IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING FIRE- ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARMS INTO BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1866

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Wilson, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Mechanical Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING FIRE-
ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARMS INTO BREECH-LOADING
FIRE-ARMS."
Sealed the 30th November 1866, and dated the 4th August 1866.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Wilson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th
August 1866.
I, THOMAS WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING MUZZLE-LOADING FIRE-ARMS INTO
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists, firstly, of the following improvements in constructing
the mechanism for opening and closing and discharging breech-loading
fire-arms I attach to the breech end of the barrel a metal frame, which
said frame encircles the butt of the stock, and is constructed so as to carry
A

page_text: the entire mechanism required for operating and firing the gun; I attach or
joint to the sides of this frame a forked lever or breech closer; the body or
bow of the said lever or closer when shut down covers and closes the bore of
the gun; I make the extreme end of the breech convex, so as to suit the
curved action of the lever, and the bow or body of the lever I make concave
to suit the shape of the breech, so that when the lever is shut down it
completely covers the breech, and is sustained in position during fire by its
connection with the breech frame at its forked end. In the body of the
breech frame I fit a rod or bar, which serves as a hammer or striker for
igniting the cartridge; the said rod or bar traverses a hole under the breech
of the gun, and is driven against the cartridge by the action of a coiled spring
in the forward part of the frame; the rear of the rod or bar is formed with
a raised part or head which carries a steel point in front for striking and
igniting the cartridge. Instead of the rod or hammer working under the
charge chamber it may be placed in the rear part of the charge chamber. I
form in the under side of the rod or hammer bents, into which a sear takes
when the said rod or hammer is pushed out or cocked, and the sear is
liberated from the rod or hammer by a trigger on firing the gun. I effect
the cocking of the gun by the closing lever which acts upon the forward end
of the rod or hammer, so as to force it out or cock the gun by the act of
opening the breech. I fit into the chamber of the gun a hook or extractor
for pulling or pushing out the exploded cartridge case, and I place the
extractor on the bottom side of the chamber, and construct it so as to be
acted upon by the rod or hammer in cocking the gun. Instead of the rod or
hammer described a cranked or curved hammer or striker may be used acting
from a pin or centre, which cranked or curved hammer is cocked by the action
of the lever, as in the previously described arrangement.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I cut or form an opening in the upper part of the breech
of the barrel, and fit in the said opening a sliding plug or breech piece for
opening and closing the breech. I joint or attach to the upper and forward
end of the breech plece a strong strap, and connect the said strap to a lever,
the rear end of which lever is jointed to the extreme breech of the barrel, so
that on raising and lowering the said lever the breech piece is moved
backwards and forwards, and the breech chamber thus opened and closed.
The strap which connects the breech piece to the lever is so formed that its
upper part when shut down rests between the forward end or shoulder of the
breech piece and the solid rear end or shoulder of the breech of the barrel,
and thus sustains the breech piece in position during the discharge of the

page_text: gun. I form the hook or extractor for removing the exploded cartridge case
by preference in the upper side of the barrel, and I fit a hook or catch in the
forward end of the breech piece, which said hook or catch on closing the
breech engages with the head of the cartridge extractor, so that on opening
the breech for loading the said extractor is drawn from the chamber, carrying
with it the exploded case. When the said case is sufficiently withdrawn from
the chamber the catch on the breech piece disengages from the extractor, and
allows the said extractor to return to its fixed position in the chamber, where
it is retained by a coiled spring until again acted upon by the spring catch on
opening the breech. I ignite the cartridge by means of a steel pin or striker
working in the centre or axis of the sliding plug, and I drive up the said pin
or striker by means of a circular block or hammer working in the rear of the
sliding plug, and forced against the pin or striker by a coiled spring put into
a state of tension by the opening of the breech; or I make the rear of the
sliding plug or block hollow or tubular, and fit into the said tubular end the
hammer or circular block and coiled spring, so that the hammer and spring
are carried by the sliding plug, and put into a state of tension on closing the
breech instead of on opening it, as in the last-described arrangement. The
hammer is provided with one or more bents into which a sear takes, which
said sear is liberated by a trigger nearly in the ordinary manner. The forward
end of the lever is made into a handle by which the action is operated.
When the action is closed the lever is held down by a spring or catch
during fire. Instead of one strong strap for closing and fixing the breech
during fire a pair of straps connected to the sides of the breech piece may be
employed.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms :-I chamber out the breech end of the barrel somewhat
larger than the bore; I cut an opening through the top of the barrel for the
introduction of the cartridge, and fit into the said chamber a sliding plug or
closer. The said plug or closer has a lug or projection formed on its forward
end, which said lug or projection is by partial rotation turned into a cross
slot formed in the breech when the gun is closed for firing, and is thus
sustained in position during discharge by abutting against a shoulder formed
by the cross slot. I fit into the lug or projection on the sliding plug a steel
pin' or striker, the outer end of which is struck by the hammer, and its point
or forward end driven against a percussion cap in the centre of the cartridge
and ignites it. When the gun has been discharged the plug is released from
the cross slot and drawn back, when a fresh cartridge may be introduced for
firing. The lug or projection traverses a longitudinal slot in the breech when

page_text: being drawn back for charging the gun. The rear end of the plug or closer.
is fitted with a handle by which the said plug is rotated and all its motions
performed. The slots in the breech are covered with plates when the breech
is closed to keep out wet and dirt. I form the hook or extractor for drawing
out the exploded cartridge case in the left upper side of the breech, which
said hook or extractor is acted upon by the sliding plug in opening the breech
and the cartridge case thus drawn from the chamber. When I use a
cartridge without a rigid or metallic case or base the extractor is dispensed
with.
In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of a
muzzle-loading into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as follows:-I remove
the breech or tail pin from the barrel, and screw therein a tubular piece
through which the rear of the sliding plug works, which said sliding plug is
formed to act in the manner herein-before described with respect to new guns
constructed according to this part of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in self-
igniting breech-loading fire-arms:-I enlarge the bore of the barrel a
distance of about four or five inches from the extreme breech for taking the
rim of the cartridge; I cut an opening through the upper side of the breech
at its enlarged part; I fit into the said opening and chamber a sliding breech
piece or closer; the sliding breech piece or closer at its forward end fills up
and slides in the chamber, but its rear end I prefer to reduce to a smaller
diameter, the lower side of which is in a line or level with the lower side of
the forward end of the closer, that is, the smaller part is eccentric to the
larger part, the said smaller part sliding through a hole in the extreme
breech eccentric to the bore of the barrel; I form by preference on the
right side of the forward end of the sliding piece or closer a rib or projection,
which said rib or projection traverses the opening and slot in the side of the
breech; I joint or hinge to the said rib or projection a flap or block, which
said flap or block when the breech is closed shuts down and fills up the
opening in the breech, and by its abutment against the end or rear of the
said opening, and also against the shoulder at the forward end of the sliding
piece or closer, sustains the said sliding piece or closer in its position during
the discharge of the gun. To reload the gun the flap or. block is turned on
one side, and with the sliding piece or closer drawn back along the chamber,
thus opening the breech and at the same time drawing out the old cartridge
case; a fresh cartridge being introduced the sliding piece or closer is pushed
forward and secured by the flap or block for refiring. 1 discharge or ignite
the cartridge by means of a steel pin or striker working in the hinged flap or

