IMPROVEMENTS IN GUN AND RIFLE-CLEANING TOOLS, APPLIANCES, AND COMPOSITIONS, AND IN CASES FOR CARRYING THE SAME
Year: 1877

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to William Phillips Thompson, of the British and Foreign
Patent and Trade-mark Office, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Consulting Engineer, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN GUN
AND RIFLE-CLEANING TOOLS, APPLIANCES, AND COMPOSITIONS, AND IN CASES
FOR CARRYING THE SAME." A communication from abroad by Bern Lum Budd,
of the City, County, and State of New York.
Sealed the 3rd July 1877, and dated the 11th May 1877..
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Phillips Thompson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th May 1877.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of the British and Foreign Patent and Trade-
mark Office, 6,. Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Consulting
Engineer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN GUN. AND RIFLE-CLEANING TOOLS, APPLIANCES,
AND COMPOSITIONS, AND IN CASES FOR CARRYING THE SAME." A communication
from abroad by Bern Lum Budd, of the City, County, and State of New York.
This Invention consists in a novel construction and arrangement of a case or
box to contain the implements and materials necessary or desirable to a sportsınan
when out shooting for a considerable length of time.
It further consists in an improved construction of such implements, whereby
their efficiency is materially increased, and whereby those implements which are
necessary to the sportsman in the field may be readily and conveniently carried.
about the person, either in his belt, pocket, or pouch.
And it consists, lastly, in certain improved compositions or compounds for removing
rust or stains from the gun or other articles used by a sportsman, for preventing
rusting, and for lubricating the barrels.
I shall first describe the case which contains the different articles, after which I
shall proceed to describe each separately.
In making up the kits or cases of implements and materials they may be made
to contain different collections of articles, according to the kind of shooting to be
done. In the one I am about to describe there are the following articles :-A' towel,'
a fine piece of felt cloth, a piece of chamois skin, a jointed cleaning rod, a brush for
cleaning the barrels, a brush for cleaning the chamber at the rear end of the barrels,
[Prine 71

page_text: a brush for cleaning the interior of cartridge shells, a pocket field wiper provided
with an oil reciptacle, a screwdriver adapted to fit screws of varying sizes, and also
to serve as a wrench, a series of swabs for scouring or cleaning the barrels, a box of
rouge paste, a box of emery paste, a box of lubricating material, and a pair of rods
or wrenchs for uniting and unjointing the sections of the jointed cleaning rod, and
for other purposes, which will be described hereafter.
In the Drawing Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of my improved case or kit
complete, showing the positions of all the articles. The case consists of a quad-
rangular box A provided with a lid or cover B, the box and lid being of the same
depth, or nearly so. The jointed cleaning rod is composed of three parts, each about
one foot long, these sections of the rod being the longest of any of the articles
contained in the case; the case, consequently, is made of a length, inside, just
sufficient to freely receive these. sections. A longitudinal strip D is there placed in
the box or case, extending from end to end of the same, it being placed just enough
forward of the back side of the case or box to leave room for the three joints or
sections of the cleaning rod F. A similar strip E is placed about the same distance
from the forward side of the box or case, this strip or partition being, however, very
much lighter or thinner than the partition D. This compartment is divided, as shown
in Fig. 1, into three smaller compartments, by short transverse partitions; the first, to
receive the shell-cleaning brush G; the next to receive the brush for cleaning the
barrels, shown in a metallic case at H; and the last to contain the pocket field
wiper, shown in a similar case at I. Extending between the partitions D and E
are short transverse partitions forming six small compartments, three at either end
of the box. In these compartments are placed a series of swabs J. The space
enclosed between these compartments and the partitions D and E is occupied by a
block O, in which are formed three circular openings or recesses; the first to receive
a box of rouge paste; the central one to contain a box of lubricant; and the third
to contain a box of emery paste. On the forward side of the block O, on its upper
face, and just in front of the three boxes just mentioned are four small metal clasps
or staples ¹, under which are placed two wire wrenches or rods to be used in
coupling and disjointing the cleaning rod and other implements, as hereafter
described. On the upper face of the longitudinal partition strip D is placed a spring
clasp L, extending about one half or two thirds the way across the compartment in
which the sections of the cleaning rod are placed, said clasp consisting of two arms,
the upper being a spring arm. Between the two arms of this clasp is placed a
screwdriver K of peculiar construction, shown more plainly in Fig. 10, and to be
described hereafter. When the screwdriver K is placed in the clasp L it serves,
together with the clasp, to prevent the sections F of the cleaning rod from falling
out of place in case the box or case should be inverted.
