IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND IN. THE BALLS TO BE USED THEREWITH
Year: 1840

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JOSEPH ROCK COOPER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Gun Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria,
by Her Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twenty-first day of January, in the third year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Joseph Rock Cooper, Her especial licence, full
-power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Joseph Rock
Cooper, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Joseph Rock Cooper, my exors, aditiors, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during
the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
AND IN. THE BALLS TO BE USED THEREWITH;" in which said Letters. Patent
is contained a provisó that I, the said Joseph Rock Cooper, shall cause
a particular description of the nature of the Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to, be inrolled in Her said

page_text: !
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference, being thereunto had, will more
fully and at large appear..
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the
said Joseph Rock Cooper,.do.hereby declare the nature of my Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully
described and ascertained in and' by the following statement thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings -hercunto- annexed;-and--to the
figures and letters marked thereon (that is to say):
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1, represents a side view-of-a-gun or fowling-piece having
the first part of my Invention applied thereto; Figure 2, is a plan of
Figure 1; Figure 3, shews a side view of the lock separately; Figure
4, is a plan or inside view of the lock; and the other Figures of this
Sheet of the Drawings shew various views of the separate parts of the
lock. In each of these Figures the same letters indicate similar parts,
and as the first part of my Invention relates only to the mode of con-
structing the e lock, it will not be necessary to enter into a description of
the other
parts of the gun or fowling piece. a, represents the trigger
plate, on the upper surface of which are formed two projecting plates b,
or what are called bridles, as it is in openings formed in these plates b,
in which the axis of the tumbler turns; c, is the tumbler, and it will be
seen that its axis c', is borne up into the hook-formed openings of the
plates 6, by ineans of the main spring d, which main spring is affixed
to the trigger plate, and is attached by the ordinary construction of
"Swivel to the tumbler, as will be seen on examining the Drawing; è, is
the trigger and f, the trigger and sear spring. It will thus be seen
that by the peculiar arrangement of the bridles or plates b, and the
mode of applying the axis of the tumbler with its main spring, a
very simple construction of lock is obtained, little liable to get out of
order, is easily cleaned, readily taken to pieces, and again put together.
It will also be seen that the hammer is attached to the axis of the
tumbler, and that there is a gap cut in the under part and at one side
;

page_text: of the stock of the gunoi fowling piece, to allow of the axis of the
tumbler going to its proper position, as is shewn in the Drawing>>
I will now proceed to describe the second part of my Invention.
Figure 5, shew's a side view of a double barrel gün; Figure 6,is a
plan of Figure 5; Figure 7, shews a section of the lock and part of
one of the barrels; Figure '8; shows. a plan of the interior of the lock,
which is uncovered; the other Figures shew detached views of the
various parts of the lock and metal frame or body of the gun which
contains the parts of the lock, and to which the stock of the gun-is
affixed, and also forms. the brake-off for the barrel. Thus gun is so
arranged as to be discharged by a direct central, fire, and in this case
the hammer and tumbler are formed together as one instrument, and
the parts in other respects are formed very similarly to the first part of
my Invention, and, are marked with the same letters of reference; but
in this case there is only a single bridle, and in place of its being
'formed on 'the upper surface of the trigger plate; as was the former
(case, the bridle b in this lock is affixed to the interior of the frame or
body of the gun, as is clearly, shewn in the Drawing. And this frame
or, body of the gun:consists of the trigger plate as the two side plates: a',
and the plate:a, or brake-off plate, into which the barrels, or rather
the breeches; are affixed; and all these parts asta, a, ȧre cast or other-
wise formed in one piece, thus giving great strength.
In the upper edges and on the inside of the two side plates a¹, care
formed grooves to receive the sliding cover g, by which all parts are
enclosed; but the same is capable of sliding, in order to place: detonating
caps ready for discharging the barrels. g; is a spring which bears.on
the, under side of the sliding cover to retain it secure when shut.
is a partition plate through which the hammers work; the openings
through such plate being only so large as to allow the hammers to
moves through the saine, and as much as possible prevent the smoke
passing into the works of the lock
37
The body; of the lock is affixed to the stock by means of screws
passing through the trigger plate a; and through the upper! or top plate
a, which is affixed to the side plates: a', by a pin passing through those

