IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS." A communication from abroad by the Firm of
Mauser Brothers, of Oberndorf, in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg.
Sealed the 12th January 1877, and dated the 21st November 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jolm Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st November 1876.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS." A communication
from abroad by the Firm of Mauser Brothers, of Oberndorf, in the Kingdom of
Wurtemberg.
This Invention relates to the construction of breech-loading arms with mechanism
of great simplicity but efficient in its operation, and admitting of the arm being
brought into the position of rest, charged, and discharged by three movements or
operations only, viz.,
1st. By the pressure upon a closer the case of the discharged or exploded cartridge
(metallic cartridge) is expelled from the breech, the closer is arrested or stopped, the
cock or striker is placed at rest, and the arm is ready again to receive a new charge
by this single movement.
2nd. By introducing the cartridge in the breech the closer is brought into action
and becomes placed opposite the breech; the arm is now ready for discharging.
3rd. By pressing the trigger with the finger in the ordinary manner the following
action takes place by the first portion of the movement; that is to say, by pressing
the trigger the closer is stopped in such a position that it forms a complete closure.
At the same time the spring of the cock is bent, in order to impart to it the
necessary power for entering the cartridge. During the last portion of the move-
ment the cock or striker is released, advances, and enters the base of the cartridge,
and the discharge takes place.
These three movements or operations may be readily performed, and the arrange-
ment of the mechanism adınits of their being effected without changing the position
of the fire-arm on the hand. With the thumb of that land which has hold of the

page_text: butt of the fire-arm the closer is inclined and the cartridge is introduced into the
breech; by this movement the arm is ready to be discharged.
The Invention is more particularly applicable to pistols and to the production of
a fire-arm for the use of cavalry.
In carrying out this Invention the parts of the mechanism are constructed and
arranged in the following manner:- -The butt is formed by the beaded prolongation
of the haft, it being provided with ribs of metal which are in one with the haft.
They are enclosed by two wooden pieces which enter the opening and are cut off
even with the ribs; a screw serves to hold them together; these wooden pieces
form the butt. A ring is provided for attaching the arm by means of a leather
strip, as it is used by the cavalry. The haft consists of a piece of steel beaded in
different forms; its sides form two cheeks, which enclose the mechanism. At its
upper end is applied a mortice cheek for screwing it on to the barrel, and which also
carries the back sight. The trigger guard is provided with two screws, one of which
forms an axis, whilst the other serves to fix the trigger guard between the cheeks.
The trigger guard has formed on its under side a small opening, through which
passes the trigger immediately after the closer has been pushed downwards for
charging the arm.
The barrel is of steel and is rifled with by preference 4 grooves; these grooves are
equal in width to the ribs or lands remaining between them, and are of slight depth.
The barrel is provided on its fore end with a fore sight which by being fitted with
a dovetail can be readily removed.
On the underside of the barrel there is formed a lug which is provided on one of
its corners with a small catch; it is also furnished with a pin which serves as a
pivot for the closer. The barrel is screwed on to the breech and enters the mortise
cheek of the haft. The breech is of a conical form for the reception of the metallic
cartridge. The latter is of copper or of brass, with a flange on its rear end; on the
bottom of the inner side is applied the cap or priming, against which presses the
point of the cock for discharging the arm. The projectile is of an elongated form.
The closer, which is one of the most essential parts of the Invention, is of
a form. It is situate between the cheeks before mentioned, and slides between
them up and down, and vice versa, turning at the same time round the pin or pivot
herein-before referred to, the cheeks preventing any lateral motion. One of its ends
forms a handle upon which presses the thumb, its surface is roughened. The front
of the middle branch, which is placed opposite the breech, serves as a bearing point
for the rear end of the cartridge, and is provided with a small hole, through which
passes the point of the cock. The middle branch of the bearing piece encloses also
the trigger with the sear and the head of the cock or striker; the pin portion of
the striker slides in a cylindrical hole formed in the long branch of the bearing
piece; the latter is provided on its end with a spring (the closing spring) which is
fitted with a dovetail in the upper face of the closer, and which abuts with its lower
end against the steel catch. This spring may be made of a 7 or an shape, or of
any other suitable form. By means of this arrangement security is afforded for the
closer being brought each time opposite the breech.