As before stated the lid or cover is made of a depth nearly or quite equal to that
of the box or case itself. In this lid I place a towel, a piece of fine felt cloth, and
piece of chamois skin; these are each folded one or more times, thus enabling me to
carry articles of considerable size when unfolded. In order to keep these articles in
place in the lid or cover I use an intermediate cover C of stiff cardboard, wood, or
other suitable material, and hold the latter in place by means of small metallic
corner pieces b secured to the cover of the case, as shown, and arranged to overlap.
the corners of the intermediate cover C. The two lower corner pieces b are each
held stationary, being secured by several pins or screws each; but the upper ones
are secured at one side only, in order to allow them to be swung to one side to
remove the intermediate cover C, which may then be lifted out from behind the
lower corner pieces, thus leaving the articles in the cover free to come at. The
articles contained in the case are each numbered and provided with a slip containing
the name of the article, or the name and number of the articles are stamped upon
them. On the front face of the intermediate cover C, directly in front of the person
using the kit when the case or box is open, is pasted or otherwise secured a full set of
rules or directions for the care and management of a gun, and for using each.
implement or article contained in the kit; or these rules or directions may be printed,,

page_text: painted, or otherwise produced upon the intermediate cover C itself, instead of upon
a separate sheet, and afterwards pasted or otherwise mounted upon said cover.
Suitable clasps are provided by which to fasten the case or box when closed, or, if
desired, it may be furnished with lock and key. It will be seen that this kit
contains every article needed by a sportsman to keep his gun in perfect order, and
that every particle of room is occupied, the articles being so singly packed as to
occupy but a small amount of space, thus enabling me to produce a kit at once
complete in every respect, and so compact, that it may be readily carried by the
sportsman in travelling.
The design in using this kit or case is that it shall be carried by the sportsman
when leaving home to the place which he intends making his headquarters; then,
when about to go out shooting, he will take from the kit such implements or articles
as are especially desirable or necessary in the field and place them about his person,
either in his pockets or in his belt or game bag, these implements being designed
with especial reference to their being so carried.
Having described the arrangement of the articles in the box or case I shall now
proceed to describe the construction and use of each one separately.
First. The jointed cleaning rod. The novelty in this consists in an improved
construction of the couplings, and in the manner of securing the same to the
sections of the rod; these couplings are represented in Fig. 2, the rod being broken
off near each coupling.
As heretofore constructed these couplings have been found very defective, becoming
in a little while loose and shackling, causing the rod, when made up, to be loose and
irregular instead of stiff and straight. This looseness and irregularity of the rod is
a serious difficulty, as it allows the couplings, which are made of metal, to strike
against the interior surface of the barrels in use, scratching or marring the same,
and thus materially injuring them, while, at the same time, causing vexation and
annoyance to the sportsman.
In constructing my improved coupling I procure a solid rod of metal of the
proper diameter, and tap a screw hole or female screw into the end of the same, as
shown at C, and there form one or more grooves e on the exterior surface of the
rod, near the end, the object of which will be explained further along, the rod is
there cut off, of the proper length to form the part P of the coupling, after which a
tapering hole is cut or drilled into the part P from the end opposite the female
screw C, of a diameter little less than that of the rod, said hole extending to or
nearly to the point at which the screw thread commences, as shown in Fig. 2.
