IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS, THAT WRENZO DISCO
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Mowbray Walker, of 1, Essex Street, Strand, in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer, and George Henry Money, of
6, Jermyn Street, in the County of Middlesex, Lieutenant-Colonel,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS,
THAT WRENZO DISCOza
A
Sealed the 21st July 1868, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord
Chancellor, and dated the 8th January 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Mowbray Walker and
George Henry, Money at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 8th January 1868.
We, MOWBRAY WALKER, of 1, Essex Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, and GEORGE HENRY MONEY, of 6, Jermyn Street,
in the County of Middlesex, Lieutenant-Colonel, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING SMALL-
ARMS, INCLUDING PISTOLS, AND IN THE CARTRIDGES TO BE USED THEREWITH," to be
as follows:-
Our improvements consist, first, in constructing a breech-loading gun
having a breech block or abutment in one solid piece without joints or

page_text: handles fastened thereto, said breech block is fitted and works between
two parallel bearings projecting from the barrel of the gun behind the
chambered portion which contains the cartridge, said bearings may be
either formed as part and continuation of the barrel itself or may be
forged separately and screwed on to the barrel in the manner common
with breech-loading arms; the breech block is connected to the said
bearings by a transverse bolt of well tempered steel, the head of such
bolt, the axis of which bisects and is at right angles to the axis of the
barrel, fits into one bearing, and the end thereof is tapped and fits a
corresponding thread in the other bearing. To impart the necessary
oscillation to the breech block we continue the metal behind the
perforation for the transverse bolt into a tail piece or tang which fits
into a groove cut therefor in the stock, said tang or tail piece terminating
in a lump which is chequered to afford a grip to the thumb and finger of
the right hand, this we call a "balanced breech." In the under surface
of the breech block a slot is cut to allow the head of the hammer to
reach the striker and from the centre of the face of said breech block a
hole is drilled slightly oblique (downwards), in this hole is fitted a loose
piu or striker which is prevented falling out by a small screw fitting in
a flat notch made therein. We also forge a trigger plate having two
pairs of bearings therein; between the foremost one is pivotted a small
lever or hammer, the head of which fits in the slot in the under side of
the breech block before mentioned, butting against the end of the loose
piu or striker; force is given to the lever or hammer by a spring fitting
between it and the trigger plate and secured to the latter. The trigger,
which is pivotted and works in the after bearings, is formed with a hook
or claw head, and a corresponding formation being given to the back of
the hammer head, when the same is depressed by the action of the breech
block, it is caught and held by claw of the trigger, cocking and opening
the breech are therefore performed by one motion. To obviate the
danger likely to be urged against carrying the gun loaded at full-cock
we secure the detention of the trigger as follows:-In that portion of
the web plate of the trigger projecting within the trigger guard we
drill a small hole, say 'diameter, circumference of said hole being
not quite clear of the trigger plate. We also form a tough steel pin
about 1 inch long to fit the same. The head of said pin is perforated
and attached to a brass or steel chain which is also attached by a stud to
the stock of the gun in a similar manner to the "suap caps
" in ordinary
nipple rifles, by inserting this pin therefore in the hole in the trigger

page_text: plate the same is securely locked and the trigger cannot be pulled; the
end of this pin is finished off to a blunt chisel edge form and is useful in
removing tight cartridge cases. We provide for extracting the spent
cases, in one case, by two small extractors of well tempered steel of a
form and action somewhat similar to that of the human arm, the portion
which we call the hands are fitted and work in a vertical groove cut in
either side of the chamber behind the flange of the cartridge case.
The
shoulder portion of each is pivotted and works on a pin connecting them
transversely on the trigger and lock plate below the barrel. In another
case we employ an extractor similar to those generally fitted in fowling
pieces and having a constant tendency to force out the case by a spiral
or V-spring which is held compressed by the face of the breech block and
is only free to move when the said breech block is below its level.
Another part of our Invention has reference to what are known as
"bolt guns," i.e., in which a bolt or rod of metal forms the breech
abutment, receding aud sliding therefrom in a cylinder or shoe; in this
case also our object is to construct the said breech bolt or block in one
solid piece without joints, and to have the bearing or support for the
same against the discharge more central within the said bolt, and not
excentric to it as is the case with bolt guns as usually constructed, also
to obviate the use of spiral springs to actuate the striker and the usual
combination of pieces to form the lock. For this purpose we construct a
shoe or cylinder of a determined length screwed to the barrel, as is
customary; or said cylinder may be part of the barrel itself, an opening
being made at top for the introduction of the cartridge, and the chamber
in the barrel being well half an inch in advance of such opening. The
bottom of said cylinder is constructed thicker than the top, especially at
the rear or tang end, to give additional strength and rigidity. The
breech bolt, say 4 inches long and 48" diameter, is forged with a
short handle or lever at right angles thereto at one end, and at about
1 inch therefrom; a large notch or slot is cut transversely in the bolt
nearly half way through and at an angle of 135° with the handle; said
bolt is also pierced centrally, communicating with the transverse slot to
allow the action of a loose pin or striker similar to that before described.
A slot of corresponding shape and size is also cut in the breech shoe or
cylinder inmediately under that in the bolt when the same is forced
home, a square block of well tempered wrought steel is made to these
combined slots, and forms the breech bearing to support the recoil; said

