IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the "International Patent
Office," No. 8, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County.
of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS."-A communication from abroad by
Samuel. Norris, of Springfield, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Sealed the 15th April 1868, and dated the 19th October 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
19th October 1867.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office," No. 8,
Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Con-
sulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," a communication, to be as
follows:-
The said improvements relate, first, to breech-loading mechanism of novel
construction for fire-arms whose breech is closed by a cylindrical block fitted
to slide end wise in a chamber at the rear of the barrel. The said block is
provided with a catch or projection extending from its surface, and to close the
breech is turned upon its axis so as to bring the said catch in front of a shoulder
on the side of the breech chamber, and thereby keep the said block securely up

page_text: to the breech. In opening the breech the catch is turned back into line with
a longitudinal aperture which allows the said catch to pass and the block to
be drawn back. The cartridges are ignited by the blow of a firing pin which
passes through the cylindrical block and is driven forward by a spring which
is held by a catch, and is released by means of an ordinary trigger.
The said improvements consist chiefly in the peculiar construction and
arrangement of the mainspring, and in the devices employed in connection
with the trigger for holding and releasing. the said spring; the latter is
attached at one end to the outer extremity of a handle which projects radially
from the rear of the cylindrical breech block, the other end of the said spring
being free and lying exactly in line with the centre of the said block which is
central with the barrel. The rear end of the firing pin lies in contact with a
head formed on this end of the spring, and when the latter is released from
its catch it drives the said pin forward into contact with the cartridge in the
charge chamber. The said pin is kept in contact with the head of the main-
spring by a light spiral spring which bears against the rear end of the pin
and the forward end of the breech block. The head of the mainspring lies
close to the end of the cylindrical block, except when the piece is cocked, and
is formed with an inclined or cam surface; this cami-surface is arranged to
act in such a manner upon the catch or stop that when the cylindrical, block
is turned in the proper direction upon its axis the spring is forced back
behind the said catch, the piece being then cocked. This movable stop is
fixed upon the end of an elastic bar which is secured at its forward end to the
under side of the metal shoe wherein the breech chamber is formed. This
bar is so formed and arranged that when free its elasticity forces it upward
and keeps the catch in the proper position to hold the mainspring back. A
central longitudinal aperture is formed in the elastic bar to receive a small
arm which is pivoted in this aperture near the rear end of the bar. The free
end of this arm lies in contact with the under surface of the breech shoe. A
small fever which is also pivoted to the elastic bar extends under the free end
of this arm and lies in contact with an arm or shoulder of the trigger, which
is arranged in the usual position at the under side of the stock. When this
trigger is pulled its shoulder forces the small lever upward, and the said lever
acts on the small arm, which being thereby pressed against the bottom of the
breech shoe forces the elastic bar down and draws the catch away clear of the
spring. The latter being then released flies forward and drives the firing pin
sharply against the cartridge, causing its explosion. The breech block is kept
from being accidentally turned into such a position.as will allow it to escape
from its chamber by a catch connected with. the elastic bar. When the block

page_text: is turned with its stop in front of the shoulder which keeps it up to the
breech this catch fits into a recess formed on the surface of the head of the
mainspring, and prevents the turning of the block unless the trigger is pulled.
These improvements also consist in the novel construction of the cylindrical
breech block, whereby the friction between the end of the said block and
barrel, and also between the end of the block and cartridge is entirely pre-
vented. The forward portion of the block is made separate from the main or
rear portion, and is attached thereto in such a manner that the rear portion
will turn on its axis without turning the forward portion, but both parts are
kept firmly and closely together endwise. A neck or extension is formed.on
the said forward portion of the block, and this neck is fitted into the central
perforation of the rear portion of the said block, which is formed with an
enlarged chamber to receive a shoulder on the said neck, or is provided with
other means to keep the two parts properly together. The firing pin extends
through the central perforation in the two portions of the said block. This
arrangement of parts is especially applicable to central-fire cartridges, but my
improvements may be adapted to rim-fire cartridges by forming the end of
the firing pin to extend laterally from its centre, or by other simple modifi-
cations of the end of the firing pin and block.
The said improvements also consist in the construction and arrangement of
the devices for removing the shells of the exploded cartridges from the piece.
An extractor for drawing the shells from the charge chamber is attached to
the loose forward portion of the breech block. This extractor is elastic, and
has a claw or hook, which as the breech is closed slips over the rim of the
cartridge into the proper position to take hold of the same and draw it back
when the breech is opened. The said extractor lies in a groove or guideway
formed in the side of the breech chamber, and prevents the turning of the
forward portion with the rear portion of the said block when the breech is
being opened or closed. An aperture or slot is formed through the bottom
of the breech chamber, and in this aperture is arranged a lever which forms
the device for ejecting the cartridge from the breech chamber. The extractor
draws the cartridge back till its rear end lies over a nose or projection on the
extremity of the long arm of this lever. When the breech is closed this
projection lies a little below the bottom of the chamber and does not interfere
with the movements of the block. The short arm of this lever extends into a
longitudinal groove or channel formed along the breech block to allow the
same to pass over the said projection. This groove is formed with a lateral
extension in the proper position to allow the block to pass over the arm of the
ejector when turned on its axis. The longitudinal groove extends nearly to

