IMPROVEMENTS IN A BREECH-LOADING MAGAZINE FIRE-ARM
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Lee, of Milwaukee, in the County of
Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, in the United States of
America, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN A BREECH-LOADING
MAGAZINE FIRE-ARM.”
Sealed the 4th May 1875, and dated the 18th January 1875.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said James Lee at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declaration,
on the 13th January 1875, pursuant to the 9th Section of the Patent
Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, James
LEE, of Milwaukee, in the County of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin,
in the United States of America, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in
possession of "IMPROVEMENTS IN A BREECH-LOADING
MAGAZINE FIRE-ARM," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant unto me,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters Patent
for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that I am the true
and first Inventor thereof.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Lee, do hereby declare that
the following Complete Specification, under my hand and seal, fully
describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, in and by the following state-
ment, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings forming part 5
of this Specification, that is to say:-

page_text: In the Drawings similar letters of reference indicate like parts wherever
they may occur.
The frame or receiver A to which the barrel is secured is made quite
narrow vertically with a vertical slot for the breech block O to swing in,
5 and having its sides cut away or curved on their upper edges, as shown
in Fig. 2, with its rear end extending back to form the upper tang.
The guard strap B is made of the same width as the breech block, and is
provided at its front end with a strong vertical arm & having a lip s on
its front upper corner to lock into a corresponding notch in the frame A.
) It has also another arm or lug 6 near its rear end slightly beveled on its
rear face at its extremity where it engages in a corresponding recess in
the frame A, its rear end being extended back to form the lower tang, the
two being united by a screw d, which serves also to secure these parts
to the stock. As this screw is tightened the inclined face of the lug b
crowds the strap B forward, thereby forcing the lips into its seat, and
thus looks the parts very firmly together. This arm or lug 6 is provided
on its end with a central notch which engages with a central rib in the
recess to prevent lateral movement.
The breech block O consists of a solid piece of metal of the form
represented in Figures 1 and 2, made concave on its upper surfaco with
its rear end resting in a circular recess formed in the rear portion of the
frame and turning on the pin f as a pivot or centre of motion. From
the rear of the block O there depends two strong arms or lugs D, as
shown in Figures 1 and 2, which reach as near the guard strap as
possible and allow a free motion, and between which is pivoted the
tumbler J on a pin i. The trigger which is pivoted in the guard
strap B is provided at its rear end with a strong lug L projecting from
each side, so that when the trigger is pulled to fire the gun these lugs
are thrown up behind the arms D of the breech block, as shown by
dotted lines in Fig. 1, thereby locking the breach securely in place.
The tumbler consists of an oblong block of metal pivoted near its
front end between the arms D, and is provided on its front end with the
half and full cock notches marked y and to respectively, the point of the
trigger bring curved backward, as shown, to engage therein. The
front end of the tumbler is also provided with another notch at its upper
front corner, in which engages one end of the bent mainspring F, its
opposite end resting in a recess in the under side of the breech block 0,
this mainspring being as wide as the breech block, and so arranged that