page_text: block, which striker on being struck by the hammer is driven forward against
the percussion cap in the cartridge and ignites it. The extractor by which
the exploded cartridge case is withdrawn I fit (by preference) to work on the
left and upper side of the chamber, and I form the rear of the extractor with
a hook or projection, which being caught by the sliding piece or closer in
opening the breech is drawn from the chamber by one and the same action;
or I make the extractor disengage itself from the sliding piece or closer after
being drawn from the chamber, and by the action of a coiled spring force the
extractor to return to its fixed position in the chamber; or I construct the
extractor to liberate a spring on its return action, the said spring being
projected against the extracted or withdrawn cartridge case so as to eject it
from the chamber; instead of igniting the cartridge by an ordinary cock or
hammer, and a pin or striker working in the hinged flap or block, the action
may be modified as follows:-I form the rear of the sliding piece or closer
concentric with its forward end, and arrange the steel pin or striker to work
in the centre, and I force up the said pin by a circular block or hammer
working in the rear of the breech of the barrel, and driven forward by a
coiled spring situated at its extreme rear; or I make the rear end of the
sliding piece hollow or tubular, and place the hammer and coiled spring in
the tubular end. The hammer has bents in its under side, and is caught by
a sear on closing the breech, and held in a state of tension until liberated by
the trigger on discharging the gun. Instead of the last-described arrangement
of a hammer and steel pin or striker for igniting the cartridge this part of my
Invention may be modified as follows:-I attach to the circular block or
hammer a needle, which I cause to be driven forward in either of the ways
described into the base of a cartridge of the kind herein-after described,
thereby discharging the gun. In this arrangement I prefer to use a cartridge
case, the remains of which may be forced through the gun by the next
discharge. Instead of forming the needle which penetrates the cartridge of a
cylindrical form, as heretofore, my Invention consists further in making the
said needle three-square or triangular in cross section, by which I secure
greater strength and rigidity in the said needle.
.
In applying the modifications of my Invention last described to the
conversion of a muzzle-loading rifle into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as
follows:-In the case of an Enfield rifle I remove the tail pin, and enlarge
the bore for about four or five inches; I screw a short solid pin into the
extreme breech end, and bore a hole in the said pin, through which hole the
rear end of the sliding piece or closer herein-before described passes; I hinge
the flap or block to the sliding piece or closer, and arrange the other parts of

page_text: the action in the manner described in the first modification of this part of my
Invention. When converting a rifle to my central needle action I dispense:
with the lock and hammer of the converted gun, and substitute the central
hammer and arrangement described in the last part of this modification of my.
Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire arms-I chamber out the breech of the barrel for about eight
or nine inches, and I fit into the said chamber a circular block or closer;
the said block has a rib extending along some portion of its length, which
when the gun is charged rests in a cross slot in the barrel, the shoulder of
which slot supports the plug of the block during fire; a handle is formed
on the rib of the block for the purpose of operating the block and sliding it
backwards and forwards along the chamber; I fit a circular block or hammer
in the rear of the chamber and closing block, in the centre of which block
or hammer a rod or needle carrier is screwed; the forward end of the rod
works through a hole in the centre of the closing block, and carries in its
extreme forward end a short triangular needle. Motion is given to the
hammer or block by a coiled spring. On the under side of the hammer a rib
is formed which traverses a shallow longitudinal groove in the chamber; in
this rib are formed bents in which a sear engages, and which sear is liberated
by a trigger on the discharge of the gun; I form an opening in the upper
side of the chamber for introducing the cartridge, and I form a longitudinal
slot along the chamber, in which the rib on the closing block slides when
drawn back for loading the gun; the opening and slot are covered with
plates to keep out the dirt and wet; I fit an end piece or cap in the extreme
end of the chamber of the breech, which piece forms an abutment for the
coiled spring, and the head or rear of the rod or needle carrier when drawn back
projects through a hole in the centre of the end piece or cap, and may be
adjusted by a turnscrew without removal from the barrel. The cartridge
used with this gun has a percussion cap or fulminate in its base, and the
remains of the cartridge are forced through the gun by the next charge.
When I employ a rigid or metallic base for containing the fulminate I cause
the said base to fall from the chamber on the opening of the said chamber,
and discharge itself through an opening in the bottom of the chamber.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I form the breech end of the barrel with a strong rib or
lump on its under side; I then chamber out the breech somewhat larger than
the bore and about five or six inches in length; I cut an opening through
the top of the breech for the introduction of the cartridge; I afterwards fit

page_text: into the breech a tubular sliding plug or bolt; the said plug is solid for about
two inches at its forward end. I secure the sliding tube or bolt during the
discharge of the gun as follows:-I form a notch or cross recess in the strong
rib or lump at the breech end of the barrel; I then fit on the rear of the
sliding plug or bolt a handle with an excentric or thick sided boss; the said
boss is capable of a partial rotation on or around the sliding plug or bolt.
When the handle is shut or turned down, the thick part of the boss takes
into the notch or cross recess in the rib or lump formed on and projecting
beyond the end of the breech, and thus sustains the sliding plug or bolt in
its position during the discharge of the gun. When the gun has been fired.
the excentric or lump on the side of the boss is turned by its handle out of
the notch or recess, and the sliding plug may be withdrawn to open the.
breech for the introduction of another charge. I ignite the cartridge in this
modification of my Invention by the following arrangement :-I fit a steel.
pin or striker in the centre and forward end of the sliding plug or bolt; in
the rear or tubular end of the sliding plug or bolt I fit a short rod or hammer,
and at the rear of the said hammer a coiled spring, which said spring is put.
into a state of tension on closing the sliding plug or bolt, and retained in.
this condition by a sear acting from beneath through a slot in the tubular
part of the sliding plug or bolt and taking into bents formed in the under
side of the rod or hammer. The sear is released from the hammer by a
trigger of nearly the usual construction. The cartridge extractor in this
modification of my Invention is formed and connected in a similar manner to
those already described. When I construct this modification of my Inven-.
tion for actuating a needle instead of a pin or striker I prefer to connect
the needle direct to the rod or hammer, and the pin or striker may also be
connected in a similar manner.
In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of an.
Enfield or other muzzle-loading rifle to a breech-loader I proceed as follows:-
I take away the ordinary tail pin and attach or screw into the breech a,
short tubular piece with the necessary rib or lump formed on its rear and
under side for securing the sliding plug or bolt during fire, and I form and.
arrange the other parts of the action in the manner previously described with
respect to new guns.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
oading fire-arms for discharging cartridges which do not carry their own
means of ignition :-I screw into the breech of the barrel a short tube or
breech box, and cut an opening through the top of the said tube or box
or the introduction of the cartridge; I fit a sliding plug in the said tube or

