IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS OF DEFENCE
Year: 1830

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
CHARLES RANDOM Baron le BERENGER, of Target Cottage, Kentish
Town, in the Parish of Saint Pancras, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS His late most Excellent Majesty King George the:
Fourth, did, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great
Britain, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of
February, One thousand eight hundred and thirty, in the eleventh
year of His reign, give and grant unto me, the said Charles Random
Baron de Berenger, His special license that I, the said Charles
Random Baron de Berenger, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, and such others as I, the said Charles Random Baron de
Berenger, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all tiines
during the term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and Town of
Berwick upon Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND
OTHER WEAPONS OF DEFENCE;" in which said Letters Patent there is con-
tained a proviso that I, the said Charles Random Baron de Berenger,

page_text: shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully. and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the
said Charles Random Baron de Berenger, do hereby declare that the
nature of my improvements, and the manner of carrying the same into
effect, are herein-after particularly described and ascertained, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed (that is to say):
The objects of my improvements in fire-arms and other weapons of
defence are, by some of them to attain security against discharging
fire-arms accidentally, by others to lessen the impediments which rain
opposes to the priming of fire-arms, and by others to render bayonets
and swords more secure or effective; and in order to accomplish this
I not only use forms and methods invented by myself, but I avail
myself also of forms as parts (yet under combinations invented by
myself), which forms or parts possibly may have been used by others
yet differently. To prevent the accidental discharge of 'fire-arms I
apply to the lock thereof a moveable piece which I call a protecter,
and.which, by the action of a suitable spring, has a constant tendency
to assume a position in which it will effectually prevent the lock, from
firing off the piece, videlicit, either by the end of the protector. placing
itself in the way of the cock so as to receive its stroke if the lock is
snapped, and thus prevent the cock from giving fire, or else by the pro-
tector fastening the trigger of the lock so as to prevent it from being
drawn. In either case my protector (and the spring which causes it to
act as aforesaid) is connected with a moveable piece or pieces, which I
apply before the guard of the trigger in a suitable position to be acted
upon by the hand when the piece is presented and held in a proper
position for firing, in such manner that the protector will necessarily be
removed out of the way of the cock or of the trigger by the hand,
without any movement beyond what is usually given in pressing the
butt end of the piece against the shoulder preparatory to firing the

page_text: same.
Different modes for effecting this object are represented in th
annexed Drawings, in which all the parts of the same kind, although
seen in different Figures, are marked by the same letters of reference
Figures 1, to 12, inclusive show the application of my protector to a
5 gun which is fired by percussion priming of the nipple kind with
copper caps. Note. This is not the only construction of the percussion
priming to which my protector is applicable. Figure 1, is a side view
of the lock of such a gun. The additions according to my improve-
ments being as follows: a, a, is my protector, which is a piece of steel
having an over handing top to reach over the priming, and an arm
turned inwards at bottoin to reach under the stock and trigger plate.
in front of the guard c; for the trigger this protector is poised on a
centre screw b. which is attached to and enters the lock plate, the
protector playing freely on that center in the manner of a lever having
a long arm at top and a short arm at bottom. Figure 2, shews the flat
surface of a plate which is screwed to the stock from the inside; just
beyond the guard c, it has a projection on the under side at the foremost
end, which is perforated longways. Figure 3, is an edge view of the
same plate. Figure 4, is what I term a moveable guard to be applied
beneath the plate, Figures 2, and 3, so as to slide freely endways with,
a short motion; for this purpose it terminates at each end in a pin; the
pin at the foremost end is inserted into the hole in the projection of the
plate, Figures 2, and 3, and the pin at the hinder end is inserted in a
hole through a small upright plate i, fixed in front of the guard c. The
foremost end of the moveable guard has a loop k, and the hinder end
has an arm e, both projecting downwards from it; a spring f, is screwed
to the arm e, and the end of the spring turns up against the front side
of the upright plate i, and by pressing against the same urges the
noveable guard forwards or "away from the but end of the piece; a
riction roller is applied to the extreme end of the spring f, to bear
gainst the plate i, or a friction roller may be mounted in an opening
n the plate i, the end of the spring being flat to bear against that
oller. Note. It is advisable to form a groove lengthways on that
ide of the moveable guard which applies against the plate, Figure 2,
o free it, and lessen the friction of its sliding motion. Near the binder

page_text: end of the moveable guard there is a groove or mortice-like cavity y.
formed in it to receive the end of the arm at the short or lower end of
the protector a, a, (which arm turns under the stock and trigger plate:)
in such manner that the sliding motion of the moveable guard will also
move the protector about its centre of motion b, videlicit, when the
moveable guard is left at liberty the elasticity of its spring f, will place
and keep the top of the protector in a proper position to cover the priming
and intercept the blow of the cock from giving fire to the priming, but on
bringing the gun up to and pressing it against the shoulder to take aim
the left hand will either be placed on the front of the advanced loop k,
of my moveable guard, or else (which is better) on the front of the
arme, to which the spring is fastened, and by the pressure usually
given with the left hand to draw and hold the gun backwards firmly to
the shoulder (and which pressure with most sportsmen is habitual
whilst taking ain) the spring f, will be compressed, and the sliding
guard will be moved endways towards the shoulder; the short or lower
end of the protector, which is received into the mortice g, will partake
of that motion, whereby the long or upper end of the protector. will move
in a contrary direction, so as to remove its overhanging top from over
the priming, leaving the latter exposed to the blow which (on pulling
the trigger) the cock will give: The extent of the movement of the
sliding guard and the flexure of its spring f, is shown by dotted lines in
Figure 1. Figure 5, shows the protector with its top removed from
over the priming; the spring.f, of the. sliding guard being compressed.
Figure 6, shews the top of the protector looking downwards upon it; it
has a small indentation to receive the end of the cock, and thereby the
pressure of the cock on the top of the protector confines the protector
from retreating from under the cock, particularly if the cock is snapped
down upon the protector; and Figure 7, is an end or edge view of
Figure 5, shewing the lateral form of the top of the protector to
enable it to reach over the priming, also showing the arm at the lower
end of the protector a, a, with its end in the groove or mortice-like
cavity g, of the sliding guard. The top of the protector when covering
the priming rests on the elevated part of the false breech to support
protector and to enable it to sustain blows that may be inflicted by the
the

page_text: accidental or careless snapping of the lock; in order to secure such guns
from being accidentally discharged when they have been put by loaded
I introduce a small screw h, see Figures 1, and 4, with a square, oval,
or, better, a triangular head, to be turned by a small instrument similar
to a watch key; that screw passing obliquely through the sliding guard,
the end enters into the hole j, in the plate, Figure 2, and prevents the
motion of the sliding guard and the consequent uncovering of the
priming. This screw h, has a nick formed around it to admit the end
of a pin which is inserted from the outside, and which prevents the screw
from being turned too far either way. Figure 8, is another construc-
tion of the spring of my protector. The advanced loop k, of the moveable
guard can in this construction be taken away and laid aside when
persons have acquirel-the-on-many-grounds preferable mode of firing
with the left hand near the guard of the trigger, instead of placing it
more forward along the stock. 7, is a branch of metal, which is firmly
fixed to the guard c, and projects forwards therefrom; it has a joint at
the foremost end to receive the lower end of the spring m, the upper
end of which advances forwards beneath the stock, and has a small
friction roller q, fitted into a fork at the extreme end of it to bear up-
wards beneath.a. small plater, which is let into the stock. Figure 9,
shows these additions to the guard, bottom upwards. Near the middle
part of the spring in, is an open joint to receive the foremost end of a
short link o; the other end of which is connected with the extreme end
of the arm at the lower end of the protector a, which arm reaches under
the trigger plate, but that arm (see Figure 10,) is longer than the arm
n Figure 7. Before screwing in the centre screw b, of the protector
he extreme end of its arm o, must be passed through the hinder end of
he short link o, (the foremost end of which is jointed to the spring m,
s before mentioned,) and a nut t, is screwed on the end of the arm s,
o retain the link o. Note. If this mode is applied to a double gun
he arms, of the two protectors must be shorter, and the extreme ends
hereof, which stand opposite one to the other, must be left large enough
have conical hollows to receive the two ends of a short cross pin u,
see Figure 12), which is fastened across the hinder end of the link so
s to project out at each side of the link, the ends being terminated by