page_text: the forward end of the rear portion of the block, and the shoulder formed by
its termination strikes the short arm of the ejector, when the block is drawn
back and jerks the long arm of the said ejector sharply upward thereby
throwing the cartridge away from the piece. The barrel may be screwed or
otherwise attached to the metal shoe in which the breech chamber is formed
or the said shoe and barrel may be constructed in one piece. The shoe is
formed with a tongue or extension at the rear, through which a screw is passed
into the stock. The end of the charge chamber is recessed or countersunk
to receive the rim of the cartridge, and the said chamber is formed with a
groove which is a continuation of the groove in the breech chamber and allows
the extractor to pass under the rim of the cartridge. The cylindrical block is
fitted to its chamber in such a manner as to slide and turn freely therein but
without unnecessary slackness or play. The front surface of the forward
portion of the said block which closes the charge chamber fits closely and
evenly all around the rear of a cartridge lying in the said chamber. The neck
or extension on the forward portion is fitted to turn freely in the central
perforation of the rear portion of the block, and the two portions are kept
closely together by a collar on the said neck which fits an enlarged chamber in
the rear portion into which it is introduced through an elongated aperture in
the front end of the said portion. The said neck may also be formed with a
groove or channel around its exterior, and a screw or pin may be passed
through the side of the block into the said groove to hold the two parts
properly together. The projection or stop on the block which holds the same
against the shoulder when the breech is closed is preferably so arranged that
the handle of the said block is turned downward towards the right hand to
keep the breech closed. The shoulder or abutment on the shoe against which
the said stop rests when thus turned down is preferably slightly inclined or
bevelled in such a manner as to act as a cam upon the projection on the block,
and draw the latter forcibly and closely in contact with the end of the barrel.
The longitudinal aperture in the top of the breech chamber is made of just
sufficient width to allow the stop or projection to pass freely when the cylindrical
block is turned into the position to open the breech. Another shoulder is
formed at the rear of this aperture to act as a stop to the breech block and
prevent its escape from the chamber when the breech is opened in working
the gun rapidly. If desired a stud or other device may be employed to form
a stop instead of this shoulder. The longitudinal aperture is continued on
one side of the said shoulder to the rear of the breech chamber, and by turning
the block slightly and pulling the trigger the same can be removed from the
piece when required. The handle for operating the breech block is formed.

page_text: upon or attached to the rear extremity of the said block. The mainspring is
placed upon the out or rear surface of the handle, and is preferably dovetailed
upon a ball or knob at the outer end of the said handle. A strong screw is
also preferably passed through the centre of the said ball and tapped into the
end of the spring; if it should be found necessary the spring may be extended
and bent over the end of the handle and secured on the front or other.
convenient portion of the same. The head on the free end of the spring is
preferably chambered or recessed to receive the rear end of the firing pin.
The inclined or cam surface on the head of the spring must be so formed that
by its action on the movable catch the said spring will be drawn back to its
full extent when the handle of the breech block is turned downward. The
said movable catch projects upward through an aperture in the bottom of the
shoe and holds the spring back when the piece is cocked, but is arranged to
clear the head of the said spring when depressed and allow the same to pass
over it as the block is moved endwise. The elastic bar upon whose rear end
the said catch is fixed or formed extends nearly to the front end of the shoe
and is secured thereto by a screw or other suitable fastening. The said bar
is only held upward by its own elasticity, and is therefore depressed by the
application of a very slight force, though perfectly secure till the trigger is
pulled. The latter is pivoted or jointed upon a piece projecting upward from
the trigger plate, and is arranged in such a position that when pulled it will
act upon the free end of the lever attached to the elastic bar. The said lever
is thus forced upward, the arm acting as a fulcrum, whereby the force exerted
upon the trigger is caused to act through the said lever and arm upon the
bottom of the shoe and force the elastic bar down till the catch is clear of the
spring. The firing pin is preferably made of such a length as to leave a space
between its front end and the cartridge when the mainspring is up against
the end of the block, so that when the said pin strikes the cartridge,it is free
from the spring; if desired however the firing pin. may be, made of such a
length as to remain in contact with the spring in striking the cartridge. The
light spiral spring in the centre of the cylindrical block bears against the head
on the rear end of the firing pin, and against the neck or projection on the
forward portion of the said block, and its strength is just sufficient to carry
the pin backward and keep its head. in contact with the mainspring. The
extractor is preferably formed of a piece of steel about the same length as the
forward or loose portion of the block, and is cut nearly through from end to end
in such a manner as to form an elastic tongue on one side, while the other
side or division is dovetailed or otherwise firmly secured in the said portion of
the breech bluck.
A hook or claw on the end of the tongue is. properly