page_text: breech box for closing the breech or chamber during discharge, and which
plug I secure firmly in the following manner :-I fit in the rear of the sliding
plug a handle with an excentric or thick side boss; the said handle or boss
is capable of a partial rotation on the end of the plug, and when the plug is
pushed home to close the breech I turn the thick side of the boss into a
notch or cross recess formed in the bottom and rear of the breech box, by
which means the plug is effectually secured during fire, and the handle by
which the plug is operated is made to act upon a stop which prevents the
discharge of the gun unless the plug is properly secured. Instead of making
the handle act upon a stop to prevent the cocking of the gun till the action
is secure a stop may be formed on the handle itself. Instead of forming the
excentric for securing the plug during discharge on the boss of the handle,
it may be formed on the rear of the plug itself, and the said plug made to
rotate with the handle, and thereby engage and disengage itself with the
notch or cross recess in the breech. In both these arrangements of my.
Invention the breech box is provided with a cover which slides backwards
and forwards with the plug and protects the opening in the said box from wet
and dirt. The handle which operates the plug is held down by a spring or
catch during the discharge of the gun.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I form by preference on the left side of the breech end
of the barrel one or more ribs or lumps; I cut an opening through the top
of the breech of the barrel for introducing the charge; I hinge to the ribs
or lumps on the side of the barrel a metal flap or block, which said flap or
block shuts into and closes the opening in the breech during the discharge of
the gun. I attach to the rear end of the pin which carries the hinged flap
or block a bent rod or plate; the said rod or plate passes along the rear and
side of the flap or block, and serves as a handle or thumb plate to raise and
lower the block and operate the extractor by which the exploded cartridge
case is removed from the barrel after firing. I form the cartridge extractor
in this arrangement of my Invention on the left hand side of the chamber,
and make its stem or rod work in a line with the pin or rod which carries
the hinged flap or block; I attach the said pin or rod to the rear end of the
extractor in such a manner that when the flap or block has been raised and
the bandle pressed towards the rear the cartridge extractor is drawn with it,
and forces the exploded case from the chamber. The hook of the extractor
in this arrangement is similar to those previously described, and is retained
in its position in the mouth of the chamber by a coiled spring acting upon
its stem. The coiled spring of the extractor also draws back the pin which

page_text: carries the hinged block and the handle by which the said block and extractor
are operated. It will be seen by this arrangement that the hinged block
does not move longitudinally, but the pin or rod by which it is carried slides
freely through its hinge or joint when the extractor is moved for withdrawing
the exploded case. Although I prefer to hinge the flap.or block to the left
side of the barrel in this part of my Invention, yet the flap or block may be
hinged to the opposite side of the barrel with the same or nearly the same
effect. In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of a
muzzle-loading rifle into a breech-loading rifle, I proceed as follows:-I form
or cut an opening through the top of the barrel near its breech end and
chamber out that portion of the bore for the reception of the cartridge; I
attach to the side (the left hand side by preference) of the opening a metal
plate or frame, which plate or frame I secure partly to the barrel and partly
to the stock of the gun; I form the plate or frame with the required ribs
or lumps for carrying the hinged flap or block and also the extractor, which
said extractor and hinged flap are connected and operated in the manner
previously described with respect to new rifles made according to this
modification of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I form a lump or projection on the rear of the breech of
the barrel; I cut an opening through the top of the barrel for the introduction
of the cartridge; I hinge to the lump or projection on the barrel a flap or
block, which when shut down closes the opening in the barrel. I hinge the
Aap or block in the following way:-I form a strong tubular arm or pin at
its rear end which I fit into and secure in a corresponding hole in the lump or
projection on the barrel; the said hole forms the centre and guide in which
the arm or pin of the flap or block turns; I fit into the hole through the
tubular arm and block a pin or rod, to the forward end of which I connect, the
extractor. The hole in the body of the flap or block is made somewhat
larger than that in the tubular arm, and in the body of the block is placed a
coiled spring for the purpose of forcing back the extractor to its place after
expelling the cartridge case. The rear end of the rod to which the extractor
is attached is extended a little beyond the cock, and a handle or thumb plate
closing block and the extractor are
attached to it, by which handle both the
worked. By this means the objectionable end motion in the closing block is
avoided. Instead of placing the spring in the body of the block the extractor
pin may be prolonged forward and the spring placed in a tube on the side of
the barrel in advance of the extractor with the same or nearly the same effect,

page_text: and instead of fixing the handle or thumb plate for operating the block and
extractor on the prolonged end of the extractor rod it may be fixed on its
opposite end, and the flap or block opened and closed by the hand direct. The
hinged blocks herein described may be fixed to work on either the right or left
hand side of the gun. Instead of the last-described arrangement the handle
may be fixed on the prolonged end of the extractor rod and bent round the
end and side of the flap or block so as to terminate near the front end of
the said block. Instead of using the handle for working the extractor and
block only it may be connected to a disc traversing the opening in the
barrel, and thus made to push the cartridge into the chamber before shutting
down the block.
When the last-described arrangement is adopted I prefer to make the
extractor disengage itself from the rod in a similar manner to that described
in a previous part of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in cartridges for
breech-loading fire-arms:-Firstly, I make a thin case of copper or other metal.
The said case is closed at its front end and is of the shape of the nose of the
bullet; I insert in the thin copper case a lining of sheet metal or paper to
strengthen it; I then fix the open end of the case in a metal ferrule with an outer
flange formed upon it; I fix the metal ferrule to the case by forcing into the
open end of the said case a metal cap, which being slightly taper acts as a
wedge, and firmly secures the case in the outer ferrule or cap; I introduce the
bullet and powder into the case before forcing in the wedge or fastening cap;
I form the centre of the said wedge or fastening cap suitable for receiving a
percussion cap for igniting the charge. Instead of using a percussion cap of
the usual construction for igniting the charge a small charged rim cap may be
used. In this case I make a depression in the wedge cap to receive the rim
of the percussion cap and also act as an anvil for exploding it; by this mode
of constructing the cartridge case the bullet and powder are effectually pro-
tected from injury and damp, and a much smoother and easier loading cartridge
is produced, as there is no projection to impede the cartridge entering the
chamber. A small hole may be left in the nose of the thin copper case to
facilitate its opening and the passage of the bullet from the case on the
discharge of the gun.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in applying a tubular anvil
to self-igniting cartridges instead of a solid one as heretofore. The tubular
anvil allows the flash to pass through its centre and is not so liable to blow out
or emit gas as the solid anvil at present used.

page_text: My improvements in cartridges consist. further in making and fixing inside.
the metal caps or heads of self-igniting cartridges a metal disc with a pro-.
jection or anvil formed upon or fixed to it for igniting the cap in the base of
the cartridge instead of the loose anvils now used, which latter are liable
to become unsteady and miss fire. Instead of the fixed anvil on the disc.I
sometimes perforate the disc and make the shank of the anvil to seat itself
in the hole or perforation, so as thereby to steady it; or instead of the anvil a
small charged rim cap may be inserted in the perforated disc, and thus dispense
with a loose anvil.
I
My improvements in cartridges consist further in making a metallic
cartridge cap, and milling or roughing its external or outer surface, to which
the paper is attached for procuring a more perfect adhesion of the gummed
paper to the said surface. I form the said metallic cap of copper or other
metal, with a depression in the centre for my charged rim cap; I then insert
the metallic cap in the base of a thin paper case (having first put in the
charge of powder) and next gum the paper 'to the roughened surface of the
cap, and thus obtain a cheap self-igniting cartridge. Instead of the metallic
cap described a cap of compressed paper may be used, the said paper
cap being sufficiently thick at base to contain the fulminate for ignition. I
form. the cap with a recess at its base, in which I deposit the fulminate,
and then gum over it a paper disc. I finally insert the paper cap or
block in the powder or cartridge case, and gum the latter to the block.
Instead of depositing the fulminate in the paper block I sometimes deposit
it in a thin copper or other metal cap, and insert the cap in the paper block.
The fulminate in either case is ignited by a needle, and the flash passes to the
powder of the cartridge through a small hole in the paper cap or block.
The metallic cap and paper are each withdrawn from the chamber after firing
the gun
:
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
2nd February 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Mechanical Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord One