page_text: plates and through the top plate a, as will readily be understood on
examining the Drawing.
my
I will now proceed to describe the third part of Invention.
Figure 9, shews the side view of a gun or fowling: piece constructed
according to the third part of my Invention; Figure 10, is a plan of
Figure 9; Figure 11, is a section of the lock and part of the barrel;
Figure 12, shews the trigger plate separately in plan and side view;
Figure 13, is a plan or inside view of the trigger plate and the works of
the lock; Figure 14, shows a front view and side section of an apparatus
or instrument for applying detonating caps to the nipples of fire-arms
constructed according to this part of my Invention. In each of these
Figures the lock is shewn similar to the first part of my Invention, and
the parts are marked with the same letters of reference, the difference
being that in this case the hammer is a sliding bolt, which is affixed to
the tumbler by a pin joint, and the bolt is guided in its action by sliding
through an opening formed in the partition plate. A, and the brake-off
or plate into which the end of the barrel enters forms part of the top
plate B, and the same is affixed to the trigger-plate by means of two
screws, which also aid in the affixing of the various parts to the-stock
of the gun. A', is a chamber which forms part with the trigger-plate,
-and is a recess into which the detonating cap explodes, and there is an
opening at the side of the gun into this chamber at C, through which
the instrument for applying the cap on to the nipple is inserted. This
instrument consists of a long quadrangular case C₁, there being a slit
or opening at C2, in front, through which a stud passes; this stud is
affixed to a ram or piston, which slides freely in the case C', there
.being a spring at the back which forces up the ram or piston and con-
sequently the caps towards the outer end, there being a portion of the
front plate of the case C', cut away in order to the cap coming througli,
and the back plate of the case protrudes beyond the other sides, as is
shewn in the Drawing. C³, is a spring which partly covers the end of
the case, and prevents the caps being forced out too far; hence when
the end of the case C, is placed through the opening at C, a cap may
readily be placed on the nipple, and the case withdrawn, the spring. C³

page_text: giving way as the case is withdrawn. The chamber A¹; is "rectangular,
and has an opening for inserting the case C', another opening through
for the sliding hammer, which ought to fit well, yet slide easily, and
there is a third opening through which the nipple passes, and the
chamber A is formed on to. the trigger plate a, by casting therewith:
or otherwise..
I will now describe the fourth part of my Invention, which relates to
a mode of self-priming applied to guns or other such fire-arms, by
which detonating caps are caused to be fed into the opening or guide
hole or passage way through which the hammer passes, and such:
feeding in of a cap can only take place when the gun is cocked, or in
the act of cocking; at other times the hammer covering the opening
through which the caps are passed' prevents any cap coming into the
passage or way through which the sliding hammer passes. Figure 15,
shows a side view of a gun or fowling-piece having this improvement
applied thereto; Figure 16, is a side view in section, by which the
internal arrangement of parts can be more readily traced; Figure 17,
is a plan or inside view of the trigger plate and the parts of the lock;
the other Figures shewing detached views of the various parts. And it'
will be seen that the lock in this case is so arranged as to be cocked
and discharged by the simple act of pulling the trigger in like manner
to what has heretofore been practiced in some constructions of pistols';
but it will be evident that in carrying out this part of my Invention, the
working parts of the lock may be varied, thus, for instance, with tlie
exception to the apparatus applied for self-priming, the lock may be
similar to that one last described. It will not therefore be necessary to
enter into a particular description of such parts, but confine the
explanation of the present Figures to the apparatus for self-priming.
E, is the tube affixed to the under side of the gun, and it enters into
the lock and rises up to the opening in the plate A, through which the
sliding hammer moves or slides, and in such manner that so long as
the hammer is not drawn back to be cocked no detonating cap can
ise into a position to be used as a means of discharging the gun. F,
s the ram, which is driven up by means of a spring behind; the ran