page_text: conical points adapted to the hollows in the extreme ends of the arms of
the two protectors. Note. The link o, and the cross pin u, may be made
in one piece. The spring m, should be most elastic at the upper endl
between n, and q; the lower part between n, and the joint by which it
is connected to the branch 1, being stiff, and adapted to receive the left
hand when holding the piece for firing. in order that the pressure of
holding the gun firmly against the shoulder may cause the spring m, to
bend, whereby its upper part draws backwards a short distance by means
of the link o; that motion turns the protector about its centre b, and
causes the same change of its position (in order to uncover the priming)
as already described by Figure 1. To secure this gun from being acci-
dently discharged when it is not intended to be used, a screw h, with a
head similarly shaped to that described before, is screwed into the lock
plate (see Figure 8), and is turned by an instrument like a watch key
to screw it outwards, and then it stops the protector a, a, from moving
so as to uncover the priming; but if the screw h, is screwed in again, it
allows the protector to pass freely over its head. For the convenience
of persons who prefer shooting with the left hand more removed from
the guard of the trigger an additional sliding piece with a loop k, at
the foremost end is provided to apply at pleasure to, the spring m, in
order to effect the same objects as already described, of the moveable
guard, Figure 4: Figure 11, is a bottom view of the additional sliding
piece v, which I call a driver. It has a forked joint at its hinder end to
fit over the joint n, in the spring m; and a longer pin than the former
being put into that joint it unites the link o, the spring m, and the
driver v, all in one joint; an opening a, is made through the driver v, in
order to allow the friction roller q, to come in contact with the small
plate r, which is let into the stock. The foremost end of the driver v,
terminates in a pin,. which is fitted (in a similar. manner to that of the
moveable guard, Figure 4,) into a perforated stud, which is let into the
stock and fastened thereto by screws. This driver or additional sliding
piece v, can be added to or separated from the apparatus at pleasure by
merely removing the pin of the double joint, which pin alone uuites it
to the spring m. My modes of applying protectors to detain the triggers
from being drawn, except when they are released by the pressure of

page_text: drawing the piece towards the shoulder in preparing for firing, are as
follows: Figure 18, is a guard and trigger plate, taken off to shew the
upper side of the latter, or that side which goes next to the stock, and
is let unto the same. Figure 14, is a side view or elevation of the same
guard and trigger plate. The additions which I make to a usual guard
c, are the branch 1, and spring m, the same as those parts in Figure 8,
already described, excepting that the joint at the middle part of the
spring m, is only adapted to enter into the forked joint at the hinder end
of the driver or additional sliding piece v, when that piece is applied,
as before described in Figure 8, for there is no link o, to fit into a joint
in the spring, but which has instead a prominent part y, rising upwards
from it to enter into a mortice-like opening 1; in the underside of the
trigger plate at the foremost end thereof, and.on the upper end-of-the-
prominence y, two pins z,, are left standing up, and they pass up
through two parallel slits 2, 2, which are made through the trigger
plate within the mortice-like opening 1, and the upper ends of those
pins enters into converging slits 3, 3, cut out into two moveable arms
4, 4, which lay upon the trigger plate at the outsides of the trigger
blade frame, and are attached to the trigger plate by a screw b, "at
the foremost end of each arm, beyond the slits and pins, so that
the arms 4, 4, can play about those screws as centres of motion; the
hindermost ends of the arms 4, 4, turn sideways towards the trigger
blades 6, and are adapted to enter into notches cut out in the
hinder parts of those blades; in order to confine the triggers from
moving so as to discharge the lock, and overhanging stud 7; is screwed
fast upon the trigger plate between the hinder end of the trigger blades
so as to cover over the ends of the arms 4, 4, and prevent them from
rising up off the plate, but does not prevent their proper lateral motion
about their centres 5, 5. The stud 7, may have a larger overhanging
top, so as to cover more of the ends of the arms 4, than here is shown,
if it should be found more suitable to the stocking of some guns. If
trigger plates are narrow the arms 4, 4, may be let in something into
the sides of 8, the frame of trigger blades; the sides of the stud 9, for
the breech screw may also be reduced a little for the same purpose.
To allow the arms 4, 4, to move laterally the wood of the stock must be
£;.

page_text: undercut a little. The spring m, will by its elasticity urge the pins, *,
forwards towards the muzzle of the piece when left at liberty, and those
pins being confined to move straight forwards in the parallel slits
through the trigger plate; their upper ends. which act in the converging
slits through the arms 4, 4, will urge those arnis to move about their
centres of motion 5, 5, and approach their hinder end towards the trigger
blades, so as to catch into the notches thereof and fasten them, and so
they will remain as long as the spring m, is left uncontrouled. But
when the hand is applied in front of the spring m, in taking ain, the
pressure caused by drawing the piece firmly to the shoulder will bend
the spring, and move the part y, backwards in the mortice-like cavity 1,
together with its pins, which by acting in the converging slits of the
arms 4, 4, will move those arms about their centres 5, 5, removing
their hindermost ends laterally from the triggers blades, and those ends
quitting the notches in the trigger blades 6, 6, leave the triggers at
liberty to be drawn without impediment when properly executed; all
these parts will resume the first situation the moment the pressure
upon the spring m, is discontinued. The following parts are represented
on an enlarged scale:-Figure 15, shows the prominence y, which
enters into the mortice-like cavity 1, and one of the pins which rises
up therefrom through one of the parallel slits in the trigger plate.
Figure 16, shows a plan of that opening with the two parallel slits 2, 2.
Figure 17, shows the arms 4, 4, with their converging slits, in which
the pins z,, act, the dotted lines being the parallel slits through which
the same pins. also pass, and are thereby confined to a straight move-
ment. The extent of the motion that may be given to the arms 4, +, is
shewn by the dotted lines representing their ends, but that extent is
more than sufficient, although it is obtained by a very short movement
of the pins in their slits, and consequently by a very short motion of the
upright part of the spring m. Figure 18, shows part of a trigger blade
with the notch into which the arm 4 is to catch; and Figure 19, shows
an end view of the arms 4, 4, when the hinder ends are engaged with
the notches in the trigger blades 6, 6. To secure such guns from care-
less persons when left about loaded a small screw h, is fitted into a
thick part, which is left at the foremost extremity of the spring m

page_text: beyond the friction roller; the head of this screw is adapted to be
turned by an instrument like a watch key, and it has a nick to receive
thend of a pin, as before described, to prevent the screw being turned
too far; when this pin is screwed in its end enters into a hole in the
trigger plate, and fastens the spring from drawing backwards. The
mode of adding an additional sliding piece or driver with an advanced
loop, Figure 8, is similar to what has already been explained by
Figure 8, and 11. Figure 20, and 21, show another mode of fastening
the trigger blades by a slider or single bolt moving endways, instead
of two arms moving sideways about centres of motion. 11, is the
bolt, which has a projection on each side from the hinder end 12, to
enter the notches in the trigger blades, and fasten them when it is
slided forward, but it releases them when slided backwards; this bolt
passes through 8, the frame of the trigger blades, and its hinder end 12,
has a slit through which a screw 13, passes and fastens into the trigger
plate, in order to guide the bolt in its longitudinal motion, and prevent
it from rising. The bolt 11, is moved endways by another sliding
piece 14, which is fastened to the foremost end of it an oval opening
is made through the piece 14, to admit the stud q, for the breech or
tang screw, the oval leaving sufficient play for the motion of the sliding
piece 14, the foremost end of which has a joint 15,- which turns down--
wards, and passes through a roomy opening in the trigger plate to enter
into a corresponding joint 16, found at the middle part of the spring m,
which is the same as that already described in Figure 9. Note. The
part 16, of the spring may be carried upwards through a slit in the
trigger plate, in order that the joint which unites it to the sliding
piece 14, may be above the trigger plate, instead of beneath the same.
The mode of joining the sliding piece 14, to the bolt 11, is shewn
enlarged by Figure 22; 14, being let down into a notch in 11, and
both are pinned together. Figure 23, shows that for a piece with a
single lock the bolt 11, may be in one piece by passing along the side
of the frame of the trigger blades, instead of through that frame, in
which case it is not necessary to make the bolt in two lengths like 11,
Note. My improvements herein-before described, which act
by fastening the triggers, are equally applicable to flint locks and the
and 14.