page_text: thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, in the thirtieth year of Her reign, did,
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Thomas
Wilson, Her special licence that I, the said Thomas Wilson, my executors;
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thomas Wilson, my
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 FIRE-ARMS
AND IN CARTRIDGES FOR BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS, AND IN CONVERTING MUZZLE-
LOADING FIRE-ARMS INTO BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Thomas Wilson, my executors or adini-
nistrators, by an instrument in writing under my, 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 within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas Wilson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say :--
:
My Invention consists, firstly, of the following improvements in constructing
the mechanism for opening and closing and discharging breech-loading fire-
arms I attach to the breech end of the barrel a metal frame, which said
frame encircles the butt of the stock, and is constructed so as to carry the
.entire mechanism required for operating and firing the gun; I attach or
joint to the sides of this frame a forked lever or breech closer, the body or
bow of the said lever or closer when shut down covers and closes the bore of
the gun; I make the extreme end of the breech convex, so as to suit the
curved action of the lever, and the bow or body of the lever I make concave
to suit the shape of the breech, so that when the lever is shut down it
'completely covers the breech and is sustained in position during fire by its
'connection with the breech frame at its forked end. In the body of the
breech frame I fit a rod or bar, which serves as a hammer or striker for
igniting the cartridge, the said rod or bar traverses a hole under the breech
of the gun, and is driven against the cartridge by the action of a coiled
spring in the forward part of the frame; the rear of the rod or bar is formed
with a raised part or head which carries a steel point in front for striking
and igniting the cartridge. Instead of the rod or hammer working under
'

page_text: the charge chamber it may be placed in the rear part of the charge chamber;
I form in the under side of the rod or hammer a bent or bents, into which a
sear takes when the said rod or hammer is pushed out or cocked, and the
sear is liberated from the rod or hammer by a trigger on firing the gun. I
effect the cocking of the gun by the closing lever which acts upon the
forward end of the rod or hammer, so as to force it out or cock the gun
by the act of opening the breech. I fit into the chamber of the gun a
hook or extractor for pulling or pushing out the exploded cartridge case,
and I place the extractor on the bottom side of the chamber and construct
it so as to be acted upon by the rod or hammer in cocking the gun. Instead
of the rod or hammer described a cranked or curved hammer or striker
may be used acting from a pin or centre, which cranked or curved hammer
is cocked by the action of the lever as in the previously described arrange-
ment.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I cut or form an opening in the upper part of the breech
of the barrel, and fit in the said opening a sliding plug or breech piece for
opening and closing the breech; I joint or attach to the upper and forward
end of the breech piece a strong strap, and connect the said strap to a lever,
the rear end of which lever is jointed to the extreme breech of the barrel, so
that on raising and lowering the said lever the breech piece is moved backwards
and forwards, and the breech chamber thus opened and closed. The strap
which connects the breech piece to the lever is so formed that its lower part
when shut down rests between the forward end or shoulder of the breech
piece and the solid rear end or shoulder of the breech of the barrel, and thus
sustains the breech piece in position during the discharge of the gun; I form
the hook or extractor for removing the exploded cartridge case by preference
in the upper side of the barrel, and I fit a hook or catch in the forward end
of the breech piece, which said hook or catch on closing the breech engages
with the head of the cartridge extractor, so that on opening the breech for
loading the said extractor is drawn from the chamber, carrying with it the
exploded case. When the said case is sufficiently withdrawn from the
chamber the catch on the breech piece disengages itself from the extractor
and allows the said extractor to return to its fixed position in the chamber,
where it is retained by a coiled spring until again acted upon by the spring
catch on opening the breech. I ignite the cartridge by means of a steel pin or
striker working in the centre or.axis of the sliding plug, and I drive up the
said pin or striker by means of a circular block or hammer working in the

page_text: rear of the sliding plug and forced against the pin or striker by a coiled
spring put into a state of tension by the opening of the breech; or I make
the rear of the sliding plug or block hollow or tubular, and fit into the
said tubular end the hammer or circular block and coiled spring, so that
the hammer and spring are carried by the sliding plug and put into a state
of tension on closing the breech instead of on opening it, as in the last-
described arrangement. The hammer is provided with one or more bents into
.which a sear takes, which said sear is liberated by a trigger nearly in the
ordinary manner. The forward end of the lever is made into a handle by
which the action is operated, when the action is closed the lever is held
down by a spring or catch during fire. Instead of one strong strap for
fixing the breech during fire a pair of straps connected to the sides of the
breech piece may be employed.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms :-I chamber out the breech end of the barrel somewhat
larger than the bore; I cut an opening through the top of the barrel for the
introduction of the cartridge, and fit into the said chamber a sliding plug or
closer. The said plug or closer has a lug or projection formed on its forward
end, which said lug or projection is by partial rotation turned into a cross slot
formed in the breech when the gun is closed for firing, and is thus sustained in
position during discharge by abutting against a shoulder formed by the cross
slot; I fit into the lug or projection on the sliding plug a steel pin or striker,
the outer end of which is struck by the hammer and its point or forward end
driven against a percussion cap in the centre of the cartridge and ignites it.
When the gun has been discharged the plug is released from the cross slot
and drawn back, when a fresh cartridge may be introduced for firing. The
lug or projection traverses a longitudinal slot in the breech when being drawn
back for charging the gun. The rear end of the plug or closer is fitted with
a handle by which the said plug is rotated and all its motions performed.
The slots in the breech are covered with plates when the breech is closed to
keep out wet and dirt. I form the hook or extractor for drawing out the
exploded cartridge case in the left upper side of the breech, which said hook
or extractor is acted upon by the sliding plug in opening the breech, and the
cartridge case thus drawn from the chamber. When I use a cartridge
without a rigid or metallic case or base the extractor is dispensed with.
In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of a
muzzle-loading into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as follows:-I remove
the breech or tail pin from the barrel, and screw therein a tubular piece,

page_text: through which the rear of the sliding plug works, which said sliding plug is
formed to act in the manner herein-before described with respect to new
guns constructed according to this part of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in self-
igniting breech-loading fire-arms :-I enlarge the bore of the barrel a distance
of about four or five inches from the extreme breech for taking the rim of
the cartridge; I cut an opening through the upper side of the breech at its
enlarged part; I fit into the said opening and chamber a sliding breech piece
or closer. The sliding breech piece or closer at its forward end fills up and
slides in the chamber, but its rear end I prefer to reduce to a smaller
diameter, the lower side of which is in a line or level with the lower side of
the forward end of the closer, that is, the smaller part is excentric to the
larger part, the said smaller part sliding through a hole in the extreme
breech excentric to the bore of the barrel; I form by preference on the right
side of the forward end of the sliding piece or closer a rib or projection,
which said rib or projection traverses the opening and slot in the side of the
breech; I joint or hinge to the said rib or projection a flap or block, which
said flap or block when the breech is closed shuts down and fills up the
opening in the breech, and by its abutmeut against the end or rear of the
said opening, and also against the shoulder at the forward end of the sliding
piece or closer, sustains the said sliding piece or closer in its position during
the discharge of the gun. To reload the gun the flap or block is raised
and turned on one side, and with the sliding piece or closer drawn back along
the chamber, thus opening the breech and at the same time drawing out the
old cartridge case; a fresh cartridge being introduced the sliding piece or
closer is, pushed forward and secured by the flap or block for refiring. I
discharge or ignite the cartridge by means of a steel pin or striker, which
striker on being struck by the hammer is driven forward against the
percussion cap in the cartridge and ignites it. The extractor by which the
exploded cartridge case is withdrawn I fit (by preference) to work on the
left and upper side of the chamber, and I form the rear of the extractor
with a hook or projection, which being caught by the sliding piece or closer
in opening the breech is drawn from the chamber by one and the same
action; or I make the extractor disengage itself from the sliding piece or
closer after 'being drawn from the chamber, and the action of a coiled
spring force the extractor to return to its fixed position in the chamber; or
I construct the extractor to liberate a spring on its return action, the said
spring being projected against the extracted or withdrawn cartridge case so
as to eject it from the chamber. Instead of igniting the cartridge by an