page_text: F, is made of several parts, and linked together, so that they will readily,
bend to the curve of the tube, and when forced up by the spring will:
drive, the detonating caps towards the opening or passage through
which the hammer works, and the caps being somewhat larger than the
nipple will not hold thereon. G, is .a stud, which is affixed to one of.
the links of the chain or ram, and passing through a slit in the tube E,
by which means the chain or ram can be drawn back, in order to intro-
duce caps into the tube. E, and the caps are introduced through an:
opening. H, when the chain or ram is drawn back. The Drawing
shews the parts in the position of the gun being cocked, consequently
there is a cap opposed to the passage of the hammer, such cap having
its concave side opposite to the nipple, and in discharging the. hammer
by pulling the trigger the cap will be carried forward by the hammer
and be forced upon the nipple, and by the contact discharged: And it
should be stated that should the gun or other; fire-arm have: a lock
similar to that at Fig. 11, applied thereto, in place of the one shown,,
and at any time be cocked and not discharged, the cap may be removed:
by uncocking the lock, by which the cap' will be. forced out of the
passage way of the chammer and fall into the chamber A', and from
thence may be shaken out at the opening C, and, 'a fresh cap cannot
again come up into the passage way of the hammer until the hammer.
is drawn back in order to cock the lock, when another cap will be
immediately placed; across the passage way;.in a position to be driven
on to the nipple when the trigger is pulled...,
1
Another part of my Invention relates; to a, mode of constructing
pistols which have a series of barrels revolving on an axis, and which
barrels are fired'in succession by a. single lock, and the improvement
consists in so arranging the parts, that the nipples may be affixed at the
ends of barrels, and thus obtain' what is called a direct .and central: or
nearly a central fire. Figure 18, represents a side view of a pistol
with six barrels revolving on an axis; Figure 19, is, a plan thereof;
Figure 20, is a section of the same, by which the construction of the
parts will more readily be understood; the other: Figures show the
various parts separately. It will be seen that, the pistolis self-acting,

page_text: that; is, the pulling of the trigger throws back; the hammer, and also,
turns the barrels round on their axis of motion' in order to bring them;
successively into a position to be discharged; but it should be stated:
that the arrangement of parts; so far as the construction of the lock is
concerned; forms no part of my Invention, it being well known and in.
use, and my Invention only, relates to the sofarranging of the parts of
the lock, and the means of receiving the detonating: priming at the
back, in order to obtain a central fire to each of the barrels.
I will, now describe the sixth part of my Invention, which relates to
Iamode of applying detonating, tubes, in; discharging pistols where a
series of:barrels are combined together and revolve around a common;
axis of motion. Figure 21, shows a side view of a pistol constructed,
according to this part of my Invention'; Figure 22, shows a plan
thereof; Figure 23, shows a section thereof...In this case, as in the
former, the barrels are caused to move and, come into proper position by
the act of moving the trigger, and the tubes are so arranged as to be at,
the back, but they do, not get a direct central fire, but very nearly a
central fire, the touch-holes slanting downwards, and the tubes I entering;
openings formed at the end of the barrels, such openings entering into
the touch-holes. In this arrangement; as is, also the case in the pre-
ceding, and as is usual in pistols of this description; the barrels are taken
off the axis J; which is used as, arram rod, and when the barrels, are:
loaded the detonating priming is applied; either caps or such like means:
in the former case, and tubes in the present case; before placing the
barrels on the axis, and retained thereon by the screw as shown
I will now describe the seventh part of my Invention. Figure 24:
shows a section of capistol constructed according to this part of
my: Invention Figure 25; a plan thereof; and the novel, feature-
thereof consists in the hammer K striking, through the barrel.or
breech, and discharging adetonating tube; and thus-obtain a central
fire by a tube actually within the barrel or breech thereof; the line.of
discharge of such detonating tube, being in the line of the centre, or
nearly so, of the barrel, by which a most beneficial arrangement is pro
duced; and sometimes employ a tube; such as is shewn at Figure 26.