page_text: when its lower end is placed in its notch in the tumbler and its upper
end is shoved back into position it will remain there without other
fastening, it being thus capable of being inserted and removed by the
hand with case and without the use of any tools whatever. At its rear
end the tumbler J is bent upward and provided with a circular head x,
which is inserted sidewise into a corresponding recess in the side of the
hammer H, there being a split pin o attached rigidly to the hammer and
fitting in a hole in the head x. To prevent the hammer from working
off it has a vertical notch cut in its rear under side, as shown in
Fig. 3, which engages over a corresponding tongue or projection q
when the hammer is drawn back.
The hammer H has its under face made on a straight line, as is also
the upper face of the tumbler J, and their shoulders in rear of the joint
are so formed as to allow of but a little movement of the hammer inde-
pendent of the tumbler. When the hammer is shoved over forward so 1
that its under surface rests on the tumbler, then the projection q is
disengaged from the notch r, and the hammer can be readily slipped off
sidewise and disconnected from the tumbler, the mainspring being first
removed, so as to permit the tumbler to swing down far enough to
disengage the nose of the hammer from its recess in the rear end of the
breech block, the breech block with the hammer and tumbler being first
removed from the frame by simply withdrawing the pin f. The hammer
is provided with a flat or vertical nosen for striking the firing pin g, and
above that with an inclined face 7, as shown in Fig. 1. When the
hammer is cocked it is turned backward on the pin o until its shoulder:
in rear strikes against the shoulder on the rear end of the tumbler, this
limited motion of the hammer on its pivot being sufficient to elevate the
nosen of the hammer far enough to cause it to strike the firing pin as
it is thrown forward.
The friction of the split pin o serves to hold the hammer with its nose
elevated, besides which the centrifugal force exerted on the hammer as
it is thrown forward will cause it to assume that position and hold it so
until it has delivered its blow. But when pressure is applied to the back
side of the thumb piece to open the breech the hammer first turns on its
pivot o whereby its nose " is thrown below the firing pin, thereby leaving
the pin free to slide back within the block C, so that it will not rest
against the cartridge or its primer. As the hammer is thus pressed
forward its lower side rests on the tumbler J, its inclined face / at the

page_text: same time coming in contact with the pin f, which is flattened at its centre,.
as shown in Figs. 1, 2,-& 5, and as the forward pressure is continued the
front end of the breech block O is depressed by the pulling back by the
pulling back of the arms D.through the connection therewith of the
5 tumbler and hammer. At the same time the inclined face of the hammer:
resting against the flat side of the pin fis forced back a little by pressure
against the upper edge of the flattened side of the pin f as the pin
remains stationary, while the breech block, tumbler, and hammer move
around it as a centre, as shown in Fig. 2.. The mainspring operating
O`all the time on the hammer through the medium of the tumbler tends to
make the inclined face of the hammer resume its position parallel with
the flattened side of the pin f, and this causes the parts to swing back
into the position shown in Fig. 1, thus closing the breech the moment
the front end of the breech block is released from the extractor, which,
5 as shown in Fig. 2, is provided on its rear face with a projection ė, that
engages in a notch m in the front upper edge of the breech block at its
centre. It will also be observed that the instant the front end of the
breech block begins its downward movement it carries with it the front
end of the firing pin, which is thereby thrown below the primer of the
0 cartridge, thus preventing the possibility of igniting the charge. But
independent of this the peculiar construction and arrangements of the
parts as above described, whereby the nose of the hammer is made to
drop below the firing pin the instant it begins to move, renders an acci-
.. dental explosion impossible even if the hammer when down, with its nose
ŏ resting on the pin, be struck a violent blow.
The firing pin is rectangular in cross section, or nearly so, so that when
resting in its round hole in the block O it it has but little of its surface:
in contact therewith, and hence is not liable to be stuck fast by corrosion
or the accumulation of dirt. It is so located in the breech block that
D. its rear end when shoved back comes against the pin f, as shown in
Fig. 2, which prevents it from falling out. Its rear end is beveled off
above and below, as shown, so as to present a narrow transverse face, by
which means only a slight movement of the hammer is required to
remove the nose n from contact therewith..
As shown in Figs. 1 & 2, the receiver or breech frame A is
- provided with a transverse or horizontal lip or ledge K in line with the
front end of the breech block near its lower edge, and against which the.
•