page_text: formed and arranged to catch the tim of the cartridge lying in the charge
chamber when pushed over the said rim, and the tongue is made sufficiently
elastic to yield readily to allow the hook to pass over the rim and then take
hold of the same. The extractor slides in the groove or channel in the breech
chamber, which groove is continued to the rear end of the said chamber to
form a passage for the extractor when the block is inserted and removed.
The said groove is also extended into the charge chamber to allow the
necessary freedom to the extractor as it is passing over the rim of the cartridge.
The extractor is so-fitted in this groove that while allowing the free endwise
movement of the forward or loose portion of the block, it also acts as a key or
stop to prevent the turning round of the said loose portion. When a cartridge
is drawn from the charge chamber it is brought by the extractor over the nose
or projection of the ejecting lever; the shoulder on the block then strikes the
short arm, causing the projection to fly up and expel the cartridge in a lateral
and slightly forward direction: The groove or channel allows the block-to
slide endwise over the ejector and the lateral extension of this groove allows
the said block to turn freely on its axis as it is locked or released. If found
desirable two of these extractors may be employed, a suitable groove or channel
being formed for that purpose on each side of the breech chamber. To keep
the block from turning round and getting free from the shoulder on the breech
chamber while the piece is being carried a recess is formed on the circular
portion of the head of the mainspring to receive a catch on the elastic. bar
fixed below the breech shoe. To secure the block in this manner the trigger
is pulled to depress the catch while the handle is turned down; to cock the
piece it is only necessary to turn the handle up and then again bring it down
without pulling the trigger.
The said improvements relate secondly to certain modifications or alterations
in needle guns, and more especially to the arm known as the "Chassepot"
gun, which is described in the Specification of an Invention for which Letters
Patent have been granted to Clinton Edgcumbe Brooman, bearing date the
7th day of September, A.D. 1866, No. 2304. In the said "Chassepot" gun
the cylindrical breech block is provided with a ring or washer of prepared
india-rubber or like substance to prevent the escape of gas at the time of
explosion, the said ring being fixed upon a metal needle guide. This arm as
now constructed is only designed for firing cartridges with cases of paper or
other soft material, which cases being consumed in the explosion of the
cartridges no extracting or ejecting devices are required. The said cartridges
are ignited by a needle which is driven forward by a spiral spring placed in
the centre of the cylindrical block.

page_text: The chief object of this part of my improvements is to adapt the said:
Chassepot" gun to the firing of cartridges with metallic cases or shells..
For this purpose I remove the india-rubber washer and the metal guide which
carries the same from the breech block and attach to the forward end of the
said block a loose portion provided with an extracting device, as set forth in the
description of the first part of my improvements. I also prefer to provide the
said gun with my improved ejecting lever which may be in this case attached
to the under side of the breech chamber, or to the elastic bar below the same,
a narrower aperture being cut through the bottom of the breech shoe for the
said lever to work in. If desired this ejector may be dispensed with and the
cartridges thrown out by simply turning the piece over after the cartridge is
drawn from the charge chamber, or by any other convenient means I remove
the needle and substitute for the same a firing pin 'arranged to strike the rear
of the cartridge when forced forward by the spiral spring which I retain.
The end of the barrel which is screwed into the breech shoe may be chambered
deeply enough to allow, the breech block to retain its original length or may be
fitted with a metal ring or bush in which a chamber can be formed in such, a
manner that the rim of the cartridge lies flush with the end of the barrel. In
the latter case the length of the block must be reduced. The extractor lies in
a groove or channel formed in the breech chamber, and thereby prevents the
turning of the forward portion of the breech block as already described. The
said block is adjusted by means of a handle which forms the stop for holding
the same when the breech is closed, the said handle being then turned down
in front of a shoulder or abutment in the side of the breech chamber. The
said block is formed with a central perforation to receive the spiral spring
which is supported upon a rod extending from a piece at the rear of the block
or bolt. The forward end of this rod in the said "Chassepot" gun carries the
needle for exploding the cartridges. In converting or changing the, said 'gun
according to my improvements I remove the said needle from the end of the
rod and attach thereto a striking pin which may be secured in the needle
holder or directly into the end of the said rod. I retain the spiral mainspring
and the hollow screw which is fitted into a screw-thread.formed in the rear
and forms the support for the corresponding end of the spring. In this
modification of my improvements I prefer to keep the breech block and the
loose piece which I attach to the same together by means of the screw which
serves in the "Chassepot" gun to retain the needle guide, the point of the
said screw extending through the side of the block into á groove formed in
the neck or extension of the loose piece, but the said piece may be formed with
a collar similar to that already described in a former part of this Specification.