page_text: percussion locks. If it is desired to apply my improvements herein
before described to pistols instead of guns; then in presenting and
holding such pistols in preparation for firing the same, it will be neces
sary to pass the fore finger in front of the spring m, in order that by the
grasp of holding the pistol in the hand that forefinger may compres
the spring, and give action to the protector, as herein-before described
and the trigger must be drawn by applying the inner joint of the middle
finger to it instead of the extremity of the forefinger. If my protectors
which act by fastening the trigger,. are applied. to pistols, it will be
adviseable to make the sear springs a little stronger than those com-
monly used for pistols, especially for pistols of the high finished kind.
My other improvements are as follows:-Figure 38, is, an elevation of
the external part of a patent gun, and Figure 24, is an clevation of its
gun lock, the priming and firing.of.which takes place.within the stock.
It is cocked by raising up the projecting end. 17, of a lever which reaches
out behind the guard c; a circular arch which is affixed to the lever
passes through the trigger. plate into.the small part of the stock; the no-
tion of that arch is limited by. a.pin.18. The lever 17, passes through an
opening.in the back of the guard; the guard must be screwed on after
the lever is in its place. The centre pin 19; of the..lever is supported
between checks placed withinside of the trigger plate; one of these.checks,
marked 22, can be removed, being dovetailed. into the trigger plate, and
fastened; by a screw; the short end of the. lever 17, reaches over the
short tail 25, of the cock 23. The cock. has a percussion punch 24, at
one end; it is mounted upon a centre screw between two cheeks or
sides which project from the. trigger plate; the sear and the trigger are
one piece, which moves about a centre,screw between the two checks
which receive the cock. The main spring 20, is screwed down upon
the trigger plate close to the side. of the cheeks: for the. long lever, the
extreme end of it being furnished with a friction roller to bear beneath
the tail 25, of the cock... The external end 17, of.. the long lever being.
pressed up towards the stock, its short or internal end 21, acts by its
friction. roller on the tail 25, of the cock to press it.down in opposition
to the résistance which the main spring. 20, exerts upwards beneath
that tail, until the sear of the trigger, which is pressed up by the sear

page_text: spring 27, catches into the the bent or notch in the under side of the
central part of the cock, which is formed like a common tumbler, and
there may in like manner be two bents, one undercut for half cock, the
other for full cock. A spring 28, is screwed on to the trigger plate
withinside, and the end passing through that plate acts on the lever 17,
near to the centre to urge the long end thereof out of the stock in order
that the tail 25, of the cock may be left unconfined, as soon as the
external pressure on the lever 17, is discontinued.. At the end of the
hook of the breech plug 30, a small,pan 31, is formed to receive the per-
cussion priming from a magazine, as here.u-after described; and the
end of the punch 24, of the cock strikes down into that pau; the form
of the chamber and its communication with the pan is shewn by dotted
lines. Figure 25, shows-the-shape of-the- cock;-and-Figure- 25, and
Figure 26, that of the trigger and sear. The position of the main spring,
cocking lever, and the moveable cheek for its centre are shown in the
plan, Figure 27. To prevent accidental discharging of this gun when it
is not intended to be used, a screw h, with a head to be turned by a
suitable key, and which is formed and fastened in the manner already
described, is screwed into the guard at 32, so as to fasten the lever 17,
by its point entering into a hole, therein. Figure--28,-shows the-false-
breech and tang removed from the gun, and turned over to show.the
parts which are lodged beneath it; -83, is-a priming magazine to receive
either percussion powder or percussion pellets of a size suitable to the
depth of the pan 31; this magazine is mounted on an axis at its hinder
end; that axis passes through the tang, and a short exterior lever 34, is
formed upon it to apply the thunib to the arm of the magazine, is
fastened on a square at the lower part of the axis by a nut and screw 35.
The pressure of the thumb laterally against the hinder end of the short
lever 54, will move the magazine laterally within the stock to carry it
over the pan 31, in order to deposit priming-therein:
The following parts are represented on a larger scale :-Figure 29,
shows the short external lever 34, with its axis round at the upper part
and squared lower down and tapped to receive a nut at the lower end.
Figure 30 and 31, show the magazine and its tail with a square hole to
fasten on the axis; the lower or underside of the magazine is sloped so

page_text: as to suit the upper edges of the pan 31, with a suitable hole at botton
of the magazine to correspond with the interior hollow of the pan; the
large aperture at the top of the magazine is closed by a top 87, which
turns sideways about a screw 38, and has a small stud to turn
aside when a fresh supply of priming is to be introduced; the point o
that stud projecting a little through the cover catches into a hole 39
in the edge of the magazine when the cover is closed, and keeps it
closed in a way well known to most gunmakers; a small stopper of
cock 40, is put into a hole in the cover of the magazine, and another
cork stopper is put into a corresponding hole n'ade in the false breech
41; these blow out in the event of the magazine exploding by accident.
Whenever the cock is down the magazine is turned away sideways
from over the pan, and in that situation its lower end applies closely to
the upper surface of a flat at the end of a spring 42. the surface of which
ranges with the surface of the borders of the pan, and closes the lower or
feeding aperture 36, of the magazine whenever that aperture is not
over the pan. This spring, which I call a shelf, is fastened to the false
breech 41, by a screw through its tail 43. Figure 32, is a top, and
Figure 33, is a side view of this shelf after the cocking has been per-
formed by raising the long end 17, of the lever 17, 21; the short lever
34, must be pressed outwards by the thumb, in order to carry the
magazine (which rested before over the shelf 42, with its lower surface
closed by, contract therewith) over the opening of the pan in order to
deposit the requisite priming either of percussion powder or a percussion
pellet. The priming position of the magazine is seen in Figure 28.
The magazine remains over the pan in that position until the cock
is snapped in order to give fire, and then the cock in discending drives
the magazine to one side, and removes it from off the pan, so as to
expose the priming to the blow of the punch; for this purpose a
crooked and tapering piece of steel 44, (which is shewn enlarged in S
Figure 35.) is mounded on a centre screw 45, which fastens into the
under side of the tang of the false breech, and the piece 44, lays along-
side of the arm of the magazine, and the end of it bends obliquely
under the breast of the cock, so as to receive a blow from the cock
previously to the punch 24, thereof striking into the pan, and thus a 3