page_text: breech block abuts when closed. This abutment or lip K, together with
the sides of the frame A form a recess in which the head of the cartridgo
rests and which is open at the top, so that in case the cartridge bursts
the gas has a free escape above, and is prevented from entering the
recess or chamber below the breech block. This abutment also serves
to prevent the breech from rising above its proper position, as the lower
edge of the latter moving in the arc of a circle of which the pin fis tho
centre cannot pass by the ledge K.
The extractor I while being in the general form of a bell-crank lever
has several peculiar features, as represented in Figs. 2 & 4;
it is
provided at its upper end with a lip e¹, as shown in Fig. 7, which
projects centrally from its upper portion to engage with the flange of the
cartridge, there being just below this a projection e which, as shown
in Fig. 2, engages in a notch m in the top of the breech block C
to hold it down when the breech is opened. This projecting portion ei
and e¹ rests in a central recess or notch cut for it in the ledge K, so that
when the extractor I is shoved forward there is no space left in the
ledge, and the lip e' is in its proper position to engage with tho flange of
the cartridge. On its front face the extractor I has a projection c which
fits into a corresponding recess, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, & 4, the
under wall a of this recess being inclined upward and backward, and its
outer edge forming a fulcrum on which the extractor rests and turns at
the first part of its movement in withdrawing the shell T, the rear
surface of the arm being slightly rounded or curved, as shown in
Figs. 1 & 2, so that as the extractor moves its projection c is caused
to slide on the incline shoulder a, thereby causing the point e³ of the
extractor to move back in a straight line slightly inclined upward,
whereby it is made to keep firm hold on the cartridge even when the
latter has been moved so as to be loose in its chamber. By this
peculiar construction and arrangement the extractor never releases its
hold or slips off the cartridge. It will be observed that when the
extractor begins its movement its fulcrum is the point a, and that as
the block c descends, causing the front part of the mainspring F to strike
on its horizontal arm c', its leverage is very great, and that consequently
it exerts great force on the cartridge at the beginning of its movement,
so that however tight it may be in its chamber the extractor is sure to
start it. As the extractor continues its movement the projection c is
disengaged from the shoulder a, and its lower corner comes in contact

page_text: with the guard strap below, thus changing its fulcrum or point of
bearing to that point, after which it rocks on the under rounded surface
of the arm c², thereby greatly accelerating the motion of its upper end
and giving such an impetus to the shell or cartridge as to throw it
5 entirely out of the gun, especially if the movement be a quick one.
Thus the extractor is made to exert great force to start the shell from
the chamber in the first instance, and then to greatly increase its velocity
to eject it from the arm. This extractor is made as wide as the breech
block and is set loosely in the frame without any pin, it being prevented
) from being displaced by the breech block when the parts are placed in
position in the frame.
If desired to prevent the extractor from being loose in its seat it may
be made, as shown in Fig. 7, with a slot cut through it near each
edge, thus leaving a small strip a¹ at each edge to serve as friction
springs, there bearing against the sides of the frame and holding the
extractor in any position it may be placed.
The pivot pin f is provided at one end with a laterally projecting
arm S, as shown in Fig. 5, and at its opposite end it has a small
groove to extending from its outer end in a short distance, where it
intersects a circumferential groove w', there being a small pin inserted
in the side of the frame A, in such a manner as to leave its point
protruding into the hole in which the pin f rests in the frame, as shown
in Fig. 5. To insert the pin f it is turned to the position that will
bring the groove w in line with the point of the pin v, then shoved into
5 its seat which will bring the groove wo opposite the pin v, when the pin ƒ
is given about one-quarter turn which locks it securely in place, its arm 8
resting against a pin or projection of any kind on the outside of the
frame. When turned down the pressure of the hammer against the flat
side of the pin f tending to hold it in that position.
It will be observed that the guard strap B is made very strong, and
that the arms D of the breech block extend as near to its upper side as
possible, and permit their free movement, the object being to protect
the parts from injury by a blow accidental or otherwise on the guard
strap. The form of the frame renders it extremely simple and cheap to
make, and as shown in Fig. 6 it permits a full stock to be used with the
greatest facility, it requiring only a plain mortice or slot to be cut in it
to receive the frame and breech mechanism,