page_text: block is slightly curvilinear in form, and is formed with a flange at the
bottom, back, and front to steady its action. A flat stud is secured at
When the said
one end to the bottom of this block, and at the other to the bottom of
the shoe or cylinder, the action of said spring forcing the block through
the slot in the shoe into that in the bolt, and holding the bolt against the
recoil. An opening in the stock is cut below to allow the small amount
of play for the depression of this block, which is caused by giving the
handle or thumb piece a quarter turn from right to left, when the
horizontal surface of the slot in the breech bolt acts as a cam and forces
the block within the shoe. The trigger of a peculiar form is pivotted by
the head to the under surface of the vertical block working up and down
through a slit cut in the trigger guard plate, said plate, which is of hard
well tempered steel, has one end of the slit rounded off to form a catch
to fit a notch cut in the front of the trigger, and said trigger having
always a forward pressure by means of a small spring.
block is depressed within the stock by turning the bolt on its axis the
notch in the trigger catches on the tongue, and the combined trigger and
block are held secure thereby. When the trigger is pulled backwards
the notch frees and the block riscs with a force equal to the strength of
the spring into the slot in the bolt, at the same time having a slight
curve action, the forward top edge strikes a smart blow on the striker,
thereby exploding the cap. To extract the spent cases we employ a flat
bar of steel about " wide, and thick or thicker, running the whole
length of the bolt, one end is formed with a grip for the flange of the
cartridge case, and the other is turned over to form a flange at right
angles, which flange fits in a groove cut round the bolt in front of the
thumb piece about "deep, a square groove is also cut in the upper
surface of the breech shoe in which this extractor fits and slides.
Another portion of our Invention has reference also to bolt guns, and
consists in constructing the same without lock or trigger, the fastening
and firing arrangements also acting together, being in few pieces and
part of bolt itself, whereby we avoid much cutting out and fitting in the
stock, and effect we believe a considerable saving in time, labour, and
consequent cost. For this purpose we construct the barrel with the
cylindrical shoé or socket as last described. The breech bolt in this case
plain rod without any handle or projection, one end flat and the other
rounded off; at the round end we slot out a portion centrally for a given
length, thus leaving the rear end of the bolt in the form of two equal
a

