for the
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 14th May, 1887
Complete Left, 17th Sept., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 18th Oct:, 1887.
I, THOMAS BLAND, of 430 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex, Gun
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the sights used upon fire-arms of all kinds, where sights
or points are employed for the alignment of the barrel, in taking aim. It consists
in the affixing to, or insertion in, the front sight; or the front and back sight;
of a diamond, so placed as to catch the eye quickly in taking aim at the object
to be fired at.
The diamond being cut in any usual way reflects rays of light falling upon the
same and would therefore from its brilliancy readily catch the eye of the person
aiming, even in comparatively dark places. It thus becomes a conspicuous object,
and greatly facilitates the handling of the piece. The diamond may be inserted
in a small hole drilled in the fore sight, or sight nearest the object aimed for, or
it may be affixed to the same in any convenient manner.
The back sight may be likewise fitted with a diamond; or more than one diamond
may be used upon either sight; and it is to be understood that the invention may
be applied to all kinds of small arms, also to machine guns, and to light or heavy
ordnance.
D
.. 141
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
Agents for the Applicant."

page_text: I, THOMAS BLAND, of 430 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex, Gun
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention relates to the sights used upon fire-arms of all kinds, whereon sights
or points are employed for the alignment of the barrel in taking aim. It consists in
the affixing to, or insertion in, the front sight; or the front and back sight, of a
diamond; so placed and arranged as to catch the eye quickly in taking aim at the
object to be fired at.
The diamond being cut in any usual manner reflects the rays of light falling
thereon, and from its brilliancy, would readily catch the eye of the person aiming ;
even in comparatively dark places. It thus becomes a conspicuous object, and greatly
facilitates the handling of the piece. The diamond may be inserted in a small hole
drilled in the fore sight, or sight nearest to the object aimed at, or it may be affixed
to the same in any other convenient manner.
The back sight may be likewise fitted with a diamond; or more than one diamond
may be used on either sight, and it will be readily understood that the invention can
be applied to all kinds of small arms, also to machine guns, and to light or heavy
ordnance.
Imitation diamonds, crystal, glass, or gems of various kinds may be substituted
for the diamond mentioned herein, on account of the smaller cost of the same; but
while I claim their use for the purpose described, I much prefer to use the diamond
as being in every way superior.
In the annexed drawings, Fig. 1 represents the front sight, and Fig. 2 the back
sight of an ordinary sporting small arm; Fig. 3 the fore sight, and Fig. 4 the back
sight inserted in their respective positions in or upon the said fire-arm. The diamond
is shown at a in each case; a thin bushing of silver secured to the sight, and riveted
over at the end, serving to retain the diamond in its required position. Similarly the
diamond is secured upon revolvers, machine guns, light or heavy ordnance, or their
sights as before stated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :
1. The use of a diamond, or a substitute therefor, substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.

page_text: 2. The combination of a front or back sight of a fire-arm with a diamond or a
substitute therefor; substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. A diamond or substitute therefor, mounted upon the barrel or sight of a fire-
arm in such a manner as to reflect rays of light falling upon the said diamond, whereby
it becomes a conspicuous object in taking aim, and facilitates the alignment of the
barrel; substantially as described.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London,
Agents for the Applicant.