page_text: By withdrawing the pin f the breech mechanism can all be lifted out
from above, and when out it can all be taken apart and put together by
the hand, and without the aid of any tool. By loosening the tang
screw d the guard strap B can be in like manner removed separately,
this being the only screw used in the entire breech part of the arm.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the trigger spring p consists of a flat
piece of steel, inserted so that one end rests in a notch in the rear end
of the trigger, while the other end rests against the lug 6 of the guard
strap, no other fastening being used, and it being capable of being
removed or replaced by the hand at will. In this arm, as shown here,
the extractor is not operated by contact of the breech block therewith,
as is usual in this style of arms, but instead it is operated by the main
spring F, which is made of such a length and so located that its front or
bent portion strikes the arm c¹³, and thus causes the extractor to operate
as herein-before described, first prying the cartridge from its seat with
great force, and then by its greatly accelerated motion ejecting it entirely
from the arm.
It is also necessary that the front end of the spring F which strikes
the rear arm of the extractor should be so located as to come into action
just at the instant the front end of the breech block has fallen low
enough to permit the shell to start, and to insure its prompt action on
the extractor, and also to make it operate to close the breech. I arrange
the upper end of the mainspring in a recess in the under side of the
block C, as indicated in dotted lines Figs. 1 & 2, this recess being
of such a length and form as to permit the end of the spring to slide
back and forth a short distance, its backward motion being limited to a
certain point. The leaves of the spring are so proportioned that when
their two ends are set in their bearings the upper one will always slide
forward and rest at the front end of its recess, thus depressing the elbow
or front portion of the spring. When therefore the breech block is
opened this front portion of the spring F comes in contact with the
extractor before the breech block has descended far enough to let the
extractor start, and as the block continues its movement the upper end
of the spring is forced back in its recess until the block has descended
far enough to permit the extractor to begin its movement, at which time
the upper end of the spring has reached the limit of its backward
movement, as shown in Fig. 2.
The parts are so proportioned and arranged that the front end of the

page_text: breech block can drop some distance below the bore by continuing its
movement after the spring has come in contact with the extractor,
which gives more room for a backward movement of the upper end of
the extractor.
.
To more effectually eject the shell, and as soon as the pressure is
removed from the thumb piece, the spring F by its pressure on the
extractor throws the breech block up again to the position shown in
Fig. 2, where it is held by the projection c on the extractor, which, as
shown, then engages in the notch m in the top of the block. When in
> this position the concave surface of the breech block is in line with the
under wall of the bore ready to permit a cartridge to be inserted, and as
the cartridge is shoved in its flange engages with the lip of the
extractor, carrying it forward to its seat, and thereby releasing the
breech block, which by the pressure of the spring F is raised. If by
any means the breech is not entirely closed by this operation the pressure
on the hammer to cock it instantly completes its closing, and the instant
it is closed the nose of the trigger being depressed slightly by contact
with the front end of the tumbler throws up its rear end, thereby
causing the lugs L to engage behind the arms D, thus securely locking
>. the breech.
The manipulation is as follows:-The arm being as shown in Fig. 1
the breech is opened by pressing the thumb piece forward which places
the parts, as shown in Fig. 2. A cartridge is then shoved in, carrying
the extractor forward, when the breech closes automatically, when the
¡ hammer is cocked and the gun fired as usual. Pressing the thumb
piece forward again opens the breech and ejects the shell, when another
is inserted, and so on continuously, so easy and rapid is the manipu-
lation of this arm that I have fired thirty cartridges in about three-
fourths of a minute, taking each cartridge by hand separately from the
) cartridge-box.
I will now proceed to describe the second part of my Invention which
consists of certain improvements in a cartridge box which I construct
of a metallic case A or of any other suitable material of curved or
segmental form, as represented in Figs. 8 & 9, its curvature being
such as to permit the flanged cartridges to lie therein side by side with
their flanges overlapping, as shown in Fig. 8. The box should be of a
width a little more than equal to the length of the cartridges so as to
- "