page_text: a
arms or shafts with a space between; into this space we fit a piece which
we call the "latch," of a peculiar form, constructed of strong stub irou,
and which may be briefly described as a short lever with the arms at an
obtuse angle to each other; one aran (which works in the space in the
bolt) is formed at the end into a strong and heavy catch or hook, and the
other into a double comb or thumb piece; this latch piece is secured
between the two shafts of the bolt by transverse pin or bolt in the line of
the axis of the gun of strong steel and not less than 8" diameter,
the upper surface of the breech bolt is planed slightly flat to about "
wide, and a flat plate of well tempered spring steel screwed thereto. The
forward end of this plate is or may be finished off to form the extractor,
and the after end is carefully squared and smoothed. A groove or notch
is also evenly made across the latch piece. The length of this spring
plate and the form and position of the latch and the notch therein is so
arranged that one acts as mainspring and sear and the other as
tumbler and catch. Immediately under the catch or look end of the
latch piece a slot of corresponding form is cut in the shoe, into which the
latch end falls by the flat or mainspring above mentioned. The shoe is
formed with a small lump immediately behind this slot, and instead of
the trigger guard a simple plate is forged having a projection thereon,
through which a pin passes through the stock, screwing into the lump on
the shoe. Another pin forward through this plate also screws into the
shoe, and with the usual bands binds the breech, barrel, and stock most
firnily together. The breech bolt is bored centrally for a loose pin or
striker, one end of said striker terminating in a hub or strong lump
nearly at right angles thereto; this lump fits in a groove cut for it in
the under part of the breech bolt immediately in front of the latch, so
that when the same descends by the force of the spring above, the pin is
forced forward, exploding the cap. The latch is elevated out of the slot
by pressure on the combs turning the same on the transverse bearing
pia when it is held by the end of the spring plate catching in the notch
(in which position the bolt is withdrawn for loading). To release the
same for firing we employ as follows:-A small hole is drilled or slotted
horizontally through the top of the latch piece between the combs and a
small steel pin or bar fitted therein; said pin has a button or spherical
head, say "diameter, and the end is bevelled off flat to an angle of
about 35, the socket being so central and directed that the edge of the
bevel comes just beneath the junction of the notch and spring sear.
This sliding bar or pin has a play backwards and forwards of about

page_text: inch, and is secured in the same manner as the loose pin or striker
described in the first part of this Specification, or by any simple and
suitable means. The button head of this pin is chequered and projects
slightly between the combs, so that by pressing thereon with the thumb
of the right hand the bevelled edge is forced forward under the flat plate,
lifting the same from the notch when the hook of the latch is imme-
diately thrown into the slot in the shoe, locking the breech, and at the
same time imparting a blow to the striker.
Another part of our Tuvention has reference to a gun with a reverse
action to that now employed for exploding the charge, i.e., backward by
friction instead of forward by percussion, whereby we obtain a cheaper
and more compact cartridge, and a neater and less weighty breech. For
this purpose we construct a breech block working and falling into a shoe
to which it is hinged at the back joint, or attached by a stout transverse
pin, the diameter of such shoe need not be much in excess of the bore,
as the cartridge is but slightly larger. This breech block opens and
shuts with a snap knife spring action to hold the same firmnly and
steadily. The breech block is pierced centrally to allow the action of a
bolt or draw pin, said draw pin is furnished at the forward end with a
claw for the purpose hereafter described, and the other end is secured to
one limb of a V or a bow spring, the tendency of which is to withdraw the
claw end of the pin from the forward face of the breech. A slot is cut in
the under side of the breech block for a given length communicating
with the claw end of the draw pin. Behind the V spring is also cut a
vertical slot, in which works a bolt or stud communicating with the
trigger when the draw pin and claw is forward, and the spring
compressed, this vertical stud rises in the space left and prevents their
return, but when the stud is depressed by pulling the trigger the spring
is released, bringing back the claw, and said claw having previously
gripped on the head of the pin outside the back of the cartridge pulls
the same with it, firing the friction patch inside. The draw pin is
actuated and the gun opened by a thumb outside.
In the construction of cartridges for this gun we take stout brass foil
as ordinarily used for such purpose and form the same iuto tubes about
1" loug, one single turn, the joint overlapping about ", said joint being
evenly and securely soldered throughout. We then form one end thereof
to an inward flange or lap about " deep. We also take wads of thick
cardboard or millboard of a diameter to fit the inside of the metal foil