page_text: lateral push is communicated by the piece 44, to the tail of the
magazine, and pushes the latter away sideways from its previous
situation over the pan, carrying it over the shelf 42, which then closes
the lower or priming aperture to prevent the escape of the priming.
This removal of the magazine is performed a moment before the
explosion of the priming takes place. For better security against the
communication of the flash from the pan with the contents of the
magazine a small plate 46, may be fitted loosely against that side of
the magazine which is nearest to the pau; when the magazine is
removed from over the same, the plate being on two screws which pass
through a slit (see Figure 34). and the bottom edge of it being bevilled
off, it rests by its weight upon the flat surface of the shelf 42, and
ensures a close joint with that surface on the sile of the magazine
towards the pan, in case there should be any deficiency of exact.
contract between the bottom edge of the magazine and that surface.
Note. The axis on which the magazine is mounted, sce Figure 29,
should fit into its socket with sufficient friction to retain the inagazine
securely in its place over the pan when the piece is cocked ready for
firing. A trap door 47, is fitted into an opening formed in the false
breech to supply the magazine with fresh priming, and to enable the-
vent to be cleared out, or to put a new puuch into the cock; see the
plan Figure 36, also the enlarged section Figure 37. The hinge 48,
of the door is nearest to the barrel; the margin of the door fits down
upon a surface of greased leather or other waterproof substance, which
applied in an inside rebate 49, under the false breech, and fastened into
that rebate by 50, a thin square metal frame fixed by screws passing
from below through the frame and the leather into the false breech, the
opening through the frame, and the leather being less than that into
which the trap door falls, an outside rebate is thus formed to receive
the door. Figure 36, is a plan of the external part of the gun; the
trap door 47, is kept down by a countersunk serew 51, the head or
which is flat on one side to admit the door to open, but by turning the
screw its head fastens the trap door. 52, is a projecting piece which
appears like a cock, but it is immoveably fixed; the use of it is to
enable soldiers to support arms with muskets so formed. The dottel
lines 53, is Figure 38, mark the place of a small hole or vent which

page_text: is perforated in the piece 52, to let out the smoke from the flash of the
priming as fresh air enters at the opening in the trigger plate through
which the lever-17, passes. Figure 39, shows an end view of the false
breech. My improvements in bayonets are as follows:-In the usual
mode of fixing bayonets to muskets and similar arms they are incon-
venient to fix if they are tight fitted, or if loose they are liable to fly off
in presenting, and the foot soldier depending upon such defence may be
disarmed in the encounter with troopers, who, by the expert use of the
sword, know how to unfix the bayonet from the musket. I cause the
ramrod to act as a bolt to the bayonet to lock and prevent it from
turning round on the muzzle of the piece. Figures A, and B, are
opposite views of portions of the muzzle of a gun and bayonet to show
how the latter is fixed thereon, and securely locked or bolted by the
ramrods a, a. Figure C, 6, is the rim around the bottom edge of the
tube of the bayonėt; it is enlarged on one side to admit a hold d,
through it for the ramrod; that rim may either be made solid with the
tube, or it may be formed separately, and affixed thereto. 9: I, ƒ, ƒ, is
the neck cut out in the rim and in the side of the tube to admit the
sight c, in the usual manner. The hole d, in the rim b, is cut out at
one side, leaving it like an open hook; the interior circle d, is large
enough receive and to be filled by e, the conical swell near to the upper
end of the ramrod; which is increased in diameter beyond the usual
size about 4-inclies of it's length below the knob, that enlarged part
joining to. the usual-size-of-the imml by a cone at about of an inch
below the bottom edge of the rim b, of the bayonet when the latter is
fixed, and the ramrod is returned home through the circular part of the
hook d, and through the ramrod pipes of the stock. The opening into
the hook d, is sufficiently wide to allow the small part of the ramrod to
pass easily into or out of the hook, but it will not admit the enlarged
part to enter or pass out therefrom sideways. To unfix a bayonet thus s
locked or bolted by the ramrod" the latter is to be raised or drawn out
about of an inch, or so much that the cone of the enlarged part rises
clear above the hook d, and only the small part of the rod remains
therein (see Figure D,) by the same hand wherewith the bayonet is
afterwards seized, to turn the latter round so that the sight c, passes 3
a long the slit f. f, around the tube of the bayonet until the sight c, is

page_text: opposite to the perpendicular slit 9, 9, and during such turning round
the side opening into the ring or hook d, being opposite to the small
part of the ramrod it. opposes no impediment thereto, although when
the ramrod was down in its place. so that the conical enlarged part
entered and occupied that.ring, the.ramrod then prevented the bayonet
from being turned round, because that conical. part. of the ramrod could
not pass out of the opening of the hook, but. the ramrod being with-
drawn and the bayonet turned round, as, before mentioned, until the
sight c, is in a.line with the opening b, the bayonet can be unfixed and.
detached from the gun.in the usual manner by raising the former straight
upwards, and by bending with this motion pressure from the end of the
middle finger on the top of the ramrod the ramrod will be forced home
at the same time that the 'bayonet quits the muzzle or even previously.
The fixing of a patent bayonet is the same as that of a common bayonet,
with the exception that the: ramrod, must. be raised about of an inch
by the hand about fixing the bayonet before the tube thereof is applied
on the muzzle of the gun, and also that the sight has not to pass through
the two right angles,.as in the slit of a common bayonet, for I close or
omit in mine the upper slit h, as shewn, by dotted lines in Figure A;
when the bayonet is in its place the ramrod is. to. be pushed down again
until its conical enlarged: part e, fills up the opening of the ring or hook
d. Thus will a bayonet, although somewhat too large for the muzzle;
be fixed and retained firmly and readily, since the moving outwards,
that is, upwards, of the ramrod, or the breaking of the parts alone
can enable its removal. My improvement in. swords is intended to
improve the draft or cut of those swords which have either curved or
straight blades, but which are intended chiefly for cutting, and which
have a back extending yearly or quife up to the point, but does not
apply to those swords whereof the points are intended' principally or
solely to be used, and which are commonly termed small swords.:. Many
swords being too light at the point or immediately below it, it is advisable
to increase their weight.or severity of cut to suit the swordsman, as
their muscular powers and activity increase, be it-by great practice or
from other cause. It is common to distribute swords of the same
weight or draft to persons greatly differing in their powers; the object
of my improvéinent is to increase or diminish the weight of the points

page_text: of swords by applying and affixing an extra piece to the backs thereof
in the following manner :-Figure E, shows the end of a sabre broken
off; on the back of it I apply a metal slider, saddle, or regulator i, the
length thereof being from one inch upwards, according to the fancy of
persons, and of a thickness not to exceed the entrance into the scabbard
and the space within it, and which space should be made sufficiently
large for the back; one, two, or more female screws are to be tapped
on each side, according to size and fancy, and to which hardened steel
screws are to be fitted; but these should be without any projecting
heads, being cylinders tapped rather sharply, pointed at one end, and
having a notch for a screw driver at the other end. Figure F, shows
a section through such a slider, saddle, or regulator, bevelled off to the
edge, and also through two of its screws k, k, which will shew that by
not making the screws longer than the slider is thick the screw ends
can never project outwards, although they may be screwed sufficiently
inward to hold upon a thinner part of the blade than that which will
fill the groove. To give additional weight and draft of cut to a sword,
this slider is placed first as far away from the point as can be done to
suit the groove in the slider to the thickness of the sword's back, and
the screws are turned firmly so that their points may bite on the blades,
and by shifting the possition of the slider, saddle, or regulator more
towards the point, the latter's weight and force can be encreased
gradually to suit itself better to the power of swordsman from time to
time. Narrow wedges may also be placed in tlic slider sadelle or
regulator at the end nearest the sword's point (the wedges being thickest
at that end and becoming thinner towards the hilt), with a view to fill
up where a great reduction of the blade should leave too great a cavity
within the slider; these wedges 1, in Figure E, showing one, may be
of any metal, but will be found best of lead, as the screws will pierce
them, and they will fit more readily.
.
.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Random Baron de Berenger,
have hereunto set his hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of
August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and thirty.
CHARLES RANDOM (L.s.) DE BERENGER.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-seventh day of
August, in the year of our Lord 1880, the aforesaid Charles Random
de Berenger came before our said Lord the King, in His Chancery, and
acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and everything therein
contained and specified, in form above written. And also the Specifica-
tion aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made
for that purpose.
r that purpose.
Inrolled the same Twenty-seventh day of August, in the
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty.
year of