page_text: '
as
permit them to move freely therein, but not to let them rattle about
loosely. Its thickness should be made to correspond with the size of
the cartridges so that they will lie therein in a single compact row,
represented in Fig. 8. A zig-zag spring having a follower or block a
attached to the end next to the cartridge is inserted within the box, as also
shown by Fig. 8, for the purpose of feeding the cartridges forward to
the mouth in a proper position, and also to prevent them from falling
over or rattling about loosely in the box. At its lower end the box A is
curved or bent sidewise, as shown at I, Fig. 8, this curved portion
being made slightly conical to permit the head of the cartridge to be
crowded over opposite the mouth or opening d at the lower left-hand
corner, as shown in Fig. 8.
In filling the box the cartridges are shoved one at a time into the
mouth d, the follower being pressed back by pressing on the cartridge
previously inserted, the one last inserted always having its flange over-
lapping the preceeding one, as shown in Fig. 8, so that when pre-
sented at the mouth it is ready to be withdrawn without obstruction.
The pressure of the spring and the weight of the cartridges will prevent
the one at the mouth from falling out, but I propose to pivot a piece to
the lower end of the box A in such a manner that it can be shut over
the mouth when desired. This may be of metal pivoted on the edge
of the box to turn up out of the way when using the box, or it may be
a bent piece, hinged at the lower end, so as to shut over the mouth.
When covered with leather a flap may be made at the lower end to turn
up over the mouth and be fastened by a stud, it being allowed to hang
down when the box is being used. The box when thus constructed is
intended to be arranged on the body of the soldier in action, it being
supplied with a strap B at its upper end, which strap, as shown in
Fig. 8, is connected at its opposite end to another strap C that passes
around the body and is connected to the lower end of the box A, thus
securely holding the box in a slightly diagonal position, extending from
the left shoulder down over the breast, and bringing its mouth, from
whence the cartridges are taken, in close proximity to the breech of the
gun, thereby greatly facilitating the operation of loading the arm.
In marching, the box may be attached to the waist belt, and thus a
avoid bringing any pressure on the chest of the soldier; and as a
shoulder strap is generally used it may be attached to that in time of
action, and thus dispense with the use of the straps B, C.

page_text: in
I make the supplemental box E, Fig. 9, in the same manner as
the main box A, and on its rear face attach two hooks o to engago
loops c arranged on the front face of box A, as represented in Fig. 8.
I also attach to the box Ea slide n, as shown in Fig. 9, with its inner
5 end bent up to form á lip, so that after the hooks o are inserted in the
loops c this slide n can be shoved in and made to engage with the edge
of box A, thereby looking the box E securely to the box A, thus
enabling the soldier to supply an additional box already filled without'
stopping to refill the main box A when it is exhausted. When not in
use this supplemental box E can be carried attached to the waist belt by
the hooks o.
It is also obvious that the main box A. or the supplemental box E can
if desired be arranged to be carried and used on the waist belt alone,
but I prefer the plan shown, because it affords greater facility in
5 loading..
.
When the cartridge box is applied directly to the gun I make it in
the same general manner, but bend it so as to clasp the gun, it being
slipped on over the barrel and stock from the muzzle, as shown in
Figs. 10 & 11. An open space is left between the two ends, as
O shown in Fig. 11, so as not to interfere with the sights. When thus
used it should be made of such a size as to allow it to be shoved back
to near the breech, as shown in Fig. 11, where it may be secured by
a strap / attached to the rear swivel loop and engaging over a small
stud t on the front edge of the box A, as shown, the strap used" as¸ a
5 sling on the gun being used for this purpose in case there be one on
the gun. When used in this manner I omit the curved portion I, as
it is not necessary to throw the heads to one side, they being
drawn straight back out of the mouth. To prevent the cartridges from
accidentally falling out when the gun is held upright I locate a spring
O catch at the mouth in such a position as to engage over the head of
the cartridge to hold it in the outer portion of the catch r, being beveled
on its upper side, as represented in Fig. 11, to admit the ready
insertion of the cartridges. When taking cartridges from the box this
catch is depressed by the thumb in the act of seizing the cartridge,
5 and thus while serving to hold the cartridge securely in the box it does
not interfere perceptibly with their withdrawal therefrom. With the
box thus applied to a single breech-loading gun the latter has all the
advantages of a magazine gun, without its complication or expense.
.