page_text: tubes closely, and glue or otherwise affix them to wads of soft felt of the
same diameter, by preference the outside face of such wads is of a
concave form. Through the centre of such combined felt and cardboard
wads we insert ordinary brass pins about 1" in length, the head being
on the card face and on the pointed end projecting through the felt face
we fit a small steel bead, and secure the same thereon by hammering or
riveting down the point in the bead, or else we form a head thereon with
a bead of melted solder. We chequer or roughen the surface of the pin
for about half an inch from the bead, and around the smooth portion in
the centre of the concave wad we place a small cone or patch of firing
compound composed of chlorate of potash, sulphur, and meal powder
mixed with emery powder and gum or any other suitable mixture that
will explode by friction. With the wads thus prepared we close the
flanged end of the foil tubes, the hard cardboard with the head of the pin
thereon butting against the flange and forming the end of the case and
the felt and friction patch being within the case, the inside of the flanged
end of the foil tubes, is payed with a coating of French glue or other
cement to secure the wads and fill up any minute orifice between the
two; the powder is inserted at the open end and well packed around the
central pin, after which the bullet which should fit the case tightly is
inserted to about half its length and an indentation made near the
edge of the case to combine the same firmly with the bullet. In some
cases we employ paper cases to these cartridges instead of brass, so that
the paper being burnt away only the wad is extracted after each
discharge.
SPECIFICATION filed in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters
Patent, and of an Order of the Lord Chancellor, by the said
Mowbray Walker and George Henry Money, in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 21st July 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, MOWBRAY
WALKER, of 1, Essex Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer, and GEORGE HENRY MONEY, of 6, Jermyn Street, in the
County of Middlesex, Lieutenant-Colonel, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Eighth day of January, in the year
of
our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-first

page_text: year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her, heirs, and successors, give and
grant unto us, the said Mowbray Walker and George Henry Money,
Her special licence that we, the said Mowbray Walker and George
Henry Money, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as we, the said Mowbray Walker and George Henry Money,
our 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 BREECH-LOADING SMALL-ARMS, AND IN THE CARTRIDGES TO
BE USED THERE WITH, INCLUDING PISTOLS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that we, the said Mowbray Walker and George Henry Money, or one
of us, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under our, or one of our, 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 on or
before the Twenty-second day of July next.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Mowbray Walker, on behalf of
myself aud the said George Henry Money, do hereby declare the
nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement and accompanying Drawings (that is to say):-
Our improvements consist, first, in constructing a breech-loading gun
having a breech block or abutment in one solid piece without joints
or handles fastened thereto, said breech block is fitted and works
between two parallel bearings projecting from the barrel of the gun
behind the chambered portion which contains the cartridge, said bearings
may be either formed as part and continuation of the barrel itself, or
may be forged separately and screwed on to the barrel in the manner
common with breech-loading arms; the breech block is connected to
the said bearings by a transverse bolt of well tempered steel, the head
of such bolt (the axis of which bisects and is at right angles to the
axis of the barrel) fits into one bearing, and the end thereof is tapped
and fits a corresponding thread in the other bearing. To impart the
necessary oscillation to the breech block we continue the metal behind
the perforation for the transverse bolt into a tail piece or tang, which

page_text: loose pin or
spring fitting
The trigger
fits into a groove cut therefor in the stock, said tang or tail piece
terminating in a lump which is chequered to afford a grip to the
thumb and finger of the right hand, this we call a "balanced breech."
In the under surface of the breech block a slot is cut to allow the
head of the hammer to reach the striker, and from the centre of the
face of said breech block a hole is drilled slightly oblique (downwards)
in this hole is fitted a loose pin or striker, which is prevented falling
out by a small screw fitting in a flat notch made therein. We also
forge a lock or trigger plate, band, or strap, having two pairs of bearings
therein; between the foremost is pivotted a small lever or hammer, the
head of which fits and works in the slot in the under side of the breach
block aforementioned, butting against the end of the
striker; force is given to the lever or hammer by a
between it and the trigger plate, and secured to the latter.
which is pivotted and works in the after bearings is formed with a
hook or claw head or a flat end, and a corresponding formation being
given to the back of the hanımer head or end when the same is
depressed by the action of the breech block it is caught and held by
claw or flat end of the trigger, cocking and opening the breech are
therefore performed by one motion. To obviate the danger likely
to be urged against carrying the gun loaded at full-cock we secure
the detention of the trigger as follows:-In that portion of the
web plate of the trigger projecting within the trigger guard we
dirll a small hole, say " diameter, circumference of said hole
being not quite clear of the trigger plate. We also form a tough
steel pin about 1 inches long to fit the same, the head of said
pin is perforated and attached to a brass or steel chain, which is
also attached by a stud to the stock of the gun in a similar manner
to the "snap caps" in ordinary nipple rifles; by inserting this pin
therefore in the hole in the trigger plate the same is securely locked
and the trigger cannot be pulled; the end of this pin is finished off
to a blunt chisel edge form, and is useful in removing tight cartridge
cases. We provide for extracting the spent cases in one case by two
small extractors of well tempered steel of a form and action somewhat
similar to that of the human arm; the portion which we call the
"hands' are fitted and work in a vertical groove cut in either side
of the chamber behind the flange of the cartridge case, the shoulder
portion of each is pivoted and works on a pin connecting them
transversely on the trigger and lock plate below the barrel. In another