page_text: ordinary cock or hammer and a pin or striker working in the hinged flap or
block the action may be modified as follows:-I form the rear of the sliding
piece or closer concentric with its forward end, and arrange the steel pin or
striker to work in the centre, and I force up the said pin by a circular block
or hammer working in the rear of the breech of the barrel, and driven
forward by a coiled spring situated at its extreme rear; or I make the rear
end of the sliding piece hollow or tubular, and place the hammer and coiled
spring in the tubular end. The hammer has bents in its under side, and is
caught by a sear on closing the breech, and held in a state of tension until
liberated by the trigger on discharging the gun. Instead of the last-described
arrangement of a hammer and steel pin or striker for igniting the cartridge
this part of my Invention may be modified as follows:-I attach to the
circular block or hammer a needle which I cause to be driven forward in
either of the ways described, into the base of a cartridge of the kind herein-
after described, thereby discharging the gun. In this arrangement I prefer
to use a cartridge case, the remains of which may be forced through the
gun by the
next discharge. Instead of forming the needle which
penetrates the cartridge of a cylindrical form, as heretofore, my Invention
consists further in making the said needle three-square or triangular in
cross section, by which I secure greater strength and rigidity in the said
needle.
In applying the modifications of ny Invention last described to the
conversion of a muzzle-loading rifle into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as
follows: In the case of an Enfield rifle I remove the tail pin and enlarge
the bore for about four or five inches; I screw a short solid pin into the
extreme breech end, and bore a hole in the said pin, through which hole
the rear end of the sliding piece or closer herein-before described passes; I
hinge the flap or block to the sliding piece or closer, and arrange the other
parts of the action in the manner described in the first modification of this
part of my Invention. When converting a rifle to my central needle action
I dispense with the lock and hammer of the converted gun and substitute
the central hammer and arrangement described in the last part of this
modification of my Invention.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms :-I chamber out the breech of the barrel for about eight or
nine inches, and I fit into the said chamber a circular block or closer; the
said block has a rib extending along some portion of its length, which when
the is charged rests in a cross slot in the barrel, the shoulder of which
slot supports the block during fire. A handle is formed on the rib of the
gun

page_text: block for the purpose of operating the block and sliding it backwards and
forwards along the chamber. I fit a circular block or hammer in the rear of
the chamber and closing block, in the centre of which block or hammer a rod
or needle carrier is screwed. The forward end of the rod works through a
hole in the centre of the closing block, and carries in its extreme forward end
a short triangular needle. Motion is given to the hammer or block by a
coiled spring. On the under side of the hammer a rib is formed which
traverses a shallow longitudinal groove in the chamber; in this rib are formed
a bent or bents, in which a sear engages, and which sear is liberated by a
trigger on the discharge of the gnn. I form an opening in the upper side of
the chamber for introducing the cartridge, and I form a longitudinal slot
along the chamber in which the rib on the closing block slides when drawn
back for loading the gun. The opening and slot are covered with a plate to
keep out the dirt and wet. I fit an end piece or cap in the extreme end of
the chamber of the breech, which piece forms an abutment for the coiled
spring, and the head or rear of the rod or needle carrier when drawn back
projects, through a hole in the centre of the end piece or cap, and may be
adjusted by a turnscrew without removal from the barrel. The cartridge used
with this gun has a percussion cap or fulminate in its base, and the remains
of the cartridge are forced through the gun. When I employ a rigid or
metallic base for containing the fulminate I cause the said base to fall from
the chamber on the opening of the said chamber and discharge itself through
an opening in the bottom of the chamber.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I.form the breech end of the barrel with a strong rib or
lump on its under side; I then chamber out the breech somewhat larger
than the bore and about five or six inches in length; I cut an opening
through the top of the breech for the introduction of the cartridge; I after-
wards fit into the breech a tubular sliding plug or bolt; the said plug is
solid for about two inches at its forward end. I secure the sliding tube or
bolt during the discharge of the gun as follows:-I form a notch or cross
recess in the strong rib or lump at the breech end of the barrel; I then fit on
the rear of the sliding plug or bolt a handle with an excentric or thick sided
boss; the said boss is capable of a partial rotation on or around the sliding
plug or bolt. When the handle is shut or turned down, the thick part of the
boss takes into the notch or cross recess in the rib or lump formed on and pro-
jecting beyond the end of the breech, and thus sustains the sliding plug or
bolt in its position during the discharge of the gun. When the gun has been
fired the excentric or lump on the side of the boss is turned by its handle out

page_text: of the notch or recess, and the sliding plug may be withdrawn to open the
breech for the introduction of another charge.
I ignite the cartridge in this modification of my Invention by the following
arrangement:-I fit a steel pin or striker in the centre and forward end of
the sliding plug or bolt. In the rear or tubular end of the sliding plug or
bolt I fit a short rod or hammer, and at the rear of the said hammer a coiled
spring, which said spring is put into a state of tension on closing the sliding
plug or bolt and retained in this condition by a sear acting from beneath
through a slot in the tubular part of the sliding plug or bolt, and taking into
bents formed in the under side of the rod or hammer. The sear is released
from the hammer by a trigger of nearly the usual construction.
The cartridge extractor in this modification of my Invention is formed and
connected in a similar manner to those already described.
When I construct this modification of my Invention for actuating a needle
instead of a pin or striker, I prefer to connect the needle direct to the rod or
hammer, and the pin or striker may also be connected in a similar manner.
In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of an
Enfield or other muzzle-loading rifle to a breech-loader I proceed as
follows-I take away the ordinary tail pin and attach or screw into the
breech a short tubular piece with the necessary rib or lump formed on its
rear and under side for securing the sliding plug or bolt during fire, and I
form and arrange the other parts of the action in the manner previously
described with respect to new guns."
. My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms for discharging cartridges which do not carry their own
means of ignition:-I screw into the breech of the barrel a short tube or
breech box and cut an opening through the top of the said tube or box for the
introduction of the cartridge. I fit a sliding plug in the said tube or breech
box for closing the breech or chamber during discharge, and which plug I
secure firmly in the following manner :-I fit in the rear of the sliding plug a
handle with an excentric or thick sided boss. The said handle or boss is
capable of a partial rotation on the end of the plug, and when the plug is
pushed home to close the breech I turn the thick side of the boss into a notch
or cross recess formed in the bottom and rear of the breech box, by which
means the plug is effectually secured during fire, and the handle by which the
plug is operated is made to act upon a stop which prevents the discharge of
the gun unless the plug is properly secured. Instead of making the handle
act upon a stop to prevent the cocking of the gun till the action is secure a
stop may be formed on the handle itself. Instead of forming the excentric