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
CHARLES RANDOM Baron de BERENGER, of Target Cottage, Kentish.
Town, in the Parish of Saint Pancras, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS His late most Excellent Majesty King George the
Fourth, did, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great
Britain, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of
February, One thousand. eight hundred and thirty, in the eleventh
year of His reign, give and grant unto me, the said Charles Random
Baron de Berenger, His special license that I, the said Charles
Random Baron de Berenger, my exccutors, administrators, and
assigns, and such others as I, the said Charles Random Baron de
Berenger, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and Town of
Berwick upon Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND
OTHER WEAPONS OF DEFENCE;" in which said Letters Patent-there-is-cen-
tained a proviso that I, the said Charles Random Baron de Berenger,,

page_text: shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the saine is to be performned, to be inrolled in His
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the sanie, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the
said Charles Random Baron de Berenger, do hereby declare that the
nature of my improvements, and the manner of carrying the same into
effect, are herein-after particularly described and ascertained, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed (that is to say)
The objects of my improvements in fire-arms and other weapons of
defence are, by some of them to attain security against discharging
fire-arms accidentally, by others to lessen the impediments which rain
opposes to the priming of fire-arms, and by others to render bayonets
and swords more secure or effective; and in order to accomplish this
I not only use forms and methods invented by myself, but I avail
myself also of forms as parts (yet under combinations invented by,
myself), which forms or parts possibly may have been used by others
yet differently. To prevent the accidental discharge of fire-arms I
apply to the lock thereof a moveable piece which I call a protecter,
and which, by the action of a suitable spring, has a constant tendency
to' assume a position in which it will effectually prevent the lock from
firing off the piece, videlicit, either by the end of the protector placing
itself in the way of the cock so as to receive its stroke if the lock is
snapped, and thus prevent the cock from giving fire, or else by the pro-
tector fastening the trigger of the lock so as to prevent it from being
drawn: In either case my protector (and the spring which causes it to
act as aforesaid) is connected with a moveable piece or pieces, which I
apply before the guard of the trigger in a suitable position to be acted
npon by the hand when the piece is presented and held in a proper
position for firing, in such mamer that the protector will necessarily be
removed out of the way of the cock or of the trigger by the hand,
without any movement beyond what is usually given in pressing the
batt end of the piece against the shoulder preparatory to firing the

page_text: same. Different modes for effecting this object are represented in the.
annexed Drawings, in which all the parts of the same kind, although
seen in different Figures, are marked by the same letters of reference.
Figures 1, to 12, inclusive show the application of my protector to a
gun which is fired by percussion, priming of the nipple kind with.
copper caps. Note. This is not the only construction of the percussion
priming to which my protector is applicable. Figure 1, is a side view
of the lock of such a gun. The additions according to my improve-
ments being as follows: a, a, is my protector, which is a piece of steel-
having an over handing top to reach over the priming, and an arm
turned inwards at bottom to reach under the stock and trigger plate,
in front of the guard c; for the trigger this protector is poised on a
centre screw b, which is attached to and enters the lock plate, the
protector playing freely on that center in the manner of a lever having.
a long arm at top and a short arin at bottom. Figure 2, shows the flat
surface of a plate which is screwed to the stock from the inside; just
beyond the guard 'c, it has a projection on the under side at the foremost
end, which is perforated longways. Figure 3, is an edge view of the
same plate. Figure 4, is what I term a moveable guard to be applied
beneath the plate, Figures 2, and 3, so as to slide freely endways with
a short motion; for this purpose it terminates at each end in a pin; the
pin at the foremost end is inserted into the hole in the projection of the
plate, Figures 2, and 3, and the pin at the hindler end is inserted in a
hole through a small upright plate i, fixed in front of the guard c. The
foremost end of the moveable guard has a loop k, and the hinder end
has an arm' e, both projecting downwards from it; a spring f, is screwed
to the arm e, and the end of the spring turns up against the front side
of the upright plate i, and by pressing against the same urges the
moveable guard forwards or away from the but end of the piece; a
friction roller is applied to the extreme end of the spring f, to bear
against the plate i, or a friction roller may be mounted in an opening
in the plate i, the end of the spring being flat to bear against that
roller. Note. It is advisable to form a groove lengthways on that
side of the moveable guard which applies against the plate, Figure 2,
to free it, and lessen the friction of its sliding.inotion. Near the hinder
0

page_text: end of the moveable guard there is a groove. or mortice-like cavity g
formed in it to receive the end of the arm at the short or lower end of
the protector a, a, (which arm turns under the stock and trigger plate,)
in such manner that the sliding motion of the moveable guard will also
move the protector about its centre of motion b, vidclicit, when the
moveable guard is left at liberty the elasticity of its spring f, will place
and keep the top of the protector in a proper position to cover the priming
and intercept the blow of the cock from giving fire to the priming, but on
bringing the gun up to and. pressing it against the shoulder to take aim
the left land will either be placed on the front of the advanced loop
of my moveable guard, or else (which is better) on the front of the
arm e, to which the spring is fastened, and by the pressure usually
given with the left hand to draw and hold the gun backwards firmly to
the shoulder (and which pressure with most sportsmen is habitual
whilst taking aim) the spring f, will be compressed, and the sliding
guard will be moved endways towards the shoulder; the short or lower
end of the protector, which is received into the mortice g, will partake
of that motion, whereby the long or upper end of the protector will move
in a contrary direction, so as to remove its overhanging top from over
the priming, leaving the latter exposed to the blow which (on pulling
the trigger) the cock will give. The extent of the movement of the
sliding guard and the flexure of its spring f, is shown by dotted lines in
Figure 1. Figure 5, shows the protector with its top removed from
over the priming, the spring f, of the sliding guard being compressed.
Figure 6, shews the top of the protector looking downwards upon it; it
has a small indentation to receive the end of the cock, and thereby the
pressure of the cock on the top of the protector confines the protector
from retreating from under the cock, particularly if the cock is snapped
down upon the protector; and Figure 7, is an end or edge view of
Figure 5, showing the lateral form of the top of the protector to
enable it to reach over the priming, also showing the arm at the lower
end of the protector a, a, with its end in the groove or mortice-like
cavity g, of the sliding guard. The top of the protector when covering
the priming rests on the elevated part of the false breech to support the
protector and to enable it to sustain blows that may be inflicted by the

page_text: accidental or careless snapping of the lock; in order to secure such guns
from being accidentally discharged when they have been put by loaded
I introduce a small screw h, see Figures 1, and 4, with a square, oval,
or, better, a triangular head, to be turned by a small instrument similar
to a watch key; that screw passing obliquely through the sliding guard,
the end enters into the hole j, in the plate, Figure 2, and prevents the
motion of the sliding guard and the consequent uncovering of the
priming. This screw h, has a nick fornied around it to admit the end
of a pin which is inserted from the outside, and which prevents the screw
from being turned too far either way. Figure 8, is another construc-
tion of the spring of my protector. The advanced loop k of the moveable
guard cau in this construction be taken away and laid aside when
persons have acquired the on many grounds preferable niode of firing
with the left hand near the guard of the trigger, instead of placing it
more forward along the stock. 7, is a branch of metal, which is firmly
fixed to the guard c, and projects forwards therefrom; it has a joint at
the foremost end to receive the lower end of the spring m, the upper
end of which advances forwards beneath the stock, and has a small
friction roller g, fitted into a fork at the extreme end of it to bear up-
wards beneath a small plate 1, which is lot into the stock. Figure 9,.
shows these additions to the guard, bottom upwards. Near the middle
part of the spring m, is an open joint to receive the foremost end of a
short link o; the other end of which is connected with the extreme end
of the arm at the lower end of the protector a, which arm' reaches under
the trigger plate, but that arm (see Figure 10,) is longer than the arm
in Figure 7. Before screwing in the centre screw .b, of the protector
the extreme end of its arm o, must be passed through the hinder end of
the short link o, (the foremost end of which is jointed to the spring m,
as before mentioned,) and a nut t, is screwed on the end of the arm s,
to retain the link o. Note. If this mode is applied to a double gun
the arms, of the two protectors must be shorter, and the extreme ends
thereof, which stand opposite one to the other, must be left large enough
to have conical hollows to receive the two ends of a short cross pin u,
(see Figure 12), which is fastened across the hinder end of the link so
as to project out at each side of the link, the ends being terminated by