The end of the joint or section on which the part P is to be placed is made of a
size and form to exactly fit the tapering hole or socket, of the same, but is somewhat
shorter than said socket, leaving an open space between the end of the section of rod
and the commencement of the female screw C. Opposite this open space from each
side is drilled a small hole f to receive a rod or the point of a wrench to hold or
turn the coupling in jointing and disjointing the rod. The couplings are secured
by cement consisting of shellac and Venice turpentine, and by two pins running
through each part at right angles to each other, thus preventing the possibility of
their moving or becoming loose on the sections of the rod. The "part Q of the
couplings is formed and attached to the sections of rod in precisely the same manner
as the part P, except that instead of the female screw C á screw stem a projecting
from the end of the part Q is formed, said screw stem being made of a size to fit
exactly the female screw C. Each coupling is made precisely like the others except
that the end piece which receives the implement to be used on the rod is provided
with only one groove e while the parts of the next coupling have each two, and
those of the last coupling have each three, such grooves as shown in Figure 2. By
this means the sportsman is enabled to see at a glance the proper place for each
section of the rod, no matter what position it may be in. For this reason the
grooves are preferred to other means of marking though it is apparent others may
be used. This arrangement is considered especially desirable as it is almost

page_text: impossible to make the couplings so accurate that the parts may be interchanged
and still fit equally well.
For the purpose of tightening the couplings when screwed together a short metal
rod may be passed through the holes f, one through those of each part of the
coupling, by which they may be turned to fasten or unfasten the couplings as
desired, thus avoiding the vexatious delay attending the use of rods of the ordinary
construction. Instead of straight metal rods, however, I prefer to use a wrench or
rod of the form shown at M, Fig. 11. This consists of a rod having a curved
portion at one end, the curve conforming to the exterior surface of the coupling and
terminating in a short return g of a proper size to fit the holes f of the couplings.
This form is considered preferable for the reason that the rod is not liable to pass
too far into or through the holes f, and is not apt to become accidentally disengaged
therefrom in use. These rods or wrenches are also used in connection with others
of the implements contained in the kit, as hereafter explained.
I shall now describe the swab or cleaner for cleaning the interior of the barrels.
In making this my object is to produce a suitable instrument or a series thereof, by
which a shot gun or rifle may be readily and satisfactorily cleaned and preserved
from the action of rust, and which may be at all times ready for use.
In constructing this improved implement I first procure the finest wool, which I
cause to be felted by the ordinary means; this may be in thickness varying from
an inch to an inch and a half or two inches. Then I cut the cleaners J from this
felt with a suitable cutter, which first cuts the central hole for the pin which passes
through it, and after this hole is partially cut the cutter serving as a "pilot" is
followed by a second, which cuts out the felt concentric with the inner hole. The
cleaner or swab J is then placed upon a pin h provided with a flanged and slotted
head, as shown in Fig. 3 at one end, and at the other with a screw thread on which
travels a nut i, said nut being provided on one side with a hole j to receive the end
of a wrench M previously described, and shown in Fig. 11. By placing the end of
a screw driver in the slot in the head of the pin h the pin may be firmly held, while
the nut is tightly screwed up by the wrench M.
As shown in Fig. 3 the threaded end of the pin h extends a considerable distance
beyond the nut i, giving a means of firmly attaching the cleaner or swab to the
cleaning rod or other holder. By using a screw driver in the slotted end of the
pin h the swab or cleaner may be firmly attached to or readily detached from the
rod or other holder. The felt J may be adjusted to fit more or less tightly the
barrel of a gun by tightening or loosening the nut i.
In cleaning a gun I ordinarily use a series of six of these felt cleaners, each for a
different purpose.
In doing this there may be for the six felts a single pin only,
which may be removed from one and applied to the others in succession, but it is
preferable to bave each felt provided with its own pin and made complete in itself.
In use, cleaner No. 1 is thoroughly wetted with water, and then made as dry as
possible by squeezing it in the hand. This is then screwed on to the end of the
cleaning rod and drawn once or twice through the barrels of the gun, or carried
down to the bottom thereof in case the gun be not a breech-loader. This of course
removes the soiling composed chiefly of the sulphuret of potassium, the residuum
of the combustion of the powder. The cleaner or swab is then unscrewed and
Number 2 substituted in its place, which is now passed through the barrels for the
purpose of drying them.