page_text: case we employ an extractor similar to those generally fitted in fowling
pieces, and having a constant tendency to force out the case by a
spiral or V spring, which is held compressed by the face of the breech
block, and is only free to move when the said breech block is below
its level.
Another part of our Invention has reference to what are known as
"bolt guns," i.e. in which a bolt or rod of metal forms the breech
abutment, receding and sliding therefrom in a cylinder or shoe. In this
case also our object is to construct the said breech bolt or block in
one solid piece without joints, and to have the bearing or support for
the same against the discharge more central within the said bolt and
not excentric to it, as is the case with bolt guus as usually constructed;
also to obviate the use of spiral springs to actuate the striker, and the
usual combination of pieces to form the lock. For this purpose we
construct a shoe or cylinder of a determined length screwed to the
barrel as is customary; or said cylinder may be part of the barrel itself,
an opening being made at top for the introduction of the cartridge and
the chamber in the barrel being well half-an-inch in advance of such
opening; the bottom of said cylinder is constructed thicker than the
top, especially at the rear or tang end to give additional strength
and rigidity. The breech bolt, say 4 inches long and 18" diameter,
is forged with a short handle or lever at right angles thereto at one
end, and at about 1 inch therefrom a large notch or slot is cut
transversely in the bolt nearly halfway through, and at an angle of
135 with the handle; said bolt is also pierced centrally communicating
with the transverse slot to allow the action of a loose pin or striker
similar to that afore described, a slot of corresponding shape and size
is also cut in the shoe or cylinder immediately under that in the bolt
when the same is forced home. A square block of well tempered
wrought steel is made to fit these combined slots, and forms the
breech bearing to support the recoil, said block is slightly curvilinear
in form, and is formed with a flange at the bottom, back, and front
to steady its action; a flat steel spring is secured at one end to the
bottom of this block, and at the other to the bottom of the shoe or
cylinder, the action of said spring forcing the block through the slot
in the shoe into that in the bolt and holding the bolt against the recoil,
an opening in the stock is cut below to allow the small amount of
play for the depression of this block, which is caused by giving the
handle or thumb piece a quarter turn from right to left when the

page_text: cam and
horizontal surface of the slot in the breech bolt acts as
forces the block within the shoe. The trigger of a peculiar form is
pivoted by the head to the under surface of the vertical block, working
up and down through a slit cut in the trigger guard plate, said plate
which is of hard well tempered steel has one end of the slit rounded
off to form a catch to fit a notch cut in the front of the trigger, and
said trigger having always a forward pressure by means of a small
spring. When the said block is depressed within the stock by turning
the bolt on its axis the notch in the trigger catches on the tongue,
and the combined trigger and block are held secure thereby. When the
trigger is pulled backwards the notch frees and the block rises with
a force equal to the strength of the spring into the bolt, at the same
time having a slight curve action the forward top edge strikes a smart
blow on the striker, thereby exploding the cap. To extract the spent
cases we employ a flat bar of steel about 1" wide, and 18" thick,
or thicker, running the whole length of the bolt; one end is formed
with a grip for the flange of the cartridge case, and the other is turned
over to form a flange at right angles, which flange fits in a groove
cut round the bolt in front of the thumb piece about т deep.
square groove is also cut in the upper surface of the breech shoe in which
this extractor fits and slides.
A
Another portion of our Invention has reference also to bolt guns, and
consists in constructing the same without lock or trigger, the fastening
and firing arrangements also acting together, being in few pieces and
part of bolt itself, whereby we avoid much cutting out and fitting in
the stock, and effect, we believe, a considerable saving in time, labor,
and consequent cost. For this purpose we construct the barrel with
the cylindrical shoe or socket as last described. The breech bolt in
this case is a plain rod without any handle or projection, one end
flat and the other rounded off; at the round end we slot out a portion
centrally for a given length, thus leaving the rear end of the bolt in the
form of two equal arms or shafts with a space between, into this space
we fit a piece which we call the "latch," of a peculiar form, constructed
of strong stub iron, and which may be briefly described as a short lever
with the arms at an obtuse angle to each other, one arm (which works
in the space in the bolt is formed at the end into a strong and heavy
catch or hook, and the other into a double comb or thumb piece; this
latch piece is secured between the two shafts of the bolt by a transverse