page_text: When the box A is covered with leather, as it generally will be, the
loops c may be made to protrude through holes in the leather, or they
may be dispensed with, and slits and slits cut in the leather covering for
the hooks to engage in. It is also obvious that instead of the sliding
catch na spring catch may be substituted if desired. I have added a 5
Figure showing the manner of carrying the cartridge box in action
when not used on the gun.
Having described my Invention, I wish to have it understood
that I do not limit myself to the exact details shown and described,
as the same may be varied without departing from the spirit of my In- 1
vention, but what I do claim is,―
Firstly. The trigger guard B attached to the main frame A by means of
the lip and arm 6 fitting in corresponding recesses, and secured by the
screw d, substantially as set forth.
Secondly. The hammer H pivoted to the swinging tumbler J, the 1
said parts being constructed and arranged to operate as described.
Thirdly. The hammer H. constructed and operating in relation to the
`firing pin g, so that its nose n will be depressed below the firing pin
when pressed forward, as set forth.
Fourthly. The trigger t provided with the lugs L in combination with 2
the arms D, of the breech block for locking the latter, closed substantially
as described.
Fifthly. The extractor I arranged to bear on the shoulder a during
the first part of its movement, and then to change its point of bearing to
the strap below, substantially as set forth.
Sixthly. The main spring F constructed and located in reference to
the breech block and extractor, substantially as described, whereby it
operates to elevate the breech block to a level with the bore, and also
operates on the extractor to make it hold the breech block open until
released.
.
Seventhly. The horizontal projection K extending across the opening
in the frame A below the bore of the barrel, whereby a chamber is
formed for the head of the shell in rear of the barrel with an unobstructed
opening above for the escape of the gas, as set forth.
21
80
Eighthly. The pivot pin f, flattened at the point where the hammer 3
bears against it in combination with the face of the hammer, whereby

page_text: the mainspring operating through the medium of the hammer serves to.
keep the pin flocked in position as set forth.
Ninthly. The combination of the tumbler J, and the trigger with the
breech block C, the trigger having its point arranged to bear against the
front end of the tumbler, when the hammer is let down so as to prevent
the breech block from closing entirely, and thus keep the point of the
firing pin below the primer, while the hammer rests thereon, as set forth.
Tenthly. A breech-loading fire-arm constructed substantially as herein
described and shown in the Drawings in combination with the cartridge
box, substantially as set forth and for the purpose specified.
Eleventhly. The combination of the breech block and hammer pivoted
thereto, substantially as described.
Twelfthly. A cartridge box or magazine constructed as herein
described and shown in the annexed Drawings when used detached or
separately from the gun, substantially as specified.
Thirteenthly. A cartridge box consisting of the case A curved edgewise
to permit the cartridges to fit therein in a compact row, with their heads
overlapping, as shown, and curved sidewise to adapt it to the person or
to the gun, substantially as described.
Fourteenthly. The box A having its lower end I curved laterally, and
provided with the mouth or opening d for withdrawing the cartridges as
described.
Fifteenthly. The box provided with the hooks o and the catch n or
its equivalent for attaching it to another box or to tho belt, substantially
as set forth.
Sixteenthly. The curved box A provided with the spring 6 for feeding
forward the cartridges, and the spring catch for preventing the
accidental expulsion of the same, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Lee, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of December, in the