page_text: containing. detonating powder, which at once acts as the prime and-
the charge for this pistol, gun, fowling-piece, or other fire-arms to which.
such improvement in the construction thereof is applied, or an ordinary.
detonating tube may be introduced, and a charge of gunpowder:
employed therewith; and it will be evident that by such mode the
powder will be discharged under the most favorable circumstances.
Figure 27, shows a section of another pistol; and Figure 28, an under:
side view of Figure 27. In this case the hammer strikes through the
barrel from below in place of from above; in other respects this pistol. is
the same as in respect to the application of this part of my Invention,
for the detonating tube lies within the barrel or breech thereof, and is
discharged by the hammer striking through.
.
I will now describe the eighth part of my Invention, which relates
to the construction of balls for pistols, guns, or other fire-arms, and
consists of forming a recess in each ball, and filling the same in with
detonating powder, which is to act as the charge for discharging such
balls from the pistol and other fire-arms. Figure 29, shows a section
and front view of a ball constructed according to this part of my Inven-
tion; and this recess may be formed in casting the ball by making
suitable moulds; or the ball may be moulded complete, and have a
In using
recess formed therein by a drill or other convenient means.
these balls the barrel is to be unscrewed, and the ball placed therein
in such manner that the detonating powder will stand opposite the
touch-hole, or cylindrical balls may be employed, such as are shewn at
Fig. 29*, and the same is to be discharged by any of the usual means
for priming pistols.
Another part of my Invention relates to a mode of applying nipples
to guns & other fire-arms, and consists of passing the nipple from the
interior to the exterior of the breech in place of screwing the nipple
from the external surface towards the interior of the breech; by this
arrangement the great liability of blowing out the nipple now expe-
rienced will be avoided. Fig. 16, Fig 16*, show this part of the
Invention.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would remark

page_text: that although I have necessarily shown many parts which are old and
well known, I do not claim the sanie; and further; in carrying out my
several improvements variations may be made in some of the parts
without departing from my Invention, so long as the modes of action
claimed as my Invention be substantively retained. And I would have
it understood that what I claim is,―
First, the mode of carrying the axis of the tumbler by the bridles b,
formed on the trigger plate a, and retained therein by the main spring,
as described.
- Secondly, I claim the mode of forming the parts a; a', a², in one
piece, as above described, and I do also claim the mode of supporting
the axes of the tumblers by the main springs supporting them into the
hooked formed opening of the bridle or plate b, and into similar open-
ings formed in the side plates a', as described in respect to Figures 5, 6,
7, and 8.
Thirdly, I claim the mode of constructing fire-arms with an opening
C, to have detonating caps applied to the nipple combined with the
chamber A', in the manner above described.
Fourthly, I claim the mode of applying a self-priming apparatus to
guns, fowling pieces, or other such like fire-arms, whereby detonating
caps are caused to be fed into a passage way through which the hammer
moves, and whereby the caps are forced on to the nipple and dis-
charged.
Fifthly, I claim the mode of constructing pistols having a series of
barrels moving on an axis in such manner as to obtain a central or
nearly central fire, as above described.
Sixthly, I claim the mode of constructing pistols having a series of
barrels revolving on an axis in such manner as to discharge the same
with detonating tubes, as above described.
Seventhly, I claim the mode of constructing pistols, guns, and other
fire-arms in such manner that detonating tubes within the barrel or
breech may be discharged by the hammer striking through, as above
described.
Eighthly, I claim the mode of applying charges of detonating powder
to balls, as above described.