoe c.
I also prevent contact and diminish the friction between the stop piece f
and the sides of the shoe c by means of studs or projections on the said
piece or on the sides of the shoe. The pin which secures the handle a
may be conveniently extended at each end for this purpose, as shown in
Figures 5 and 6. It is necessary to provide means for preventing the
accidental removal or withdrawal of the bolt d from its chamber, and for
this purpose the spring stop n may be employed. While this stop is in
the position shown in Figure 3 its head n¹ projects above the tail of the
shoe and prevents the escape of the bolt, the stop being kept in this
When it is desired
position by the spring o in the recess a¹ in the stock.
to remove the bolt from its chamber this stop may easily be depressed,
as shown in Figure 4, in which position it allows the bolt d to slide over
its head. If desired instead of this spring stop the screw k³ may be
lengthened to serve a like purpose.
My improved lock is provided with a notched tumbler p and sear q,
which operate in combination with a mainspring ras in an ordinary
guu lock. The arrangement of these parts is however peculiar and
affords several advantages which could not otherwise be obtained. The

page_text: parts of this improved lock are enclosed in the box 8, whose side 81
is made removable. The axle or fulcrum pin p¹ of the tumbler p and
also the centre pin q¹ of the sear are supported in bearings in both sides
of the box 8. The sear spring t is secured to the under side of the
plate instead of to the side of the lock plate in the ordinary manner.
By this method of construction I am enabled to place the lock in the
centre of the stock and secure the same to the under side of the shoe c;
its attachment to the said shoe is effected by the screws k¹, k³,
which pass through the holes 8*, and whose ends as already described
form antifriction studs for the bolt d to work upon. The mainspring r
is a flat piece of steel nearly straight and is secured by the screw k
to the under side of the shoe c with its free end 7 resting upon the
shoulder p of the tumbler p. This tumbler is formed with the ordinary
notches 3 and 4 to receive the nose of the sear q and hold the hammer
at half or full cock. My improved lock is much cheaper of construction
and stronger than any lock with parts arranged in the ordinary manner,
and being placed in the centre of the stock is more effectually protected
from injury or derangement than if it were arranged at the side. The
mainspring is cheaper and more durable than those bent or doubled
in the ordinary form and secured to the side of the lock plate. The
back of the box 8 lies in contact with the recoil plate o which is fixed
in the stock and thereby forms a substitute for the stud ordinarily
employed to prevent the recoil. The hammer i is formed with its outer
surface plain or flat. The curved portion or segment turns in the
curved recess formed in the side of the shoe and does not project
laterally beyond the surface of the same. This curved portion fills up
the space which would otherwise always be left at the sides of the
neck. The hammer is firmly secured upon the end of the pin p¹, which
may be either square, as shown, or otherwise conveniently formed for the
purpose. If desired an ordinary side lock may be used with the other
parts of my improvements instead of the improved lock above described.
The said improved lock may also be used in other fire-arms.
The improved swivel for the butt of the rifle and that for the barrel
illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 are stronger, more simple of construction,
and more convenient in use than such parts as hitherto constructed.
The swivel or link wo is formed of a piece of round wire and bent into
the required form. To insert the ends of this link into the hole in the
plate to or band 10³, one end is bent slightly out of line with the other
and inserted into the hole. The link is then pushed far enough through

page_text: to allow the other end when straightened to be also inserted, as shown.
A space is left between the two ends, and a pin or stud 20 is placed
between them to prevent the removal or displacement of the link, the
said stud being secured in the socket by rivetting or otherwise.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I claim,-
First. Constructing a firing pin h with a side arm or fin passing
through the projection d* on the rear end of the bolt d, and so arranging
the said arm in combination with the hammer i with the solid part of the
rear of the shoe c, and with the recess; therein, and in combination with
the jaws on the shank of the loose piece d², that the firing pin h can
only be driven forward to explode the cartridge when the breech is
properly closed and secured.
Second. Diminishing friction between the bolt d and the surfaces of
the shoe c by means of studs or projections upon the bolt or shoe,
substantially as set forth.
Third. Preventing the accidental slipping or disarrangement of the
bolt d in its chamber by means of the spring g' or other spring, sub-
stantially as set forth.
Fourth. The notch m in the end of the bolt d arranged upon the said
bolt and in relation to the hammer in such a manner that when the
latter is let down into the said notch the arm may be carried in any
position without disarranging the bolt or cartridge.
Fifth. The adjustable spring stop n constructed, arranged, and
operating in combination with the bolt d, substantially as set forth.
Sixth. A lock with its parts supported between two side plates and
secured to the breech shoe c in the centre of the stock, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth.
Seventh. In a breech-loading fire-arm whose breech is closed by a
sliding bolt, the combination of the devices which allow the said arm to
be readily discharged when the said bolt is properly adjusted to secure
the breech, but which otherwise prevent the discharge, with the means
for reducing the friction of the bolt and preventing the displacement of
the same and of the cartridges, substantially as set forth.

page_text: Eighth. The method of constructing the swivels, substantially as
described and as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of January, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-
nine.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.S.)
Witness,
THOS. N. PALMER,
Clerk to Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
8, Southampton Buildings,
W.C.