In order to arrest the motion of the closer the long branch is provided with a pin
which comes into contact with the lower face of the barrel, and ensures the exact
position of the closer. The latter is also provided with mortise cheeks, which are
placed against the cheeks of the haft, and which serve as bearing points for the
closer, in order to take the thrust off the joint pin before mentioned.
The trigger is placed between the cheeks of the middle branch of the closer, and is
of such a breadth as to move in one direction only; in its operation it turns round a pin
which is placed in its upper or larger end, it passes through the cheeks of the closer.
A spring designated the trigger spring is provided for holding the trigger. in its
position when it is not pushed or pressed backwards; when the latter movement
takes place shoulders which are provided (on both sides of the trigger) and which
are suitably rounded are brought upon two bearing parts formed in the interior.
faces of the cheeks of the haft, which bearing parts are also rounded, commencing

page_text: from the centre of the piece. By means of this arrangement all liability to a change
in the direction and place of the closer is obviated, since the downward movement
round the joint pin is prevented by the bearing parts, and the upward movement
by the stop pin; the lateral movement will be prevented by the cheeks of the haft.
The trigger spring may consists of a spiral or blade spring attached to the closer
and acting against the trigger. The cock or striker is placed in a cylindrical hole
formed in the long branch of the closer; it is provided on its front side with a flat
or smooth head, with the percussion point, and a hook engaging with the sear; the
head slides between the cheeks of the trigger. A shoulder is formed in the said
hole, against which bears one end of the spring of the striker, its opposite end
acting against a shoulder on the striker; this shoulder may be formed by screwing
a socket on to the end of the striker if desired. If the closer by descending when
pressure is exercised upon it turns round its pin the shoulder of the cock is brought
into such a position that a projection which it carries bears against the catch before
mentioned. By placing the closer in that position the projection by its pressure
against the catch is caused to slide from the right to the left-hand side in a notch
or groove provided for it; by this movement the sear is caused to engage with the
hook of the cock and the pistol is in a position of rest. The sear spring is fitted
with a dovetail in the cheeks of the trigger, and is in contact with the short end of
the sear which turns round a pin.
If the closer after the sear is placed at rest be brought into its elevated position
and the trigger be moved back the shoulders of the trigger will become placed upon
the bearing parts, and by continuing the motion the short branch of the sear will
be caused to come in contact with a fixed bearing point and disengage the sear; the
cock is then liberated, it being drawn forward by its spring in lieu of being pressed,
and the discharge takes place.
The closer is retained in its downward position in the following manner :-In a
beaded border of the cheeks of the haft there is fitted a pin, around which turns a
bell-crank lever. One arm of this lever is provided with a projection which becomes
placed behind the flange of the cartridge; a second projection becomes placed
against one face of the closer and presses or abuts against a pin on a beaded border
which is on the sides of the closer, and thus holds the latter down. By introducing
now a cartridge into the breech the flange of the cartridge engages with the one
projection and advances the bell-crank lever; the other projection leaves the beaded
border, the closer becomes free and is driven, being impelled by a spring upwards
opposite the cartridge. The lever serves in the same manner to expel the cartridge
by seizing the closer with the thumb and pressing upon it; the ejector or expeller
descends, the lever end moves with the one projection from the right to the left-
hand side, and the cartridge is expelled.
It is proposed to employ two sets of safety apparatus, as a precaution against any
contingency.
One apparatus or arrangement consists of a bell-crank lever which is applied
under the handle or extremity of the closer. One arm of the lever forms a button,
which traverses the handle in such a manner that it can be seized by the thumb if
it be required to press with it upon the closer. By this pressure the button is
caused to leave the handle, the bell-crank lever turns slightly round its axis, and
the other end of the lever, which has been resting upon a horizontal bridge or
projection, enters a dent or incision therein and permits a downward pressure of the
closer. A small spring is employed having a constant tendency to return the lever
above another dent or incision. By introducing moreover a cartridge into the
breech the closer becomes placed opposite the same; the lower arm of the lever
becomes placed upon the bridge near the last-mentioned dent or incision and
prevents the descent of the closer by accident or independently of the will of the
operator.
The button is so arranged in the handle, which is made hollow on its under side,
as to prevent any object from coming into contact with it.