page_text: The loose piece is provided with my improved extracting device which fits in a
groove or channel formed in the chamber of the breech shoe and extended
into the barrel for the extractor to work-in. Two of these extractors may be
employed as herein-before described. The groove which in the block of the
Chassepot" gun is provided to allow the said block to slide over the catch
connected with the trigger is extended to allow the said block to pass
over the ejector, and is also provided with a lateral extension to allow the
block to clear the said ejector as it is turned to open or close the breech. A
shoulder formed at the end of this groove comes in contact with the short arm
of the ejector and operates the same as already described. I do not alter the
piece which carries the rod for supporting the mainspring or the key or grooves
for adjusting the needle, neither do I remove or change the trigger or the
elastic bar whose catch holds the piece and rod back when the piece is cocked.
It will therefore be seen that by my Invention but very slight alterations
are required to adapt the "Chassepot" gun to the firing of metallic cartridges,
while the said gun is greatly improved with regard to rapidity of working
and durability and in the facility which which any of its parts may be repaired
or renewed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th April 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office," No. 8, Southampton
Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Robert Lake, Her special licence that I, the said William Robert
Lake, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Robert Lake, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN

page_text: BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said William Robert Lake, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings forming a part
of this Specification:-
The said improvements relate, first, to breech-loading mechanism of novel
construction for fire-arms whose breech is closed by a cylindrical block fitted
to slide endwise in a chamber at the rear of the barrel. The said block is
provided with a catch or projection extending from its surface, and when the
breech is closed the block is turned upon its axis so as to bring the said catch
in front of a shoulder on the breech chamber, the said block being thereby kept
securely up to the breech. In opening the breech the catch is turned back
into line with a longitudinal aperture which allows the said catch to pass
and the block to be drawn back. The cartridges are ignited by the blow of a
firing pin which passes through the cylindrical block, and is driven forward
by a spring held by a catch, from which it is released by means of an ordinary
trigger.
The said improvements consist chiefly in the peculiar construction and
arrangement of the mainspring, and in the devices employed in connexion with
the trigger for holding and releasing the said spring. The latter is attached at
one end to the outer extremity of a handle which projects radially from the
rear of the cylindrical breech block, the other end of the said spring being
free and lying exactly in line with the centre of the said block which is central
with the barrel. The rear end of the firing pin lies in contact with a head
formed on this end of the spring and when the latter is released from its catch
it drives the said pin forward into contact with the cartridge in the charge
chamber. The said pin is kept in contact with the head of the mainspring
by a light spiral spring which bears against the rear end of the pin and a
shoulder near the forward end of the breech block. The head of the main-
spring lies close to the rear end of the cylindrical block, except when the piece
is-cocked, and is formed with an inclined or cam surface. This cam surface is