page_text: conical points adapted to the hollows. in the extreme ends of the armis of
the two protectors. Note. The link. o, and the cross pin u, may be made
in one piece. The spring.m, should be most elastic at the upper enl
between n, and g; the lower part between n, and the joint by which it
is connected to the branch being stiff, and adapted to receive the left
hand when holding the piece; for firing: in order that the pressure of
holding the gun firmly against the shoulder.may cause the spring m, to
bend, whereby its upper part draws backwards a 'short distance by means
of the link o; that motion .turns the protector about its 'centre b, and
causes the same change of its position (in order to uncover the priming)
as already described by Figure 1. To secure this gun from being acci-
dently discharged when it is not intended to be used, a screw h, with a
head similarly shaped to that described before, is screwed into the lock
plate (see Figure 8), and is turned by an instrument like a watch key
to screw it outwards, and then.it-stops the protector a, a, from imoving
so as to uncover the priming; but if the screw h, is screwed in again, it
allows the protector to pass freely over its head. For the convenience
of persons who prefer shooting with the left hand more removed from
the guard of the trigger an additional sliding piece with a loop k, at
the foremost end is provided to apply:at. pleasure to the spring in, in
order to effect the same objects as already described, of the moveable
guard, Figure 4. Figure 11, is a bottom view of the additional sliding
pièce v, which I call a driver... It has a forked joint at its hinder end to
fit over the joint n, in the spring m; and a longer pin than the former
being put into that joint it unites the link of the spring m, and the
*driver v;
all in one joint; an opening &, is inade through the driver v, in
order to allow the friction roller g, to come in contact with the small
plate, which is let into the stock. "The foremost end of the driver v
terminates in a pin, which is fitted (in a similar manner to that of the
moveable guard, Figure 4) into a perforated stud, which is let into the
stock and fastened thereto by screws:- Fhis driver or additional sliding
piece v, can be added to or separated from the apparatus.at pleasure by
merely removing the pin of the double joint,..which pin alone unites it
to the spring My modes of applying protectors to detain the triggers
from being drawn, except when they are released by the pressure of
L

page_text: drawing the piece towards the shoulder in preparing for firing, are as
follows:-Figure 13, is a guard and trigger plate, taken off to shew the
upper side of the latter, or that side which goes next. to the stock, and
is let unto the same. Figure 14, is a side view or elevation of the same
guard and trigger plate. The additions which I make to a usual guard
c, are the branch 7, and spring 'm, the same as those parts in Figure 8,
already described, excepting that the joint at the middle part of the
spring m, is only adapted to enter into the forked joint at the hinder end
of the driver or additional sliding piece v, when that piece is applied,
as before described in Figure 8, for there is no link o, to fit into a joint
in the spring, but which has instead a prominent part y, rising upwards
from it to enter into a mortice-like opening 1; in'tlie underside of the
trigger plate at the foremost end thereof; and on the upper end of the
prominence y, two pins z, z, are left..standing up, and they pass up
through two parallèl slits 2, 2, which are made through the trigger
plate within the mortice-like opening 1, and the upper ends of those
pius enters into converging slits 3, 3, cut out into two moveable arm's
4, 4, which lay upon the trigger plate at the outsides of the trigger
blade frame, and are attached to the trigger plate by a screw 5,-at
the. foremost end of each arm, beyond the slits and piis z, 2; so that
the arms 4, 4, can play about those screws as centres of motion; the
hinderinmost ends of the arms 4, 4, turn sideways towards, the trigger
blades 6, and are adapted to enter into notches cut out in the
hinder parts of those blades; in order to confine the triggers from
moving so as to discharge the lock, and overhanging stud 7; is screwed
fast tipon the trigger plate between the hinder end of the trigger blades
so as to cover over the ends of the arms 4, 4, and prevent them from
rising up off the plate, but does not prevent their proper lateral motion
about their centres 5, 5. The stud 7, may have a larger overhanging
top, so as to cover niore of the ends of the arms 4, than here is shown,
if it should be found more suitable to the stocking of some guns. If
trigger plates are narrow the arms 4, 4, may be let in something into
the sides of S, the frame of trigger blades; the sides of the stud 9, for
the breech screw may also be reduced a little for the same purpose.
To allow the arms 4, 4, to move laterally the wood of the stock must be

page_text: .undercut a little. The spring. m,, will by its clasticity urge the pins =,=,
forwards towards, the muzzle of the piece when left at liberty, and those
pins being confined to move straight forwards in the parallel slits
through the trigger plate; their upper ends. which act in the converging
slits through the arms 4, 4, will urge.those arms to move about their
centres of motion 5, 5, and approach their hinder end towards the trigger
blades, so as to catch.into the notches thereof and fasten them, and so
they will remain as long as the spring m, is left uncontrolled. But
when the hand is applied in front of the spring m, in taking aim, the
pressure caused, by drawing the piece firmly to the shoulder will bend
the spring, and move the part y, backwards in the mortice-like cavity 1,
together with its pins, which by acting in the converging slits of the
armis,4, 4, will move, those arms about their centres 5, 5, removing
their hindermost ends laterally from the triggers blades, and those ends
quitting the notches in the trigger blades 6, 6, leave the triggers at
liberty to be drawn without impediment when properly executed; all
these parts will resume the first situation the moment, the pressure
upon the spring m, is discontinued. The following parts are. represented
on an enlarged scale-Figure 15, shows the prominence y, which
enters into the mortice-like, cavity 1, and one of the pins which rises
up therefrom through one of the parallel slits in the trigger plate.
Figure 16, shows a plan of that opening with the two parallel slits 2, 2.
Figure 17, shows the arms. 4, 4, with their converging slits, in which
the pins z,,, act, the dotted; lines, being the parallel slits through which
the same pins also pass, and are thereby confined to a straight move-
ment. The extent of the motion that may be given to the arms 4, 4, is
shewn by the dotted lines, representing. their ends, but that extent is
more than sufficient, although it is obtained by'a very short movement
of the pins in their slits, and consequently by a very short motion of the
upright part of the spring,m. Figure 18, shows part of a trigger blade
with the notch into which the arm 4 is to catch; and Figure 19, show's
an, end view of the arms 4, 4, when the hinder, ends are engaged with
the notches in the trigger blades 6, 6. To secure such guns from care-
less persons when left about loaded a small screw 1, is fitted into a
thick part, which is left at the foremost extremity of the spring m
.