The other safety mechanism is intended for the same purpose, but it is only

page_text: brought into action when desired. This arrangement consists of a small tongue
which turns on a pin, and is applied immediately in front of the trigger guard.
This tongue is fixed in two different positions, that is to say, opened or closed by
means of a small spring; when in its open position it takes a bearing against the
trigger guard and prevents the closer from moving downwards.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th May
1877.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS." A communication
from abroad by the Firm of Mauser Brothers, of Oberndorf, in the Kingdom of
Wurtemberg.
The said Invention relates to the construction of breech-loading fire-arms with
mechanism of great simplicity but efficient in its operation, and admitting of the arm
being cocked or brought into the position of rest, charged and discharged by three
movements or operations only, viz. :—
1st. By a single movement or pressure upon a breech closer the breech is opened,
the case of the discharged or exploded cartridge (metallic cartridge) is expelled from
the breech, the breech closer is arrested or stopped, the arm is cocked and prepared
to receive a fresh charge.
2nd. By the act of introducing the cartridge into the breech the breech closer
is brought into a position opposite the breech, the arm being now ready for
discharging.
3rd. By pressing the trigger with the finger in the ordinary manner the breech
closer is brought into such a position that it forms a complete closure, and at the same
time the spring of the hammer or striker is compressed in order to impart to it the.
necessary power to effect the discharge of the cartridge. A further pressure on the
trigger causes the hammer or striker to be released, which then advances and enters
the base of the cartridge and effects the explosion of the charge.
These three movements or operations may be readily performed, and the arrange-
ment of the mechanism admits of their being effected without changing the position
of the fire-arm in the hand. The breech closer is brought into an inclined position
by the thumb of that hand which has hold of the butt of the fire-arm, and the
cartridge may then be introduced into the breech ready for the discharge of the
arin.
The Invention is more particularly applicable to pistols and to the production of
a fire-arm for the use of cavalry.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 of the Drawings is a side elevation of a pistol constructed according to
the said Invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the same shewing the parts
in the position they occupy when the cartridge is being introduced into the breech;
Figure 3 is a similar section representing the arm ready to be discharged; Figure 4
is a similar section shewing the position of the parts after the arm has been
discharged.
Figure 5 is a front or muzzle end view of the barrel.
Figure 6 is a transverse section taken along the line 1, 2, in Figure 1; Figure 7 is
a similar section taken along the line 3, 4, in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a similar section
taken along the line 5, 6, in Figure 1.
Figure 9 represents a portion of a pistol with a modification of the spring of the
breech closing piece.

page_text: Figure 10 represents a portion of the breech closer shewing a modification of the
trigger spring.
Figures 11 and 12 are sectional views shewing safety arrangements for preventing
the involuntary opening of the breach closer.
A is the butt of the pistol; B the haft; C the barrel; D the breech closer; E the
trigger; F the hammer or striker; G the spent cartridge extractor.
The butt A is formed by the prolongation of the baft B, it being provided with
ribs or straps a', a³, of metal formed in one with the haft. They are fitted with
two cheeks or wooden pieces A¹ which enter the opening in the sides of the butt and
are cut off at their edges flush with the ribs or straps a¹, a², a screw a serving to
hold the cheeks together. A ring a is fitted to the end of the butt for the purpose
of attaching the arm by means of a leather strap as it is used by the cavalry. The
haft B consists of a piece of steel constructed with two sides or cheeks, forming a
chamber enclosing the mechanism. Its upper end is provided with a screwed socket b
for screwing it on to the barrel and which also carries the back sight; b is the trigger
guard secured to the haft by two screws 62, 63, one of which (62) forms an axis upon
which it is capable of turning, whilst the other screw (63) serves to fix the trigger
guard between the cheeks of the haft. This trigger guard is provided with an open-
ing 65 upon which the trigger es passes when the closer is pushed downwards for the
purpose of enabling the arm to be charged.
The barrel C is made of steel and is rifled with by preference four grooves of
slight depth and of a width equal to the ribs or lands remaining between then as
shewn in Figure 5. The barrel is fitted at its muzzle end by means of a dovetail
with a foresight c so as to be capable of being readily removed when required.