If now an examination of the barrels reveals the fact that any rust or permanent
stains of any kind remain in the barrel, then cleaner Number 3 is screwed on to the
rod. This cleaner is saturated with a mixture, which I have designated as "emery
paste" (the composition of which will be hereafter explained), or with other suitable
material. If this be drawn through the barrels the stains will be soon removed.
Should there be no such spots, then cleaner Number 4, which is saturated with a mix-
ture which I have designated as " rouge paste," or with similar mixture, may be used;
this polishes the barrels, and tends to prevent the formation of spots of rust or

page_text: stains. This is then followed by cleaner Number 5, which removes any residue of the
materials used in cleaning the barrels; and, finally, cleaner Number 6, which is
saturated with vaseline, or with a mixture which I have prepared for this purpose,
and which I have designated as "paravaseline paste," is drawn through the barrels,
which thoroughly coats them, and prevents the formation of rust.
Cleaners Numbers 1, 2, and 5 should be thoroughly washed with warm water, and
dried; after using no matter how much soiled they may become, they will by
this means be made as clean as when they were new.
Cleaners Numbers 3, 4, and 6, if vaseline or "paravaseline paste" be used, neither
of which ever become rancid, need never be washed, as the more thoroughly saturated
they become the more valuable they are for the purposes for which they are used.
The felt J may be made of any gauge, and is fitted loosely on the pin h to
allow it to be readily removed when worn out. As the felt can be expanded by
tightening up the nut i, however, the cleaners will last a long time. This makes
an extremely efficient article for the use for which it is intended, holding perfectly
the substances used in cleaning the barrels, being soft and not injuring or
adhering to the barrels, and at the same time highly elastic, causing it to fit the
barrel perfectly at all points.
In Figures 4 and 5 is represented in face view and in section a brush for cleaning
or wiping the barrels, which may either be used in connection with or in lieu of
the swabs or cleaners J, but which is more particularly designed for use in the
field, to clean the barrels when they become foul; and in Figure 6 is represented
a face view partly in section of one of the disks or plates of which the full brush
is made up. In constructing a brush for this purpose it is desirable to produce
one which may be made of greater or less stiffness and length, and in which the
bristles may be arranged in different orders at pleasure. To produce a brush of
this sort I punch or stamp from sheet metal of suitable thickness a number of
disks of proper size, and provided with a central opening. This central opening
is formed at the same time, and by the same operation which cuts out the disk.
These disks are indicated by the letter K in Figures 4, 5, and 6. After being
struck or punched out the disks are carried under a suitable die, which renders
them perfectly flat, they being somewhat bulged or bent in punching; these disks
are next drilled, a series of from twelve to twenty radial holes extending from the
periphery to the central opening . Owing to proximity of these holes to each
other on the periphery, and their convergence toward a common centre, they cut
into each other before reaching the central opening 1, as shown in Figure 6, forming
an annular groove or recess m around the central opening between the upper and
lower surfaces of the disk K. Knots" of bristles, wire, tampico, or other suitable
material, are then drawn in through the radial holes by means of a wire or similar
device until each is filled, the wire and the butts of the "knots" occupying the
annular groove m, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ends of the wire being cut off,
leaving the central opening free and unobstructed. A series of the disks thus
formed are then placed upon the pin h provided with a flanged head and nut i,
exactly like that used for the swab or cleaner shown in Figure 3. By loosening the
nut the disks may be turned to produce any order or arrangement of the same
that may be desired, when they may be clamped and held in such position by
means of said nut; or, if desired, by removing the nut the disks may be
changed, added to, or diminished in number at will. If desired the disks containing
bristles, wire, or other substance, may be alternated with disks of stiff hard felt,
this arrangement producing an extremely efficacious cleaner.