page_text: beyond the friction roller; the head of this screw is adapted to be
turned by an instrument like a watch key, and it has a nick to receive
thend of a pin, as before described, to prevent the screw being turned
too far; when this pin is screwed in its end enters into a hole in the
trigger plate, and fastens the spring from drawing backwards. The
imode of adding an additional sliding piece or driver with an advanced
loop, Figure 8, is similar to what has already been explained by
Figure 8, and 11. Figure 20, and 21, show another mode of fastening
the trigger blades by a slider or single bolt moving endways, instead
of two arms moving sideways about centres of motion. 11, is the
bolt, which has a projection on each side from the hinder end 12, to
enter the notches in the trigger blades, and fasten them when it is
slided forward, but it releases them when slided backwards; this bolt
passes through 8, the frame of the trigger blades, and its hinder end 12,
has a slit through which a screw 13, passes and fastens into the trigger
plate, in order to guide the bolt in its longitudinal motion, and prevent
it from rising. The bolt 11, is moved endways by another sliding
piece 14, which is fastened to the foremost end of it; an oval opening
is made through the picce 14, to adinit the stud q, for the breech or
tang screw, the oval leaving sufficient play for the motion of the sliding
piece 14, the foremost end of which has a joint 15, which turns down-
wards, and passes through a roomy opening in the trigger plate to entér
into a corresponding joint 16, found at the middle part of the spring m,
which is the same as that already described in Figure 9. Note. The
part 16, of the spring may be carried upwards through a slit in the
trigger plate, in order that the joint which unites it to the sliding.
piece 14, may be above the trigger plate, instead of beneath the same.
The mode of joining the sliding piece 14, to the bolt 11, is shewn
enlarged by Figure 22; 14, being let down into a notch, in 11, and
both are pinned together. Figure 23, shows that for a piece with a
single lock the bolt. 11, may be in one piece by passing along the side
of the frame of the trigger blades, instead of through that frame, in
which case it is not necessary to make the bolt in two lengths like 11,
and 14. Note. My improvements herein-before described, which act
by fastening the triggers, are equally applicable to flint locks and the

page_text: percussion. locks. If it is desired to apply my improvements herein-
before described to pistols. instead of, guns, then in presenting and
holding such pistols-in preparation for firing the same, it will be neces-
sary to pass the fore finger in front of the spring m, in order that by the
grasp of holding the pistol, in the hand that forefinger may compress
the spring, and give-action to the protector, as herein-before described;
and the trigger must be drawn by applying the inner joint of the middle
finger to it instead of the extremity of the forefinger. If my protectors;
which act by fastening the trigger, are applied to pistols, it will be
adviseable to make the sear springs a little stronger than those.com-
monly used for pistols, especially for-pistols of the high finished, kind;
My other improvements are as follows Figure 38,, is an elevation of
the external part of a patent gun, and Figure 24, is an elevation of its
gun lock, the priming and firing of which takes place within the stock.
It is cocked by raising, up the projecting end 17, ofan lever which reaches
out behind the guard ca circular arch which is affixed to the lever
passes through the trigger plate into the small part of the stock; the mo
tion, of that arch is limited by a pin 18. The lever 17, passes through an
opening in the back of the guard; the guard must be screwed on after
the lever is in its place. The centre pin-19, of the lever, is supported
between checks placed withinside of the trigger plate; one of these checks,
marked 22,,can be removed, being dovetailed into the trigger plate; and
fastened, by a screw; the, short end of the lever 17, reaches over the
short tail 25, of the cock 23. The cock has a percussion punch 24, at
one end; it is mounted upon a centre screw between two cheeks or
sides which project from the trigger plate; the sear and the trigger are
one piece, which moves, about a centre screw between the two checks
which receive the cock. The main spring. 20, is screwed down upon
the trigger plate close to the side of the cheeks, for the-long lever, the
extreme end of it being furnished with a friction, roller to bear, beneath
the tail 25, of the cock...The external end 17, of the long lever being
pressed up towards the stock, its-short or internal end 21, acts by its
friction roller on the tail 25, of the cock to press, it down in opposition
to the resistance which the main spring 20, exerts upwards beneath
that tail, until the sear of the trigger, which is pressed up by the sear

page_text: spring 27, catches into the the bent or notch in the under side of the
central part of the cock, which is formed like a common tumbler, and
there may in like manner be two.bents, one undercut for half cock, the
other for full cock. A spring 28, is screwed on to the trigger plate
withinside, and the end passing through that plate acts on the lever 17,
near to the centre to urge the long end thereof out of the stock in order
that the tail 25, of the cock may be left. unconfined; as soon as the
external pressure on the lever 17, is discontinued. At the end of the
hook of the breech plug 30, a small pan 31; is formed to receive the-per-
cussion priming from a magazine, as here-after described; and the
end of the punch 24, of the cock strikes down into that pan; the form
of the chamber and its communication with the pan is shewn by dotted
lines. Figure 25, shows the shape of the "cock; and Figure 25, and
Figure 26, that of the trigger and sear. The position of the main spring,
cocking lever, and the moveable cheek for its centre are shown in the
plan, Figure 27. To prevent accidental discharging of this gun when it
is not intended to be used, a screw h, with a head to be turned by a
suitable key, and which is formed and fastened in the manner already
described, is screwed into the guard at 32, so as to fasten the lever 17,
by its point entering into a hole therein: Eigure 28, shows the false
breech and tang removed from the gun, and turned over to show the
parts which are lodged beneath it; 83, is a priming magazine-to receive
either percussion powder or percussion pellets of a size suitable to the
depth of the pan 31; this magazine is mounted on an axis at its hinder
end; that axis passes through the tang, and a short exterior lever, 34, is
formed upon.it to apply the thumb to the arm of the magazine, is
fastened on a square at the lower part of the axis by a nut and screw 35.
The pressure of the thumb laterally against the hinder end of the short
lever $4, will move the magazine laterally within the stock. to carry it
over the pan 31, in order to deposit priming therein.
-
'
The following parts are represented on. a larger scale-Figure 29,
shows the short external lever-34, with its axis round at the upper part
and squared lower down and tapped to receive a nut at the lower end.
Figure 30 and 31, show the magazine and its tail with a square
hole to
fasten on the axis; the lower or underside of the magazine is sloped-so

page_text: as to suit the upper edges of the pan 31, with a suitable hole at bottom
of the magazine to correspond with the interior hollow of the pan; the
large aperture at the top of the magazine is closed by a top 37, which
turns sideways about a screw 38, and has a small stud to turn
aside when a fresh supply of priming is to be introduced; the point of
that stud projecting a little through the cover catches into a hole 39,
in the edge of the magazine when the cover is closed, and keeps it
closed in a way well known to most gunmakers; a small stopper of
cock 40, is put into a hole in the cover of the magazine, and another
'cork stopper is put into a corresponding hole made in the false breech
41; these blow out in the event of the magazine exploding by accident.
Whenever the cock is down the magazine is turned away sideways
from over the pan, and in that situation its lower end applies closely to
the upper surface of a flat at the end of a spring 42, the surface of which
'ranges with the surface of the borders of the pan, and closes the lower or
feeding aperture 36, of the magazine whenever that aperture is not
over the pan. This spring, which I call a shelf, is fastened to the false
breech 41, by a screw through its tail 43. Figure 32, is a top, and
Figure 33, is a side view of this shelf after the cocking has been per-
formed by raising the long end 17, of the lever 17, 21; the short lever
34, must be pressed outwards by the thumb, in order to carry the
magazine (which rested before over the shelf 42, with its lower surface
closed by contract therewith) over the opening of the pan in order to
'deposit the requisite priming either of percussion powder or a percussion
pellet. The priming position of the magazine is seen in Figure 28.
The magazine remains over the pan in that position until the cock
is snapped in order to give fire, and then the cock in discending drives
the magazine to one side, and removes it from off the pan, so as to
expose the priming to the blow of the punch; for this purpose a
crooked and tapering piece of steel 44, (which is shewn enlarged in
Figure 35.) is mounded on a centre screw 45, which fastens into the
under side of the tang of the false breech, and the piece 44, lays along-
side of the arm of the magazine, and the end of it bends obliquely
under the breast of the cock, so as to receive a blow from the cock
previously to the punch 24, thereof striking into the pan, and thus a