On the under side of the barrel C there is formed a lug c¹ provided on one of its
corners with a projection c, and it is also furnished with a pin which serves as a
pivot for the breech closer D. The breech chamber is of a conical form for the
reception of the metallic cartridge containing an elongated projectile, which cartridge
may be constructed of copper or of brass, and is provided with a flange on its rear
end enclosing the ordinary cap or priming to be struck by the point of the hammer
for discharging the arm.
The breech closer D, the construction and arrangement of which form essential
features of the said Invention, is of a stepped form, thus, and is fitted to
turn upon the pin c; it is arranged to slide up and down between the cheeks of the
haft which prevent any lateral motion of the breech closer. On the free end of the
breech closer there is formed a handle d having a roughened surface, upon which
the thumb is pressed for the purpose of opening the breech. The front D¹ of the
stepped portion of the breech closer is situate when in its closed position opposite the
breech and serves as a bearing for the rear end of the cartridge, and it is provided
with a hole through which passes the point f of the hammer or striker F.
The trigger E, the sear c, and the head of the hammer or striker F are all situate
behind the stepped portion D', whilst the pin portion of the striker slides in a cylin-
drical hole formed in the long branch D of the breech closer. The latter is provided
at its front end with a spring d' (the closing spring) which is fitted by means of a
dovetail into the upper face of the closer and abuts at its lower end against the
steel projection c. This spring d' which may be made of a shape as shewn in
Figures 2, 3, and 4, or a shape as shewn in Figure 9, or of any other suitable form,
ensures the closing of the breech closer D when pressure is removed from the
handle d, a pin d² being fitted in the upper face of the long branch D to arrest its
motion and ensure its exact closed position.
The breech closer is also provided with projections do which bear against the front
edge of the haft and serve as bearing points in order to take the thrust off the joiut
pin when the arm is fired.
The trigger E is hinged at e¹ between two cheeks with which the breech
closer is provided, and is of such a breadth as to move in one direction only, a
spring e designated the trigger spring being provided for holding the trigger in its
normal position. When the trigger is pulled bockwards the shoulders e" provided

page_text: on both sides of the trigger, and which are suitably rounded, are brought upon two
bearing parts or supports be formed on the interior faces of the cheeks of the haft B,
.which bearing parts are also rounded to correspond with the shoulders e¹. By means
of this arrangement all liability to change in the position of the breech closer is
obviated, since the downward movement thereof round the joint pin c³ is prevented
by the said bearing parts and an upward movement is prevented by the stop pin d³
bearing against the under side of the barrel, whilst any lateral movement is pre-
vented by the cheeks of the haft B.
The trigger spring e³ may consist of a blade spring attached to the closer, and
acting against the trigger in the manner shewn in Figures 2, 3, and 4, or a helical
spring may be employed in the manner illustrated in Figure 10.
The hammer or
striker F is fitted to slide in a cylindrical hole formed in the long branch D2 of the
breech closer, and is provided on its rear end with a flat or smooth head having a
percussion point f, and a hook d³, the latter engaging with the sear e. A shoulder d³
is provided in the cylindrical hole, against which shoulder bears one end of the
spring of the striker, its opposite end acting against a shoulder d³ fitted to or
formed on the striker.
By imparting pressure by means of the thumb upon the handle d of the breech
closer it will be caused to descend, and turn upon the pin c³ until the projection d
forined on the end of the striker is brought into contact with the projection c²
(herein-before referred to), which as the pressure on d continues causes the striker F
to slide within the breech closer until the hood d engages with the sear e, whereby
the arm is cocked. The sear spring e' is fitted by means of a dovetail to the cheeks
of the trigger E, and is in contact with the short arm e7 of the sear which turns
round the pin e. If when the arm is cocked the breech closer be brought into its
elevated position, and the trigger e be moved back, the shoulders e¹ of the trigger
will be brought upon the bearings b, and by continuing the backward motion of
the trigger the short arm e' of the sear e will be brought into contact with the fixed
bearing point b, and disengage the sear from the striker, which is then liberated
and is drawn forward hy the spring d* (in lieu of being pressed), and the discharge
of the arm effected.