"
In practice I prefer to make the disks of some alloy of metal, Britannia metal
being peculiarly adapted to the purpose. This is easier to punch and drill than
harder metals and alloys, does not cut or break the wire in drawing in the knots,
and being soft enables the disks to be more firmly seated or clamped together, and
does not corrode. The whole forms a very desirable implement for the sportsman.
The next device, that represented in Figures 7 and 8, is what I term the "field
Niper," and is especially designed for use in the field, it being carried about the

page_text: person. This consists of either the cleaner made of felt, represented in Figure 3, or.
the brush represented in Figures 4, 5, and 6, in connection with a cord for drawing
it through the barrel and a spool on which to wind the cord, the said spool being
made to serve the further purposes of a weight by which to draw the cord through
the barrel, and a case to contain an oil receptacle, all as herein-after described.
In order to adapt. the cleaner or brush to use in this pocket device it is first
necessary to provide means of attaching a cord centrally to it, and this I accomplish
by making the central stem or pin of the cleaner or brush in two parts, each with
a flanged and slotted head, and provide one section with a male and the other with
a female screw, as shown in Figure 7. The part p is provided with a central hole,
of sufficient size to admit a cord q, which is passed through the same, knotted, and
drawn down into the lower end of the part p, as shown. The brush or cleaner is
then placed on the stem, and the two parts firmly screwed together. The cord q is
9
made of a length somewhat greater than that of the barrels of the gun, and is
attached in a similar manner to a spool R at its opposite end. This spool R is pro-
vided with flanged heads, one of which S is made detachable by unscrewing, as
represented in Figure 7. These heads are made of a diameter the same or a trifle
less than that of the cleaner J, and the body of such a diameter that when the
cord q is wound thereon it shall be of the same diameter as the cleaner. A notch u
is formed in the stationary head of the spool R to allow the cord q to extend
beyond the head without passing over the edge of its flange.
As before stated the head s is screwed into place and may be readily removed by
simply increasing it, as shewn in Figure 7; an oil bottle or receptacle is secured to
this head S, and extends into the hollow interior of the spool R where it is safe
from injury, and in a position to be readily removed for use.
When it is desired to use the wipers the cord is unwound from the spool R, the
spool is droped through the barrel, and then by drawing on the spool or cord the
wiper is drawn through; this is repeated several times until the barrel is rendered
clean. The cord is then wound on the spool R, and the spool and wiper being
placed end to end are inserted into a cylindrical case I made of thin metal or other
light material, the cover placed on the same, and the whole placed in the pocket or
belt, or game bag, as desired.
It may be desirable to carry both the swab and the brush, in which case the
cylindrical case I may be made long enough to accommodate both, or one may be
placed in a separate case of similar form. This forms a very complete combination
and one with which the sportsman in the field may quickly and thoroughly clean
his gun, and one which may be very easily carried.
In Figure 9 is represented a brush intended for cleaning the shells of cartridges.
After firing there of course remains in the shell the products of the combustion of
the gunpowder, consisting chiefly of the sulphuret of potassium, which, being a
hygroscopic substance, absorbs particularly in sea shooting, a large amount of
moisture, and in some cases renders the shell unfit for a fresh charge of powder, and
it is to remove this that the tool is designed.
As shown in Figure 9, the device consists of a cylindrical tubular head v of metal
formed upon or rigidly attached to a stem w, which stem is provided at its opposite
end with a screw thread, as shown. This head is provided with a suitable brush
which may be made either by filling perforations in a suitable block or plug with
bristles, or, as I prefer, by filling the tube with a bundle of bristles y, and securing
them in the head v by a suitable cement which requires heat to render it fluid, as
pitch, resin, shellac, or the like. This head is encased in a sliding tube G which is
of such length as to cover both the head and bristles when moved forward toward
the free end of the bristles, said tube having secured to or formed upon it a smaller
tube G¹ concentric with it, the latter being arranged to slide upon the stem w, and
serve to guide the tube G. The screw end of the stem wis screwed into a suitable
handle x, as shown in Figure 9, the tube having a movement lengthwise on the
The bristles standing out at an angle with the tube containing them of
course prevent the ready introduction of the brush into a cartridge shell, and it is to
stem w.