page_text: arranged in such a manner in relation to the catch or stop which holds the
spring that when the cylindrical block is turned in the proper direction upon
its axis the said spring is forced back behind the said catch the piece being
then cocked. This catch or stop is fixed upon the end of an elastic or flexible
bar, which is secured at its forward end to the under side of the metal shoe,
wherein the breech chamber is formed. The said bar is so formed and arranged
that when free its elasticity forces it upward and keeps the catch in the proper
position to hold the mainspring back. A central longitudinal aperture is
formed in the elastic bar to receive a small arm which is pivoted in this
aperture near the rear end of the bar. The free end of this arm lies in
contact with the under surface of the breech shoe. A small lever which is
also pivoted to the elastic bar extends under the free end of this arm and
lies in contact with an arm or shoulder of the trigger which is arranged in the
usual position at the under side of the stock. When this trigger.s.pul led
its shoulder forces the small lever upward, and the said lever acts on the small
arm, which being thereby pressed against the bottom of the breech shoe forces
the elastic bar down and draws the catch away clear of the spring. The latter
being then released flies forward and drives the firing pin sharply against: the
cartridge which is thus caused to explode. The breech block is kept from
being accidentally turned into: such a position as will: allow it: to escape from
its chamber by a catch connected with the elastic bar. When the block is
turned with its stop in front of the shoulder which keeps it up to the breech
this catch fits into a recess formed on the surface of the head of the main-
spring, and prevents the turning of the block unless the trigger is pulled.
These improvements also consist in the novel construction of the cylindrical
breech block, whereby the friction between the end of the said block and
barrel, and also between the end of the block and the cartridge is entirely
prevented. The forward portion of the block is made separate from the main
or-rear portion, and is attached thereto in such a manner that the rear portion
will turn on its axis. without turning the forward portion, but both parts are
kept firmly and closely together endwise.. A neck or extension is formed on
the said forward portion of the block, and this neck is fitted into the central
perforation of theirear portion of the said block, which is formed with an
enlarged chamber to receive a shoulder on the said neck, or is provided with
other means to keep the two parts properly together. The firing pin. extends
through the central-perforation in the two portions of the said block. This
arrangement of parts is especially applicable to central-fire cartridges, but my
improvements may be adapted to rim-fire cartridges by making the end of the

page_text: firing pin extend laterally from its centre, or by other simple modifications of
the end of the firing pin and block.
The said improvements also consist in the construction and arrangement of
the devices for removing the shells of the exploded cartridges from the piece.
An extractor for drawing the shells from the charge chamber is attached to
the loose forward portion of the breech block. This extractor is elastic or
flexible, and has a claw, or hook, which as the breech is closed slips over the
rim of the cartridge into the proper position to take hold of the same and
draw it back when the breech is opened. The said extractor lies in a groove
or guideway formed in the side of the breech chamber, and prevents the
turning of the forward portion with the rear portion of the said block when
the breech is being opened or closed. An aperture or slot is formed through
the bottom of the breech chamber, and in this aperture is arranged a lever,
which forms the device for ejecting the cartridge from the breech chamber:
The said lever has a long and short arm, and the extractor draws the cartridge
back till its rear end lies over a nose or projection on the extremity of the
long arm of this lever. When the breech is closed this projection lies a little
below the bottom of the chamber, and does not interfere with the movements
of the block. The short arm of this lever extends into a longitudinal groove
or channel formed along the breech block to allow the same to pass over the
said projection; this groove is formed with a lateral extension formed partially
around the block in the proper position to allow the latter to pass over the
arin of the ejector when turned on its axis. The longitudinal groove extends
nearly to the forward end of the rear portion of the block, and the shoulder
formed by its termination strikes the short arm of the ejector when the block
is drawn back and jerks the long arm of the said ejector sharply upward;
thereby throwing the cartridge away from the piece.
My improvements relate, secondly, to certain modifications or alterations in
needle guns, and more especially to the arm known as the "Chassepot" gun,
which is described in the Specification of an Invention for which Letters
Patent have been granted to Clinton Edgcumbe Brooman, bearing date the
Seventh day of September A.D. 1866, No. 2804. In the said "Chassepot"
gun the cylindrical breech block is provided with a ring or washer of prepared
india-rubber or like substance to prevent the escape of gas at the time of
explosion, the said ring being fixed upon a metal needle guide. This arm, as
described in the said former Specification, can only be used for firing cartridges
with cases of paper or other soft material; and the chief object of this part of
my Invention is to adapt the said arm to the firing of cartridges with metallic
cases or shells.