page_text: for securing the plug during discharge on the boss of the handle it may be
formed on the rear of the plug itself, and the said plug made to rotate with
the handle, and thereby engage and disengage itself with the notch or cross
recess in the breech. In both these arrangements of my Invention the breech
box is provided with a cover which slides backwards and forwards with the
plug and protects the opening in the said box from wet and dirt. The handle
which operates the plug is held down by a spring or catch during the discharge
of the gun.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms: -I form by preference on the left side of the breech end of
the barrel one or more ribs or lumps; I cut an opening through the top of
the breech of the barrel for introducing the charge; I hinge to the ribs or
lumps on the side of the barrel a metal flap or block, which said flap or block
shuts into and closes the opening in the breech during the discharge of the
gun. I attach to the rear end of the pin which carries the hinged flap or
block a bent rod or plate. The said rod or plate passes along the rear and
side of the flap or block and serves as a handle or thumb plate to raise and
lower the block and operate the extractor, by which the exploded cartridge
case is removed from the barrel after firing.
I form the cartridge extractor in this arrangement of my Invention on the
left hand side of the chamber, and make its stem or rod work in a line with
the pin or rod which carries the hinged flap or block. I attach the said pin or
rod to the rear end of the extractor in such a manner that when the flap or
block has been raised and the handle pressed towards the rear the cartridge
extractor is drawn with it and forces the exploded case from the chamber.
The hook of the extractor in this arrangement is similar to those previously
described and is retained in its position in the mouth of the chamber by a
coiled spring acting upon its stem. The coiled spring of the extractor also
draws back the pin which carries the hinged block and the handle by which
the said block and extractor are operated. It will be seen by this arrange-
ment that the hinged block does not move longitudinally, but the pin or rod
by which it is carried slides freely through its hinge or joint when the extractor
is moved for withdrawing the exploded case. Although I prefer to hinge the
flap or block to the left side of the barrel in this part of my Invention, yet this
flap or block may be. hinged to the opposite side of the barrel with the same
or nearly the same effect.
In applying this part of my Invention to the conversion of a muzzle-loading
rifle into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as follows:-I form or cut an opening
through the top of the barrel near its breech end, and chamber out that
B2

page_text: portion of the bore for the reception of the cartridge; I attach to the side
(the left-hand side by preference) of the opening a metal plate or frame,
which plate or frame I secure partly to the barrel and partly to the stock of
the gun;
I form the plate or frame with the required ribs or lumps for
carrying the binged flap
or block and also the extractor, which said extractor
and hinged flap are connected and operated in the manner previously
described with respect to new rifles made according to this modification of
my Invention.
My Invention consists, further, of the following improvements in breech-
loading fire-arms:-I form a lump or projection on the rear of the breech of
the barrel; I cut an opening through the top of the barrel for the introduction
of the cartridge; I hinge to the lump or projection on the barrel a flap or
block, which when shut down closes the opening in the barrel. I hinge the
flap or block in the following way-1 form a strong tubular arm or pin at
its rear end, which I fit into and secure in a corresponding hole in the lump
ог projection on the barrel. The said hole forms the centre and guide in
which the arm or pin of the flap or block turns; I fit into the hole through
the tubular arm and block a pin or rod, to the forward end of which I connect
the extractor. The hole in the body of the flap or block is made somewhat
larger than that in the tubular arm, and in the body of the block is placed a
coiled spring for the purpose of forcing back the extractor to its place after
expelling the cartridge case.
The rear end of the rod, to which the extractor
is attached, is extended a little beyond the cock, and a handle or thumb plate
is attached to it, by which handle both the closing block and the extractor are
worked. By this means the objectionable end motion in the closing block is
avoided. Instead of placing the spring in the body of the block the extractor
pin may be prolonged forward and the spring placed in a tube on the side of
the barrel in advance of the extractor with the same or nearly the same effect,
and instead of fixing the handle or thumb plate for operating the block and
extractor on the prolonged end of the extractor rod it may be fixed on its
opposite end, and the flap or block opened and closed by the hand direct.
The hinged blocks herein described may be fixed to work on either the right
or left hand side of the gun. Instead of the last-described arrangement the
bandle may be fixed on the prolonged end of the extractor rod and bent round
the end and side of the flap or block so as to terminate near the front end of
the said block.
My Invention consists further of the following improvements in cartridges
for breech-loading fire-arms.
Firstly, I make a thin case of copper or other metal; the said case is closed

page_text: at its front end, and is of the shape of the nose of the bullet; I insert in
the thin copper case a lining of sheet metal or paper to strengthen it; I then
fix the open end of the case in a metal ferrule with an outer flange formed
upon it. I fix the metal ferrule to the case by forcing into the open end of
the said case a metal cap, which being slightly taper acts as a wedge, and
firmly secures the case in the outer ferrule or cap; I introduce the bullet and
powder into the case before forcing in the wedge or fastening cap; I form
the centre of the said wedge or fastening cap suitable for receiving a per-
cussion cap for igniting the charge. Instead of using a percussion cap of the
usual construction for igniting the charge a small charged tim cap may be
used; in this case I make a depression in the wedge cap to receive the rim
of the percussion cap, and also act as an anvil for exploding it. By this
mode of constructing the cartridge case the bullet and powder are effectually
protected from injury and damp, and a much smoother and easier loading
cartridge is produced as there is no projection to impede the cartridge
entering the chamber. A small hole may be left in the nose of the thin
copper case to facilitate its opening and the passage of the bullet from the
case on the discharge of the gun.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in applying a tubular anvil
to self-igniting cartridges instead of a solid one as heretofore. The tubular
anvil allows the flash to pass through its centre, and is not so liable to miss
fire as the solid anvil at present used.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in making and fixing inside
the metal caps or heads of self-igniting cartridges a metal disc with a
projection or anvil formed upon or fixed to it for igniting the cap in the base
of the cartridge, instead of the loose anvils now used, which latter are liable
to become unsteady and miss fire. Instead of the fixed anvil on the disc I
sometimes perforate the disc, and make the shank of the anvil to seat
itself in the hole or perforation, so as thereby to steady it; or instead of the
anvil a small charged rim cap may be inserted in the perforated disc, and
thus dispense with a loose anvil.
My improvements in cartridges consist further in taking a metallic cart-
ridge cap and milling or roughing its external or outer surface to which
the paper is attached for procuring a more perfect adhesion of the gummed
paper to the said surface. I form the said metallic cap of copper or other
metal with a depression in the centre for my charged rim cap; I then
insert the metallic cap in the base of a thin paper case (having first put in
the charge of powder), and next gum the paper to the roughened surface of
the cap, and thus obtain a cheap self-igniting cartridge.