page_text: overcome this difficulty that the tube or shield G is used. The tube or case is made
of such a diameter as to readily enter the shell to be cleaned, and when the brush
is to be used the tube or shield G is moved forward so as to cover the bristles y
which are thus drawn together. The tube or shield is then inserted into the open
end of the shell to be cleaned, when by pushing on the handle the brush is carried
down to the bottom of the shell. The shield or tube G is then withdrawn from
over the bristles y by drawing the tube G¹ back on the stem w. A few turns of
the brush will then serve to loosen the sediment in the shell if it be dry, and upon
withdrawing the brush and inverting the shell the residuum drops out.
Should the sediment or residuum be damp or should it have accumulated to a
considerable extent water may be used with the brush, and a thorough cleansing
produced.
If preferred the stem w may be made fast to the handle x and the screw joint
formed at the outer end of the same, and if desired a small nut may be placed or
driven through upon the stem on a pin inserted into or driven through the same,
to prevent the tube or shield G, G¹, from clipping off over the end of the same.
The brush may in either case be readily removed from the handle x, and any other
style of cleaner substituted therefor.
A skeleton frame or ring may, it is obvious, be used instead of a continuous
tube G for clamping or drawing in the bristles, but the tube is preferred, as it works
more satisfactorily, and at the same time forms a cover for the brush when not in
use, preventing its soiling the case or other article with which it comes in contact.
The next article is the screwdriver represented in Figure 10, as shown; this
consists of a series of radial arms, each ground to form on its end a screwdriver
point, and each made of a different size, so that in one instrument there is provision
for turning screws ranging through a number of grades or sizes.
In the Drawing four arms are shown, but it is obvious that à greater or less
number may be used. I prefer, however, to use not less than three for reasons that
will be apparent. In the centre of the tool is a polygonal hole or opening T which
serves several purposes, as will be seen further along. The screwdriver is cut by
suitable machinery from a plate or strip or sheet metal of fine quality, and is
ground and polished by any well known means, the central hole T being also
dressed and trued up. In using the screwdriver it is held in such a way that the
thumb shall come opposite or over the central opening T on one side, and the
middle finger on the other side; the fore finger bearing against one arm, and one or
both of the remaining fingers against the corresponding arm of the tool. This will
leave one arm of the screwdriver extending downward for use, and the remaining
one projecting upward toward the palm of the hand; this enables the person using
the instrument to hold it very steadily without fear of the fingers slipping, and the
arms being so arranged that two will necessarily project horizontally; it will be
seen that a great deal of power may be exerted in its use, even with a very small
implement. This screwdriver, although very complete in itself, may be readily
carried in the vest pocket, belt, or elsewhere about the sportsman, and will be found
of great service in the field and elsewhere. The central opening T is polygonal in
form and serves admirably for use as a wrench, and also as a means of retaining the
screwdriver in its clasp L when in the kit or case, the upper arm of the clasp being
provided on its under side with a suitable stud to engage in said opening. By
springing the arm of the clasp upward, this stud is removed from the central
opening T, and the screwdriver may be readily removed. .
"
Having described the kit or case as a whole and the construction of the imple-
ments separately, I shall now proceed to describe the composition and manner of
preparing the mixtures referred to under the titles of "emery paste," "rouge paste,"
and "paravaseline paste." The first of these, "emery paste," is designed to removo
rust and stains from highly-polished steel or iron surfaces, and for other purposes.