page_text: Figure 1 is a plan of the breech of a rifle constructed according to my
improvements with parts in position for firing; Figure 2 is a longitudinal
section on the line x, x, Figure 1, also showing the parts in position for firing;
Figure 3 is a similar section showing the position of the parts after firing.;
Figure 4 is a similar section showing the parts in position for inserting a
cartridge; Figures 5, 6, and 7 are transverse sections on the lines w, w, y, Y, 2, 2,
Figure 1; Figures 8, 83, and 8 illustrate detached portions of my improved
mechanism; Figure 9 is a plan illustrating the adaptation of my improvements
to the "Chassepot" gun; Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of the same on
the line, z, Figure 9; Figure 11 is a transverse section on the line a, a,
Figure 9; Figure 12 is a similar section on the line y', y', Figure 9. Like
letters indicate the same parts in all of the Figures.
The barrel A may be screwed or otherwise attached to the metal shoe a,
in which the breech chamber a¹ is formed; or the said shoe and barrel may
be constructed solidly in one piece. The shoe a is formed with a tongue or
extension a³ at the rear, through which a screw b is passed into the stock B.
The end of the charge chamber A¹ is recessed or countersunk to receive the
rim of the cartridge, and the said chamber is formed with a groove c, which is
a continuation of the groove. d in the breech chamber a³, and allows the
extractor. to pass under the rim of the cartridge. The cylindrical block C is
fitted to its chamber a¹ in such a manner as to slide and turn freely therein,
but without unnecessary slackness or play. The front surface of the forward
portion C¹ of the said block which closes the charge chamber A¹, and which is
shown detached in Figure 8, fits closely and evenly all round the rear or base
of the cartridge lying in the said chamber. The neck or extension e on the
forward portion C is fitted to turn freely in the central perforation of the rear
portion C³ of the block C, and the two portions C³, C³, are kept closely together
by a collar e on the said neck, which fits an enlarged chamber in the rear
portion C³, into which the said collar is introduced through an aperture or
slot of similar form in the front end of the rear portion C shown in the
detached view Figure 8°. The neck e may also be formed with a groove or
channel around its exterior surface, and a screw or pin may be passed through
the side of the block Cinto the said groove to hold the two parts properly
together. The projection or stop ƒ on the block C, which holds the same
against the shoulder g when the breech is closed as in Figure 1, and which is
brought back against the shoulder h, as shown in Figure 4, when the breech
is opened is preferably so arranged that the handle j of the said block is turned

page_text: downward towards the right hand to secure the block C when the breech is
closed. The surface of the shoulder or abutment 9, against which the
projection or stopf rests when thus turned down, is preferably slightly inclined
or bevelled, as shown in Figure 1, in such a manner as to act as a cam upon
the said projection and draw the block forcibly and closely into contact with
the end of the barrel. The longitudinal aperture a³ in the shoe a at the top
of the breech chamber a' is made of just sufficient width to allow the stop or
projection f to pass freely when the cylindrical block C is turned into tlie
position to open the breech as in Figure 7. The shoulder h at the rear of
this aperture acts as a stop to the breech block C, and prevents its escape
from the chamber a³, which might otherwise occur when the breech is opened
in firing the gun rapidly. If desired a stud or other device may be employed
to form a stop instead of this shoulder. The longitudinal aperture a³ is
continued on one side of the shoulder h to the rear of the breech chamber, 'seé
Figure 1, and by turning the block C slightly to the right and pulling the
trigger the said block can be removed from the piece when required. "The
handle for operating the breech block is formed upon or attached to the rear
extremity of the said block. The mainspring k is placed upon the outer or
rear surface of the handle j, and is preferably dovetailed upon a ball or knob¹
at the outer end of the said handle. A strong screw l is also preferably passed
through the centre of the said ball and tapped into the end of the spring k.
If it should be found necessary to use a mainspring stronger than the spring k
the same may be extended and bent over the end of the handle; and secured
on the front surface or other convenient portion of the said handle. The
head on the free end of the spring k is preferably chambered or recessed, as
shown in Figures 2 and 3, to receive the rear end of the firing pin. The
inclined or cam surface on the head of the spring ke must be so formed that
by its action on the movable catch m the said spring will be drawn 'back to it's
full extent when the handle k of the breech block is turned downward, as in
Figures 1 and 5. The said movable catch projects upwards through an
aperture n in the bottom of the shoe a, and holds the spring & back, as shown
in Figures 1 and 2, when the piece is cocked, but is arranged to lie below and
clear the head of the said spring when depressed, and allow the same to
pass over it as the block is moved endwise in its chamber. The elastic bar m²,
upon whose rear end the catch m is fixed or formed, extends nearly to the
front end of the shoe a, and is secured thereto by a screw o or other suitable
fastening. The said bar is formed with a hole or slot of such a size as to clear the
screw o¹ which secures the end of the plate o to the stock, and which is screwed
into the shoe a. The catch m is only held upward by the elasticity of the
14