page_text: pin or bolt in the line of the axis of the gun of strong steel, and not
less than inches diameter, the upper surface of the breech bolt is
planed slightly flat to about in. wide, and a flat plate of well-tempered
spring steel screwed thereto. The forward end of this plate is or may be
finished off to form the extractor, and the after end is carefully squared
and smoothed. A groove or notch is also evenly made across the latch
piece. The length of this spring plate and the form and position of the
latch and the notch therein is so arranged that one acts as a mainspring
and sear, and the other as a tumbler and catch. Immediately under
the catch or hook end of the latch piece a slot of corresponding form
is cut in the shoe into which the latch end falls by pressure on the flat
or mainspring above mentioned. The shoe is formed with a small
lump immediately below this slot, and instead of the trigger guard a
simple plate is forged having a projection thereon through which a pin
passes through the stock screwing into the lump on the shoe; another
pin forward through this plate also screws into the shoe, and with the
usual bands binds the breech barrel and stock most firmly together.
The breech bolt is bored centrally for a loose pin or striker, one end of
said strikers terminating in a hub or strong lump nearly at right angles
thereto; this lump fits in a groove cut for it in the under part of the
breech bolt immediately in front of the latch, so that when the same
descends by the force of the spring above the pin is forced forward
exploding the cap. The latch" is elevated out of the slot by pressure
on the combs, turning the same on the transverse bearing pin, when it
is held by the end of the spring plate catching in the notch (in which
position the bolt is withdrawn for loading. To release the same for
firing we employ as follows: A small hole is drilled or slotted
horizontally through the top of the latch piece between the combs and
a small steel pin or bar fitted therein, said pin has a button or
spherical head, say diameter, and the end is bevelled off flat to an
angle of about 35°, the socket being so centred and directed that the
edge of the bevel comes just beneath the junction of the notch and
spring gear. This sliding bar or pin has a play backwards and forwards
of about inch, and is secured in the same manner as the loose pin
or striker described in the first part of this Specification, or by any
simple and suitable means. The button head of this pin is chequered,
and projects slightly between the combs, so that by pressing thereon
with the thumb of the right hand the bevelled edge. is forced forward

page_text: under the flat plate, lifting the same from the notch, when the hook of
the latch is immediately thrown into the slot in the shoe, locking the
breech, and at the same time imparting a blow to the striker.
Another part of our Invention has reference to a gun with a reverse
action for exploding the charge to that now employed, i.e., backward
by friction instead of forward by percussion, whereby we obtain ä
cheaper and more compact cartridge, and a neater and less weighty
breech. For this purpose we construct a breech block working and
falling into a shoe, to which it is hinged at the back joint or attached
by a stout transverse pin, the diameter of such shoe need not be much
in excess of the bore, as the cartridge is but slightly larger; this
breech block opens and shuts with a snap knife spring action to hold
the same firmly and steadily. The breech block is pierced centrally to
allow the action of a bolt or "draw pin;" said draw pin is furnished at
the forward end with a claw for the purpose hereafter described, and
the other end is secured to one limb of a V or bow spring, the tendency
of which is to withdraw the claw end of the pin from the forward
face of the breech. A slot is cut in the under side of the breech block
for a given length communicating with the claw end of the draw pin;
behind the V spring is also cut a vertical slot, in which works a bolt
or stud communicating with the trigger when the draw pin or claw
is forward and the spring compressed; this vertical stud rises in the
space left and prevents their return; but when the stud is depressed
by pulling the trigger the spring is released bringing back the claw,
and said claw having previously gripped on the head of the pin outside,
the back of the cartridge pulls the same with it, firing the friction
patch inside. In the construction of cartridges for this gun we take
stout brass foil as ordinarily used for such purpose, and form the same
into tubes about 12" long, one single turn, the joint overlapping
about ", said joint being evenly and securely soldered throughout.
We then form one end thereof to an inward flange or lap about
"deep. We also take wads of thick cardboard or millboard, and glue
or affix the same to wads of soft felt of the same diameter; by
preference the outside face of such wads is of a concave form. Through
the centre of such combined felt and cardboard wads we insert
ordinary brass pins about 11 in length, the head being in the card
face, and on the pointed end projecting through the felt face we fit
a small steel bead, and secure the same thereon by hammering or