page_text: lateral push is communicated by the piece 44, to the tail of the
magazine, and pushes the latter away sideways from its previous
situation over the pan, carrying it over the shelf 42, which then closes.
the lower or priming aperture to prevent the escape of the priming.
This removal of the magazine is performed a moment before the
explosion of the priming takes place. For better security against the
communication of the flash from the pan with the contents of the
magazine a small plate 46, may be fitted loosely against that side of
the magazine which is nearest to the pan; when the magazine is
removed from over the same, the plate being on two screws which pass,
through a slit (see Figure 34), and the bottom edge of it being bevilled
off, it rests by its weight upon the flat surface of the shelf 42, and
ensures a close joint with that surface on the side of the magazine
towards the pan, in case there should be any deficiency of exact
contract between the bottom edge of the magazine and that surface.
Note. The axis on which the magazine is mounted, see Figure 29,
should fit into its socket with sufficient friction to retain the magazine
securely in its place over the pan when the piece is cocked ready for
firing. A trap door 47, is fitted into an opening formed in the false
breech to supply the magazine with fresh priming, and to enable the
vent to be cleared out, or to put a new punch into the cock; see the
plan Figure 36, also the enlarged section Figure 37. The hinge 48,
of the door is nearest to the barrel; the margin of the door fits down
upon a surface of greased leather or other waterproof substance, which
applied in an inside rebate 49, under the false breech, and fastened into
that rebate by 50, a thin square metal frame fixed by screws passing
from below through the frame and the leather into the false breech, the
opening through the frame, and the leather being less than that into
which the trap door falls, an outside rebate is thus formed to receive
the door. Figure 36, is a plan of the external part of the gun; the
trap door 47, is kept down by a countersunk screw. 51, the head or
which is flat on one side to admit. the door to open, but by turning the.
screw its head fastens the trap door. 52, is a projecting piece which
appears like a cock, but it is immoveably fixed; the use of it is to
enable soldiers to support arms with muskets so formed. The dotted.
lines 53, is Figure 38, mark the place-of a small hole or. vent which

page_text: is perforated in the piece 52, to let out the smoke from the flash of the
priming as fresh air enters at the opening in the trigger plate through
which the lever 17, passes. Figure 39, shows an end view of the false
breech. My improvements in bayonets are as follows:-In the usual
mode of fixing bayonets to muskets and similar arms they are incon-
venient to fix if they are tight fitted, or if loose they are liable to fly off
in presenting, and the foot soldier depending upon such defence may be
disarmed in the encounter with troopers, who, by the expert use of the
sword, know how to unfix the bayonet from the musket. I cause the
ramrod to act as a bolt to the bayonet to lock and prevent it from
turning round on the muzzle of the piece. Figures A, and B, are
opposite views of portions of the muzzle of a gun and bayonet to show
how the latter is fixed thereon, and securely locked or bolted by the
ramrods à, a Figure-C; ; is the rim around the bottom edge of the
tube of the bayonet; it is enlarged on one side to admit a hold d
through it for the ramrod; that rim may either be made solid with the
tube, or it may be formed separately, and affixed thereto. 9, 9, f, f, is
the neck cut out in the rim and in the side of the tube to admit the
sight c, in the usual manner.
The hole d, in the rim b, is cut out at
one side, leaving it like an open hook; the interior circle d, is large
enough receive and to be filled by e, the conical swell near to the upper
.end of the ramrod, which is increased in diameter beyond the usual
size about 4 inches of it's length below the knob, that enlarged part
joining to the usual size of the rod by a cone at about of an inch
below the bottom edge of the rim b, of the bayonet when the latter is
fixed, and the ramrod is returned homie through the circular part of the
hook d, and through the ramrod pipes of the stock. The opening into
the hook d, is sufficiently wide to allow the small part of the rainrod to
pass easily into or out of the hook, but it will not admit the enlarged
part enter or pass out therefrom sideways. To unfix a bayonet thus
locked or bolted by the ramrod the latter is to be raised or drawn out]
about of an inch, or so much that the cone of the cularged part rises
clear above the hook d, and only the small part of the rod remains
therein (see Figure D,) by the same hand wherewith the bayonet is
afterwards seized, to turn the latter round so that the sight c, passes.
a long the slit 'ff, around the tube of the bayonet until the sight c, is

page_text: opposite to the perpendicular slit g; g; and during such turning round
the side opening into the ring or hook d being opposite to the small
part of the ramrol--it opposes no impediment thereto, although when
the ramrod was down in its place so that the conical enlarged part
entered and occupied that ring, the ramród then prevented the bayonet
from being turned-round, because that conical part of the ramrod could
not pass-out of the opening of the hook; but the ramrod being with-
drawn and the bayonet turned round; as before mentioned, until the
sight is in line with the opening, the bayonet can be unfixed and
detached froin the gain in the usual manner by raising the former straight
upwards, and by bending"with this motion pressure from the end of the
middle finger on the top-of the ramrod the ranirod will be forced home
at the same time that the bayonet quits the muzzle or even previously.
The fixing of a patent-bayonet is the same as that of a common bayonet,
with the exception that the ramrod, must be raised about of an inchi
by the-hand about fixing-the-bayonet before the tube thereof is applied
on the muzzle of the gun, and also that the sight has not to pass through
the two right angles, as in the slit of a common bayonet, for I close or
omit in mine the upper slit h, as shewn by dotted lines in Figure A;
when the bayonet is in its place the ramrod is to be pushed down again
until its conical enlarged part e, fills up the opening of the ring.or 'hook
a. Thus will a bayonet, although somewhat too large for the muzzle;
be fixed and retained firinly and readily, since the moving outwards;
that is, upwards, of the ramrod, or the breaking of the parts. alone
can enable its renioval. My improvement in swords is intended to
improve the draft or cut of those swords which have either curved or
straight blades, but which are intended chiefly for cutting, and which
have a back extending yearly or quite up to the point, but does not
apply to those swords whereof the points are intended principally or
solely to be used, and which are commonly termed small swords. Many
swords, being too light at the point or immediately below it, it is advisable
to increase their weight or severity, of cut to suit the swordsman, as
their muscular powers and activity increase, be it by great practice or
from other cause. It is common to distribute swords of the same
weight or draft to persons greatly differing in their powers; the object
of my improvement is to increase or diminish the weight of the points

page_text: of swords by applying and affixing an extra piece to the backs thereof
in the following manner :-Figure E, shows the end of a sabre broken
off; on the back of it I apply a metal slider, saddle, or regulator i, the
length thereof being from quc inch upwards, according to the fancy of
persons, and of a thickness not to exceed the entrance into the scabbard
and the space within, it, and which space should be made sufficiently:
large for the back; one, two, or more female screws are to be tapped
on each side, according to size and fancy, and to which hardened stcel
screws are to be fitted; but these should be without any 'projecting
heads, being cylinders tapped rather sharply, pointed at one end, and
having a notch for a screw, driver at the other end. Figure F, shows
a section through such a slider, saddle, or regulator, bevelled off to the
edge, and also through two of its screws k, k, which will shew that by
not making the screws longer than the slider is thick the screw ends
can never project outwards, although they may be screwed sufficiently
inward to hold upon a thinner part of the blade than that which will
fill the groove. To give 'additional weight and draft of cut to a sword,
this slider is placed first as far away from the point as can be done to
suit the groove in the slider to the thickness of the sword's back, and
the screws are turned firmly so that their points may bite on the blades,
and by shifting the possition of the slider, saddle, or regulator niore
towards the point, the latter's weight and force can be encreased
gradually to suit itself better to the power of swordsman from time to
time. Narrow wedges may also be placed in the slider saddle or
regulator at the end nearest the sword's point (the wedges being thickest
at that end and becoming thinner towards the hilt), with a view to fill
up where a great reduction of the blade shoull leave too great a cavity
within the slider'; these wedges 7; in Figure E, showing one, may be
of any metal, but will be found best of lead; as the screws will pierce
them, and they will fit more readily.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Random Baron de Berenger,
have hereunto set his hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of
August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and thirty:
CHARLES RANDOM (L.s.) DE BERENGER.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-seventh day of
August, in the year of our Lord 1880, the aforesaid Charles Random
de Berenger came before our said Lord the King, in His Chancery, and
acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and everything therein
contained and specified, in form above written. And also the Specifica-
tion aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made
for that purpose.
Inrolled the same Twenty-seventh day of August in the voor of