page_text: Instead of the metallic cap described a cap of compressed paper may be
used, the said paper cap being sufficiently thick at base to contain the
fulminate for ignition. I form the cap with a recess at its base, in which I
deposit the fulminate, and then gum over it a paper disc. I finally insert
the paper cap or block in the powder or cartridge case, and gum the latter to
the block. Instead of depositing the fulminate in the paper block I some-
times deposit it in a thin copper or other metal cap, and insert the cap in the
paper block. The fulminate in either case is ignited by a needle, and the
flash passes to the powder of the cartridge through a small hole in the paper
cap or block. The metallic cap and paper are each withdrawn from the
chamber after firing the gun.
Having explained the nature of my Invention I will proceed to describe,
with reference to the accompanying Drawings, the manner in which the same
is to be performed.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 represent in longitudinal section, side elevation, and
plan respectively, a breech-loading gun constructed according to the first part of
my Invention.
The same letters indicate the same parts in Figures 1, 2,
and 3.
a is the barrel of the gun, to the breech end of which I attach, by screwing,
a metal frame b, 62; the part 6 of the frame constitutes a chamber or pro-
longation of the barrel a, in which chamber the cartridge is placed, and the
parts marked b are prolonged outwards, and clip or encircle the butt of the
stock. The frame described carries the entire mechanism required for
operating and firing the gun. I joint at c, c, to the sides of the frame or
chamber b a forked lever or breech closer d, the said lever being raised and
lowered by means of a handle d². The fork of the lever d fits on either side
of the chamber b, and the bow or body of the lever or closer when shut down
covers and closes the bore of the gun. The extreme end of the frame or
breech chamber bis convex so as to suit the curved action of the lever d, and
the body of the said lever is made concave to fit the shape of the said
chamber c, as illustrated in the Drawing. When this lever or closer dis
shut down it completely covers the breech end of the chamber 6, and is
sustained in position during fire by its connection with the frame or chamber b
at its forked end. Jointed on either side of the forward end of the lever d
are straps or rods e which work in slots f in the frame 6. In the body of the
breech frame I fit a rod or bar g which carries the hammer or head / for
acting upon the inclined pin or striker i by which the cartridge is ignited, the
said pin or striker being situated in the body of the lever or closer d. The
rod or barg traverses a hole under the breech of the gun, and also a hole k

page_text: in the butt of the gun, and is driven towards the muzzle end of the gun by a
coiled spring working in a tube or case connected to the forward end of
the frame 6. In the under side of the sliding rod or bar g is a bent 'm, into
which a sear takes, the said sear being of the ordinary construction. In the
mouth of the chamber 6 is a hook or cartridge case extractor. n, the tail n³ of
which works in a recess or cut away part p in the sliding rod or bar g, the
said extractor being acted upon to extract the exploded cartridge case by the
sliding of the rod or bar g in cocking the gun, as herein-after explained.
I open and close the breech, cock the hammer or striker, and operate the
extractor in the following manner:-After the gun has been discharged
(the parts assuming the respective positions represented in the Drawing)
the lever or closer is raised by the handle upon its centres c, c, so
as to open the breech, and is then thrown back upon the top of the
barrel. By this raising of the lever or closer d the straps or rods e are made
to slide backwards, and cause their free ends to strike against studs or
projections q on either side of the rod or bar g, and push the said bar back-
wards and compress the coiled spring. l. When the bar g has been pushed
backwards nearly to its full extent a shoulder 9 on the front of the said bar
strikes against the tail n³ of the extractor n, which latter by its motion
On intro-
extracts or starts the exploded cartridge case from the chamber b.
ducing a fresh cartridge into the chamber 6 the extractor n is pushed into
its place at the mouth of the chamber 6, and on the shutting down of the
lever d the sear of the trigger mechanism which had been depressed by the
backward motion of the rod or bar g now engages with the bent m in the
said rod g, and the said. rod is cocked ready to discharge the gun.
the lever or closer d has been fully shut down so as to close the breech
the straps or rods e jointed to it return to the positions represented in the
Drawing. On the liberation of the sear from the bent m by pressure
on the trigger the rod 9 is urged forward by the compressed spring 1, and the
head or hammer h made to strike the pin or striker i and ignite the cartridge
in the chamber b, and discharge the gun. The handle d of the closing lever
may be held down during fire by a spring catch fastening. Instead of a rod
or hammer of the kind described and represented a cranked or curved hammer
or striker may be used acting from a pin or centre, which cranked or curved
hammer is cocked by the raising of the lever or closer d. When needle cart-
ridges are to be used with this gun I substitute for the pin or striker i a needle
carried by a rod, which rod is acted upon by the sliding hammer in a way
similar to that already described. When I use cartridges having metal caps
or bases with this gun I make the said caps or bases hemispherical so that
When

page_text: the face of the closing lever when shut down may accurately fit against the
said hemispherical base of the cartridges. This part of my Invention is
applicable to pistols as well as to guns.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 represent a central-fire breech-loading gun constructed
according to another part of my Invention, Figure 4 being a longitudinal
section, Figure 5 a plan, and Figure 6 a cross section. The same letters
indicate the same parts in Figures 4, 5, and 6.
a is the breech end of the barrel, in the upper part of which breech end
an opening is made for the introduction of the cartridge. I fit in the said
breech end a a sliding plug or breech piece 6 for opening and closing the
breech; I joint at to the upper and forward end of the plug b a strong
strap c, and connect or joint the said strap at c³ to a lever d, the rear end of
which lever d is jointed at d to the extreme breech a of the barrel. By
raising the lever d the strap c is lifted from the plug or breech piece-b, and
the said plug may be drawn back by the said lever so as to open the breech.
On introducing a cartridge and pushing forward the plug 6 so as to close the
breech and depressing the lever d the strap c falls into its place in the plug b,
the said strap resting between the forward end or shoulder 6% of the said plug
and the solid rear end or shoulder of the breech of the barrel; by this
means the plug or breech piece is sustained in position during the discharge
of the gun. Instead of one strong strap c for fixing the breech during fire a
pair of straps connected to the sides of the plug or breech piece b may be
used.
b
I construct the cartridge case extractor in the following manner :-I place
the hook or extractor f on the upper side of the barrel 6, and fit a spring
book or catch 9 in the forward end of the top of the plug or breech piece b,
the said spring catch or hook g being connected at g2 to the said plug. The
said hook g when the plug bis pushed home rises over the extractor f, and
engages behind it in the manner represented in Figure 4. The hook g is
'provided with cross arms g³ for the purpose of releasing the said hook from the
'extractor. The return motion of the extractor is effected by the two coiled
springs h (see Figure 6) working in holes formed in the upper part of the
*barrel. When the plug b is drawn backwards to open the breech after the
discharge of the gun the extractor f is drawn from the mouth of the barrel by
the hook g, the said extractor carrying with it the case of the exploded
cartridge. When the said exploded case is sufficiently withdrawn from the
barrel the cross arms g³ of the catch or hook g are raised by projections on
the sides of the breech chamber a, and the catch or book is thereby dis-
engaged from the extractor f which returns to its place in the barrel by the