page_text: rivetting down the point in the bead, or else we form a head thereon
with a bead of melted solder. We chequer or roughen the surface of
the pin for about half an inch from the bead, and around the smooth
portion in the centre of the concave wad place a small cone or patch of
firing compound composed of chlorate of potash, sulphur and meal
powder mixed with emery powder, or gum or any other suitable
mixture that will explode by friction. With the wads thus prepared
we close the flanged end of the foil tubes, the hard cardboard with
the head of the pin thereon butting against the flange end of the case,
and the felt and friction patch being within the case; the inside of
this flanged end of the foil tube is payed with a coating of French
glue or other cement to secure the wads and fill up any minute orifice
between the two; the powder is inserted at the open end, and well
packed around the central pin; after which the bullet, which should
fit the case tightly, is inserted to about half its length, and an
indentation or cannelure made near the edge of the case to combine
the same firmly with the bullet. In some cases we employ paper cases
to these cartridges instead of brass, so that the paper being burnt away
only the wad is extracted after such discharge.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Sheet 1, Figures 1 to 13, are illustrations of the first and second
parts of our Invention. Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the first
part of our Invention with the action shut; Figure 2 is a longitudinal
section of the same open, showing the action of the extractors; Figure 3
is a plan of the breech portion of the arm; Figure 4 is a side elevation
of a portion of the barrel with the breech body or shafts; Figure 5 is
a section of the breech block; Figure 6 is a representation of the
transverse breech piu; Figure 7 is a view of the extractors. The letters
of reference are the same throughout.
A is the barrel and breech body; B, the breech block or balanced
breech; C, the cartridge chamber; D, the transverse breech pin;
E, lock or trigger plate or strap secured to the barrel and breech by
the screws e, e; F, the stocking pin or screw securing the breech
action to the stock; G, the cleaning rod; a, loose pin or striker retained
in the breech block by the small binding screw b; c, the hammer
pivoted on the lock strap; d, the trigger; f, the extractors; g, hole

page_text: through the trigger to receive the stop pink; h, flat mainspring;
i, trigger spring; m, strap or sling screw.
The action of this arm is as follows:-The chequered knob D¹ of
the breech block is seized with the thumb and forefinger of the right.
hand and raised from the stocks when the forward end descends within
the stock, at the same time depressing the hammer till the notch or
claw thereon is caught by the nose or end of the trigger. When the
face of the breech block has cleared the base of the cartridge the under
surface thereof bears upon the short arms or shoulders of the extractors,
and a slight continuation of the motion depresses these shoulders,
causing the bands thereof to advance from the barrel and withdraw
the cartridge case from the chamber. The case being slightly taper,
and the movement being effected, with a jerk of the wrist the cartridge
case is thrown up the incline of the breech block and clear from the
arm without any other motion of the hand. A fresh cartridge is
introduced and pushed into the chamber by the thumb of the right
hand, and the breech closed by the simple depression of the wrist on
the tail portion of the breech block, the gun is then ready for firing.
Figures 8 to 13 are illustrations of the second part of our Invention.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the gun (shut); Figure 9 is a
longitudinal section of the gun (open); Figure 10 is a transverse
section on the line a, b, of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a transverse section
on the line c, d, of Figure 2; Figure 12 is a view of the vertical
block D; Figure 13 is a view of the extractor bar. The letters of
reference are the same in all.
A is the barrel and breech body or shoe; B is the breech bolt sliding
in A; C is the chamber for the cartridge; D is the block of steel
fitting in the slot cut in the under part of the breech bolt, and forming
the bearing or support against the discharge; E, trigger working
between bearings formed in the under part of D and connected thereto
by the pin d; F, loose pin or striker to explode the cartridge; a, flat
steel spring secured to under part of breech shoe by the screw e and
between the trigger bearings to bottom of vertical block D, the end is
also made thinner and lighter, and acts as a trigger or sear spring;
b, screw fitting in a broad notch cut in the striker F to prevent its
falling out; c, c, stocking pins securing the breech shoe to the stock;