page_text: bar.m³, and is therefore depressed by the application of a very slight force
though perfectly secure against such depression till the trigger. p is pulled;
the latter is pivoted or jointed upon a piece q' projecting upward from the
trigger plate q, and is arranged in such a position that when pulled its
surface will act upon the free end of the lever, which is pivoted to the
elastic bar m². The extremity r¹ of the lever r is thus forced upward, the
curved end of the arm s bearing upon the bottom of the shoe a, and acting
as a fulcrum to the lever r, whereby the force exerted by the finger upon the
trigger p is caused to react upon the elastic bar m³, and force the same down
away from the shoe till the catch m is clear of the spring k. The firing pin t
is preferably made of such a length as to leave a space between its front end
and the cartridge when the mainspring k is in contact with the end of the
block C, so that when the said pin strikes the cartridge it is free from the
spring k.
If desired, however, the firing pin t may be made of such a length
as to remain in contact with the spring k in striking the cartridge. The light
spiral spring u in the centre of the cylindrical block C bears against the head t
on the rear end of the firing pin t, and against the neck or projection e on the
forward portion C¹ of the block C, and its force is just sufficient to carry the
pin.t backward and keep its head t¹ in contact with the mainspring k. The
extractor v is preferably formed of a piece of.
of steel of about the same length as
the forward or loose portion C¹ of the block C, and is cut through or divided
lengthwise nearly from end to end in such a manner that one side or division
forms an elastic tongue v¹, while the other side or division is dovetailed or
otherwise firmly secured in the portion C³ of the block C, shown detached in
Figure 8. A hook or claw on the end of the tongue v³ is properly formed
and arranged to catch the rim of the cartridge lying in the charge chamber A¹
when pushed over the said rim, and the tongue v¹ is made sufficiently elastic to
yield readily to allow the hook ³ to pass over the rim, and then take hold of
the same. The extractor v slides in the groove or channel d in the breech
chamber a', which groove is continued to the rear end of the said chamber to
form a passage for the extractor when the block C is inserted and removed.
The groove. dis also extended into the charge chamber at c to allow the
necessary freedom to the extractor v as it is passing over the rim of the
cartridge. The extractor v is so fitted in this groove d, c, that while allowing
the free endwise movement of the forward or loose portion C¹ of the block it
also acts as a key or stop to prevent the turning round of the said loose portion.
The end of this loose portion C¹ therefore, which is made concave so as to bear
only on the rim of the cartridge, is not liable to wear by friction, as would be
the case if this part of the block were allowed.to turn. If found desirable two
·

page_text: of these extractors may be employed, a suitable.groove for that purpose being
formed in each side of the breech chamber. When a cartridge is drawn from
the charge chamber A¹ it is brought by the extractor v over the nose or pro-
jection w¹ of the ejecting lever w. The shoulder c¹ at the end of the groove c³
in the block C then strikes the short arm w³ of the lever w, causing the. pro-
jection w' to fly up and expel the cartridge in a lateral and slightly forward
direction. The groove or channel c allows the block C to slide endwise.over
the ejector w, and the lateral extension c³ of this groove prevents any obstruction
which might otherwise be occasioned by the lever w-to the turning of the said
block upon its axis as it is locked or released. To keep the block C from
turning round and getting free from the shoulder g on the breech chamber
while the piece is being carried a recess ³ is formed on the circular portion
of the head of the mainspring k to receive the catch mon the elastic bar-m².
To secure the block in this manner the trigger p is pulled to depress: the
catch m, while the handle j is turned down as in Figure 1. To cock the piece
it is only-necessary to turn the handlej up and then again bring it down
without pulling the trigger.
*
In the modifications of the Chassepot" gun-shown in Figures 9, 10, 11,
and 12, I have illustrated my method of adapting the same to the use of
metallic cased cartridges. This arm as described in the former Specification
herein-before referred to is constructed solely for the use of cartridges-with-a
soft case which is consumed or nearly so by the firing of the cartridge. The
said 'arm therefore has no extracting device. In carrying my improvements
into practice I remove the -india-rubber washer or gas check employed in-the
original arm and the metal guide which carries the said washer from the
breech block, and attach to the forward end of the said block a loose portion
provided with an extracting device similar to that shown in the arm illustrated
in Figures 1 to 8. I also prefer to provide the said gun with an ejecting lever
which is arranged to operate like the lever w, Figures 2, 3, 4 and which may
be in this case attached to the under side of the breech chamber or to the
elastic bar below the same, a narrow aperture being cut through the bottom
of the breech shoe for the said lever to work in. If desired this ejector may
be dispensed with and the cartridge shell thrown out by simply turning the
piece over after the said shell is drawn from the charge chamber or by any
other convenient means. The end of the barrel A which is screwed into the
breech shoe a, may be chambered deeply enough to allow the breech block
to retain its original length, or may be fitted with a metal ring or bush in
which a chamber can be formed in such a manner that the rim of the
cartridge lies flush with the end of the barrel; in the latter case the length of