The breech closer F is retained in its downward position in the following
manner-In one of the cheeks of the haft there is fitted a pin g, around which
turns a bell-crank lever G, one arm of which is provided with a projection g¹ situate
behind the flange of the cartridge, and with a second projection g² engaging with a
recess formed on one side of the breech closer, whilst the other arm of the lever G
carries a pin g, which is acted upon by the projection d on the closer, so as to
turn the lever G and cause its projection g² to engage with the recess do, whereby
the breech closer is maintained in its open position for the introduction of the
charge. By introducing now a cartridge into the breech the flange of the cartridge
engages with the projection g', and advances the bell-crank lever, causing the other
projection g to leave the recess do, when the breech closer becomes free, and is
driven (being impelled by the spring d¹) upwards opposite the cartridge into the
position represented in Figure 3, and the breech thereby closed.
The lever G also
serves to expel the spent cartridge, which operation is effected by exerting pressure
with the thumb upon the handle d of the breech closer so as to open the breech, the
projector do being thereby caused to act upon the projection g³ in the manner
lierein-before described and turn the lever G, thus moving the projection g¹
outwards, and expelling the cartridge case from the breech chamber.
In order to prevent the accidental opening of the breech closer a safety apparatus
is employed, one arrangement of which is represented in Figures 11 and 12 of the
Drawings.
This apparatus consists of a bell-crank lever i, i, situate beneath the handle d of
the breech closer, one arm (i) of which lever is provided with a projection or
button which enters a recess or opening in the handle d, and is so arranged that
it can when required to open the breech be pressed upon by the thumb, so as to
cause it to leave the opening and turn the bell crank slightly round its axis k. This

page_text: motion of the bell crank causes the arm (which had been previously retained by
a spring in a recess w in the horizontal bridge or projection b¹) to enter another
recess or dent x, which permits of a downward movement of the breech closer, the
spring constantly tending to return the lever into the recess w.
Upon introducing a cartridge into the breech chamber, such cartridge by acting
upon the projection g¹ herein-before described causes the breech closer to rise, and
the arm of the bell crank to engage with the recess w in the bridge b', and
thereby prevent the descent of the closer by accident or independently of the will
of the operator.
The button is arranged slightly below the upper surface, made hollow for the
purpose of preventing any object from coming into contact with it accidentally.
Another arrangement of safety apparatus is represented in Figure 3 of the
Drawings, and is intended for the same purpose as that previously described, but it
is only brought into action when desired.
The arrangement consists of a small tongue which turns on a pin z¹, and is
situate immediately in front of the trigger guard. This tongue is fixed in two
different positions, that is to say, opened or closed (as shewn respectively by dotted
lines, and full lines) by means of a small spring y. When in its open position it
takes a bearing against the trigger guard as shewn, and prevents the closer from
moving downwards.
For effecting the charging and discharging of the arm the butt of the pistol is
held with one hand, and with the thumb of the same hand pressure is exerted upon
the handle d of the breech closer D so as to open the breech; a cartridge is then
introduced with the other hand into the breech; by this operation the breech closer
is caused to rise into a position behind the cartridge, and the arm is ready to be
discharged; the trigger is then pulled, which releases the hook e of the sear from
the catch ds on the striker F, which latter will then be moved forward under the
action of the spring d', and effect the discharge of the arm. After the arm has
been discharged the handle d of the breech closer is again pressed in order to open
the breech, whereby the cartridge case will be extracted from the breech in the
manner herein-before described, and the arm prepared to receive a fresh charge.
When it is required to discontinue shooting the projection g² of the lever G is
disengaged from the breech closer, so as to admit of the latter returning to its
norinal position, and thereby maintaining the breech closed.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The breech closer D constructed, arranged, and operating substantially as
herein-before described.
Second. The projection c¹ on the barrel serving as a bearing or support for the
breech closer, and effecting the cocking of the arm, substantially as herein-before
described.
Third. The trigger E with its shoulders et for resting upon bearings or supports 6º,
substantially as herein-before described.
Fourth. The construction and arrangement of the sear e, substantially as herein-
before described.
Fifth. The hammer or striker F constructed, arranged, and operating substantially
as herein-before described.
Sixth. The trigger E with its guard and spring constructed, arranged, and
operating substantially as herein-before described."
Seventh. The lever G for effecting the extraction of the cartridge case, and for
retaining the breech closer in its open position, substantially as herein-before
described.
Eighth. The general arrangement and combination of parts forming a breech-

page_text: loading fire-arm, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before described, and
as illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of May, One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.M.)