To prepare the emery paste I first provide myself with a glass tube, two inches in.
diameter and thirty inches long. At the lower end of this tube is fitted a large
glass stop-cock, and the upper end is closed with a tight-fitting cork. The tube

page_text: is graduated from below upwards. I now place in this tube a pound of what is
known in commerce as washed emery, and then note by the graduation on the
tube the space it occupies. I then fill the tube with alcohol, close the stop-cock,
and insert the cork in its place. I now shake the tube vigorously and agitate the
mixture until the emery is thoroughly mixed through the alcohol. I now place the
tube in a suitable stand in a vertical position with the stop-cock down; of course
the emery begins to settle, the heavier portions falling first; I wait until consulting
the graduations upon the tube I find that about one-half of the emery has sub-
sided; I then open the stop-cock and allow this portion to escape; this I discard;
the remainder of the emery being so very fine is of course a very much longer
time in settling. As soon as it has all subsided and the alcohol above is perfectly
clear I again open the stop-cock and draw off the fine emery, leaving the alcohol
in the tube for the next batch. I catch the emery as it flows from the tube in a
porcelain dish, place it over a water bath, and evaporate to perfect dryness. I then
ascertain the weight of the emery I have in the dish, and add to it one-half its
weight of vaseline. I then heat the entire mass (over the water bath) until it is of
a uniform temperature, constantly stirring the mixture throughout with a porcelain
spatula. After thoroughly mixing in this way I transfer it in small quantities at
a time to a glass slab, previously heated in boiling water, and levigate it with a
glass muller until it is perfectly smooth and free from lumps. I regard this com-
position as especially adapted to the purposes indicated above, and the fact that the
vaseline never becomes rancid nor oxidizes allows of the paste being kept unchanged
for an unlimited time. The proportions may be varied, but those given are con-
sidered best.
'
The next preparation, that designated as "rouge paste, is similar to the above,
but is intended to give a high polish to metals, being finer than that just described,
and consists in a composition formed by mixing a carefully prepared oxide of iron
with vaseline.
To prepare the mixture I first take any quantity of a saturated solution of the
salt of iron known as the sulphate of iron, or more commonly green vitriol, and
add to this solution a sufficient quantity of a mixture of equal parts of nitric and
sulphuric acids. This I heat in a porcelain or glass vessel to boiling point, and then
I add a hot saturated solution of carbonate of soda. A brisk effervescence at once
takes place, and as a result we have the following change:-The sulphuric acid
which was before held in combination with the oxide of iron is liberated, and
having a superior affinity for the carbonate of soda it unites with the soda, forming a
solution of sulphate of soda, and throwing down a dense copious precipitate, red in
color, formed of the carbonic acid previously in combination with the carbonate of
soda and the oxide of iron which was contained in the green vitriol. This red pre-
cipitate is of course a carbonate of iron. This I collect upon a felt filter and wash so
long as the washings show an acid reaction. Having thus carefully washed the pre-
cipitate I next dry it thoroughly in a water bath, after which I transfer it to a
polished iron crucible and heat the mass to redness. The effect of the heat is to
drive off the carbonic acid, and to leave behind a pure powder of the oxide of iron.
I then take of this carefully prepared oxide of iron and of vaseline, equal parts,
place them together in a porcelain dish over a water bath, and apply heat with
constant stirring until the mass assumes a uniform temperature throughout. I then
transfer it in small quantities at a time to a slab, which has been previously heated
in boiling water, and with a muller, also previously heated, I levigate it until
perfectly smooth and free from lumps. The proportions may be varied and still
produce a good article, but those given are considered about the best.
The last mixture to be described is the lubricating material, which I have
designated as "paravaseline paste." It is a composition designed to prevent the
action of rust upon bright or polished iron or steel surfaces, and is composed of the
substance known as paraffine, and that known as vaseline.
To prepare this composition I take of vaseline nine pounds, and of refined
paraffine in shavings one. pound, and place them in a. porcelain. dish over a water.

page_text: bath, and apply heat until both are thoroughly melted. I then keep the mixture
constantly stirred until it is cool.
I have used vaseline ever since its introduction as a lubricator, to prevent the
formation and action of rust, but I find that when used alone it is too light and
does not possess sufficient body, I therefore add paraffine to give consistency to it and
keep it from thinning out in warm weather. This mixture I find answer extremely
well for the purpose for which it is designed, and remains unchanged a great length
of time, being ready for use in all kinds of weather. I have also used the substance
known as ozokerite and find that it answers well.