page_text: d, trigger pin e, spring screws; f, steel plate to catch the lip or
projection on the trigger E; g, extractor bar to withdraw spent cases.
The action of this system is sufficiently described in the foregoing
Specification.
Sheet 2, Figures 1 to 5 are illustrations of the third part, and
Figures 6 to 13 are illustrations of the last part of our Invention.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section shut; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section
open Figure 3 is a plan of the breech bolt with the latch piece
removed; Figure 4 is a section of the "latch piece," showing the action
and securing of the thumb piston b; Figure 5 is an end view of the
"breech bolt" and "latch piece."
A, the barrel and breech shoe; B, the breech bolt; C, chamber;
D, latch piece fitting and holding in the slot cut in A, E, transverse
steel pin connecting B and D; F, loose pin or stricker; G, lump or
grip for the hand in manipulating the arms; a, a, flat steel spring
screwed to B; b, thumb piston with bevelled end for releasing the
spring and discharging the arm; c, c, stocking pins to bind the breech
to the stock.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of a gun on this our last system
shut and ready for firing; Figure 7 is a longitudinal section of a gun
on this system shut and fired; Figure 8 is a plan view of the arm;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the weapon open; Figure 10 is a separate
view of the draw pin or bar with a claw end to grip the head of the
cartridge pin. The letters of reference are the same.
A is the barrel and breech shoe; B, breech block hinged to A by the
joint C; D, the trigger pivotted on and underneath the breech shoe;
E, draw pin working in slot cut therefor in B; F, flat plate with thumb
piece at end working and covering over the slot in B, and also serving
to actuate the draw pin E which is fitted thereto; a, flat steel bow
spring, one end of which is fixed to B and the other end fitting loose
in a notch made therefor in E, which it forces backwards when the
same is not kept forward by the trigger 1); b, small flat trigger spring
secured to under side of breech shoe by the screw c; d, d, stocking
pins to bind the breech to the stock.
Figure 11 is a section of the cartridge for this gun; Figure 12 is an
elevation or outside view; Figure 13 is an end view of the same.
a, a,

page_text: the metal or paper case; b, the bullet; c, plug to ditto; d, wad of
felt combined with the cardboard wad e; f, double headed metal pin;
g, friction patch ignited by the rough surface of the pin.
It is to be noted that we do not claim the construction of a metallic
cartridge case or tube soldered as herein detailed, such soldered tube
being part of a Patent granted to George Henry Daw, of Threadneedle
Street, London, and forming part of what is known as the "Daw"
cartridge, but only the employment of such soldered tube in conjunction
and connection with the combined wad, friction patch pin, &c., as
herein described.
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, with the
performance of the same, we declare that we claim,―
First. The construction of breech-loading fire-arms having the breech
block or abutment balanced between parallel flanks or bearings on a
stout transverse pin in line of the axis of the barrel of and in the form
and manner herein-before described; also of a lock and extractor action
with a loose outside safety pin, in the form and manner herein described
and illustrated in Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
"with a
Secondly. Constructing what are known as "bolt guns'
combined hammer and vertical bolt, substantially in the manner
herein-before described and illustrated in Sheet 1 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Thirdly. Constructing what we call a "latch gun" without a lock,
being a bolt gun with the fastening and discharging action also com-
bined by means of a claw and thumb piece oscillating ou a central pin
in the axis of the gun and fitting in a slot in the bottom of the shoe,
substantially in the form and manner herein before described and
illustrated in Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fourthly. Constructing breech-loading fire-arms with the breech
block or abutment swinging upwards and backwards on a hinged joint.
in the form and manner described, with a reversed action lock consisting
of a pin with a claw thereon actuated by a spring, substantially in the
manner set forth and illustrated in Sheet 2 of the accompanying.
Drawings.
Fifthly. Constructing cartridges to explode by friction instead of
percussion by means of a roughened pin moving through a wad and

page_text: friction patch in the base of the cartridge, substantially in the manner
herein-before set forth and illustrated in Sheet 2 of the accompanying
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Mowbray Walker, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eighth day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
MOWBRAY WALKER. (L.S.)