page_text: 66
the block must be reduced. The said block as in the original arm is adjusted
by means of a handle D* which forms the stop for holding the same when
the breech is closed, the handle being then turned down in front of the
shoulder or abutment as on the side of the breech chamber. The block D
is formed, with a central perforation to receive the spiral spring E, which is
supported upon a rod F extending from a piece G at the rear of the block or
bolt. The forward end of this rod in the original Chassepot" gun carries
the needle for exploding the cartridges. In converting or changing the said
gun according to my improvements I remove the said needle from the end of
the rod F and attach thereto a striking pin H, which may be secured in
the needle holder F¹ or directly into the end of the said rod. I retain the
spiral mainspring E and the hollow screw I, which is fitted into a screw
thread formed in the rear of the block D, and forms the support for the
corresponding end of the spring E. In this modification of my improvements
I prefer to keep the breech block D and the loose piece D which I attach to
the same together by means of the screw D³ which serves in the original
"Chassepot" gun to retain the needle guide in place. The point of the said
screw, extends through the side of the block, D into a groove, D³: formed; in the
neck or extension of the loose piece D¹, but the said piece may be formed with
a collar similar to that already described in a former part of this, Specification
and illustrated in Figure 8. The loose piece D' is provided with my improved
extracting device J, which fits in a groove or channel d* formed in the
chamber of the breech shoe at and extended into the barrel A for the
extractor J to work in. Two of these extractors may be employed if desired as
herein-before described. The groove D* which in the block of the "Chassepot "
gun is provided to allow the said block to slide over the catch L' connected by
the bar L with the trigger M is extended to allow the said block to pass over
the ejector K, and is also provided with a lateral extension Ds to allow the
block to clear the said ejector as it is turned to open or close the breech. A
shoulder De formed at the end of this groove comes in contact with the short
arm of the ejector K, and operates the same as already described. I do not
alter the piece G which carries the rod F for supporting the mainspring E or
the key Gor grooves D' for adjusting the needle, neither do I remove or
change the trigger or the elastic bar whose catch holds the piece G and rod F
back when the gun is cocked. It will therefore be seen that by my Invention
but very slight alterations are required to adapt the "Chassepot" gun to the
firing of metallic cartridges, while the said gun is greatly improved with
regard to rapidity of working and durability, and in the facility with which
-any of its parts may be repaired or renewed.

page_text: Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, and shown how the same may be conveniently and
advantageously carried into practice, I claim,
First: A mainspring secured to the handle of the breech block, and
arranged to propel the firing pin or other striking device of a breech-loading
fire-arm.
1.
Second. The mainspring / constructed, arranged, and operating substantially
as set forth..
Third. The catch m formed and arranged to operate in combination with
the cam surface k³ on the mainspring, substantially as and for the
forth.
purpose
set
Fourth. The catch m, bar m³, lever r, arm s, combined together and
with a suitable trigger, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Fifth. The firing pin 't arranged in the centre of the breech block ip
combination with a mainspring secured upon the handle of the block, and
kept in contact with the said mainspring by a light spiral spring u or other-
wise, substantially as set forth.
:
:
Sixth. Securing the block C by means of the recess ³ and catch m,
substantially as set forth.
Seventh. Constructing the breech block C with a loose forward portion C¹,
which slides endwise but does not turn with the main portion C³ of the said
block.
Eighth. Connecting the two portions C2, C3, of the said block together,
substantially as set forth.
Ninth. Preventing the turning or rotation of the forward portion C¹ of the
said block, for the purposes set forth.
Tenth. The stop f on the block C arranged to come in contact with the
shoulders g and h, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Eleventh. The block C, handle j, spring k, and catcham, constructed, com-
bined, and operating in such a manner that the piece is cocked by turning
the said handle, substantially as set forth.
Twelfth. The extractor v, with claw attached to the loose portion C¹ of
the breech block, and fitted to slide in the groove c, d, substantially as and. for
the purposes set forth..
Thirteenth. The ejecting arm w constructed, arranged, and operating in
combination with the block C, substantially as set forth..
Fourteenth. Constructing the said block with the longitudinal groove or
chamber c, lateral groove or extension c³, and shoulder c; substantially as and
for the purposes set forth.

page_text: Fifteenth. Constructing the surface of the part C¹ of the block concave to
bear only upon the rim of the cartridge.
Sixteenth. The arrangement and combination of parts of a breech-loading
fire-arm, illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventeenth. The modification of parts substantially as set forth and
illustrated in Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the said Drawings.
Eighteenth. Fitting a ring or bush in the end of the barrel or charge
chamber and forming a new chamber in the same, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.B.)
Witness,
THOS. N. PALMER,
Clerk to Mess. Haseltine, Lake, & Co.
8, Southampton Buildings, W. C.