I do not wish to be understood as confirming myself to the proportions named in
any of these compounds, as they may be varied and still produce good articles.
When the kit is made up as above described, it possesses, in an extremely com-
pact form, every implement required by a sportsman to keep his gun in perfect
order.
It is obvious that the implements may be modified somewhat in construction
without departing from my Invention, as for instance, the felt and brush cleaners
may be adapted for use in connection with muzzle-loading guns by securing them
to the central pin by any suitable means in such manner that the felt should be
allowed to pass clear to the bottom of the barrel, this being done by sewing,
cementing, or otherwise fastening the cleaner to the central pin and dispensing".
with the flanged head on the same. The compositions when completed are placed
in suitable boxes or other receptacles when they are ready for use. I prefer to
place in it small cylindrical boxes with screw lids or covers, as represented in
section in Figure 12. This enables me to close the boxes tight and prevent the
material from coming out, thus rendering the same convenient for carrying in.
the pocket or about the person. These boxes may be made of any suitable material,
but Britannia metal is considered the most desirable.
What I claim as my Invention is,-
.....
1. In a gun cleaning case, the arrangement substantially as described, of the
receptacles in the lid, the longitudinal compartment in the body for the jointed rod
with the clasp for the screwdriver whereby the sections of the rod are held in place,
the lateral compartments for the swabs and compounds, and the longitudinal com-
partments for the special implements, substantially as described.
2. In a gun cleaning case provided with compartments, the combination with a
division strip of the pivoted clasp L for holding the screwdriver, whereby the con-
tents of the compartments are held in place, substantially as set forth.
3. In a case, constructed substantially as described, I claim the intermediate
cover C, with the pivoted metallic corner pieces b, arranged to operate as described.
4. A gun cleaning rod provided with the couplings P, Q, each having a transverse
hole f, and being riveted to the sections of the rod, substantially as described.
5. The wrench M, constructed as shown and described for use with the jointed
rod and other implements as set forth.
6. A prepared swab of felt provided with a stem having a slotted head at one
eud and a nut at the other end whereby it can be expanded to fit the bore, sub-
stantially as described.
7. A felt cylindrical swab J provided with the stem h, constructed to have
a cord attached thereto or made to be screwed fast to a rod, substantially as
described.
8. A gun cleaning brush composed of a series of metallic disks, provided with the
radially arranged "knots" or bunches of bristles arranged upon a central stem,
with a clamping nut, substantially as described.
9. The combination of a series of disks with the radially arranged bristles with
disks of felt interposed, the whole being provided with a stem or mandril and
clamping device, substantially as described.
10. A gun cleansing brush, constructed as above set forth, and provided with
means for attaching it to a rod or handle, substantially as described.

page_text: 11. The field wiper, consisting of a swab with a string and weight attached and
enclosed in a close fitting case, as set forth..
12. In combination with the swab, the weight so..constructed as to serve as a
spool upon which to wind the string and fit within the case, substantially as set
forth.
:
13. The cylindrical weight flanged at its ends and, having the notch formed in
one or both of said flanges to allow the string to fit therein, as set forth.
14. The cylindrical weight having an internal receptacle for oil and suitable
means for opening and closing the same, as set forth.
15. The brush y, provided with an external sliding case G or equivalent device
for compressing the bristles when the brush is to be inserted, and then releasing the
same after the brush has been inserted, as set forth.
16.. A screwdriver K, having three or more diverging blades and provided with
the central hole T, substantially as described.
17. The composition, composed of emery and vaseline, the same being prepared
for use, substantially as set forth.
18. The composition composed of the oxide of iron and vaseline, prepared for use,
substantially as set forth.
19., I also claim the composition composed of vaseline and paraffine, prepared for
use, substantially as set forth.,
In witness whereof, I, the said William Phillips Thompson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
Witness,
JOHN HAYES,
6, Lord Street,
Liverpool..
P. THOMPSON. (L.S.)