page_text: breech.
coiled springs h until again acted upon by the spring catch g on opening the
The cartridges in this gun are discharged by means of a pin or
striker working in the axis of the plug 6, and driven forward by means of a
sliding block or hammer acted upon by a coiled spring as in the arrange-
ments herein-after explained, or by any other convenient arrangement for
discharging central-fire guns having plugs or sliding closers.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 represent another central-fire gun constructed
according to my Invention; Figure 7 being a plan of the breech end of the
gun, Figure 8 a horizontal section of the same, and Figure 9 a cross section
of the same; Figure 10 is a cross section of the breech end, and Figure 11 is
an elevation of the cartridge case extractor separately.
indicate the same parts in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
The same letters.
a is the plug or breech piece sliding in the breech end 6; on the side of
the said plug is a lug or rib a', which when the plug has been pushed home
to close the breech can, by a partial rotation, be made to enter a cross slot
made in the breech end b, and bear against the shoulder of the fixed projecting
piece 62 on the said breech end b, and thus support the plug during discharge;
the plug is turned by a handle a³. On opening the breech the plug or breech
piece a is turned so as to bring its lug or rib as opposite the longitudinal
slot c in the top of the breech end b. By then sliding the said plug a out-
wards the said lug or rib a traverses the slot cand opens the breech. The
gun is discharged by means of a pin or striker r in the plug or breech. piece a
and a similar pin or strikers in the fixed projecting piece 6, which striker s
when the plug is locked in its place comes opposite the pin or striker r; the
pin or strikers is struck by the hammer of the gun in the usual manner;
or the gun may be discharged by means of a sliding hammer driven forward
by a coiled spring.
The cartridge case extractor consists of a rod d working partly in the side
of the barrel e and partly in the side of the breech end b; on the said rod is
the extractor d which fits in the mouth of the barrel; the shape of the said
extractor is indicated in dotted lines in Figure 9. A longitudinal groove d
is made in the extractor rod d and on the rib a² of the plug or breech piece a
is a pin or stud a³ of a size proper to fit in the said groove d³. When the
plug or breech piece a is turned aside to support it during the discharge of
the gun the pin or stud as occupies the position represented in Figure 9.
After the discharge of the gun the plug a has a partial rotation given to it so
as to bring its rib or lug as opposite the slot c; the same motion causes the
pin or stud a³ to enter the groove ³ in the extractor rod d. On withdrawing

page_text: the plug to open the breech the stud a³ traverses the groove d³, and when
the said plug has been withdrawn nearly to its full extent the stud a' strikes
against the shoulder of the rod d, and withdraws the said rod and
extractor towards the butt end of the gun, the said extractor pushing
before it the case of the exploded cartridge; on closing the breech the pin or
stud a pushes the extractor into its place in the barrel. When I use a cart-
ridge without a rigid or metallic case or base the extractor described is
dispensed with. When the metal of the breech end of the barrel is not
thick enough to carry an extractor rod of the kind represented I substitute
therefor a rod or plate of the shape shown in connection with the cartridge
case extractor represented in Figures 12 and 13.
In applying this arrangement of my Invention to the conversion of a
muzzle-loading into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as follows:-I remove
the breech or tail pin from the barrel and screw therein tubular piece,
through which the rear of the sliding plug works, which said sliding plug is
formed to act in the manner herein-before described, with respect to new
guns constructed according to my Invention. Instead of arranging the parts
of the cartridge case extractor in the manner last described they may be
arranged in the manner represented in longitudinal section in Figure 12 and
cross section in Figure 13 of the Drawings.
a is the plug or breech piece capable of sliding and partly rotating in the
breech end b. In the rear end of the said plug is a longitudinal slot c opening
into a cross slot d; e is the extractor plate having a hook or extractor e at
one end, and a similar hook at the other end. The shape of the plate e
is best seen in the cross section Figure 13. The plate e is fixed by screws
to the bar f, the said bar f and extractor plate e sliding in the slot g in the
side of the breech chamber b. The book e³, at the rear of. the plate e, is of a
size proper to work in the slots d and c in the plug. When the plug a is
pushed home to close the breech the hook works in the longitudinal slot c
and when the plug is turned aside to fasten it in its place the said hook works
in the cross slot d, the parts assuming the position represented in Figure 12.
After the discharge of the gun a partial rotation is given to the plug so as to
unfasten it. By this motion the longitudinal slot c is brought opposite the
hook e, and on withdrawing the plug to open the breech the said hook e
works in the said slot c. The plug having been withdrawn a short distance
the end at c³ of the slot c strikes against the hook e³, and causes the extractor
to be carried with the plug, and thus start or extract the exploded cartridge
case from the barrel, the said extractor and bar f, to which it is attached,

page_text: .
sliding in the slot g in the breech chamber. On pushing forward the plug a
to close the breech the extractor is returned to its place in the barrel by the
motion of the said plug, as illustrated in the Drawing.
The arrangements of cartridge case extractors, Figures 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13,
may be applied to all guns in which the plugs or breech closers have a sliding
motion, or both a sliding motion and a motion of partial rotation.
Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 represent a self-ignition breech-loading
gun constructed according to another part of my Invention; Figure 14
represents a plan of the breech end of the said gun; Figure 15 a horizontal
section of the same; Figure 16 a cross section of the same taken through the
line a, Figure 15, and Figure 17 is also a cross section taken through the
line 6, Figure 15; Figures 18 and 19 are cross sections of the plug or closer
at different parts. The same letters indicate the same parts in Figures 14
to 19.
0
c, c, is the sliding plug or breech piece fitted in the breech end d. The
sliding plug or breech piece at its forward end marked c, fills up the
bottom of the breech end d, the said part c having a V-shaped depression c³ in
it, as best seen in Figure 18, which represents a cross section of the plug at
the said forward end. The rear end marked of the plug or breech piece
is reduced in diameter, the lower side of the said rear end being in a line
with the lower side of the forward end as represented in Figure 19, which
represents a cross section of the plug at its rear end. The rear end of the
plug slides through a hole in the extreme breech end, and is provided with a
handled, by which the plug or breech piece can be moved to open or close
the breech. The forward end of the plug has a rib or projection upon it
marked e. This rib or projection is made into an eye or joint piece and
traverses the opening at e, through which the cartridge is introduced into the
barrel, and also through a slot f in the side of the breech end d (see the
section Figure 17); I joint to this rib or joint piece a flap or block h, the
eyes or joint pieces h2, h3, of which fit on either side the said joint piece e, and
are connected together by a pin h. The under side of the flap or block h has
a V-shaped projection upon it, which, when the block is shut down as repre-
sented in Figures 14, 15, and 16, fills up the V-shaped depression c³ in the
forward end of the plug or breech piece, and by its abutment against the end
or rear of the opening e³ in the breech, and also against the shoulder i at the
forward end of the plug, sustains the said plug in its place during the discharge
of the gun. In the cover or block h is a pin or striker k, by which the
cartridge in the barrel is ignited. This striker k is acted upon by another
pin or striker in the fixed projecting piece m at the breech end, the outer

page_text: end of the said striker / being struck by the cock or hammer of the gun.
After the gun has been discharged the cover h is raised from out the opening
in the breech end d, as indicated in Figure 14; the plug or breech piece is
thereby liberated, and by its handle d can be drawn back so as to open the
breech. In drawing back the plug c, &, the hinged flap or block h is carried
with it, the eye or knuckle e to which it is hinged, as well as the eyes or
knuckles of the said block traversing the slot f in the side of the breech.
After the introduction of the cartridge the plug or breech piece is pushed
home and the flap or block shut down into and made to fill up the forward
end of the said plug, as herein-before described. The gun is then ready to be
discharged by the action of the hammer upon the striker 1, and through it upon
the striker k, and the latter upon the cartridge. Instead of discharging this
gun by an ordinary hammer, as described and represented, it may be discharged
by means of a sliding hammer in the axis of the plug or breech piece driven
forward by a coiled spring, the said spring being put into a state of tension
either by the opening or closing of the breech. The sliding hammer described
may either actuate a pin or striker, or a triangular needle, or an ordinary
cylindrical needle. The exploded cartridge case may be extracted from the
barrel by means of a book or extractor attached to the front of the sliding plug
or closer c, c, or the cartridge case extractor herein-before described in con-
nection with the gun. Figures 4, 5, and 6, may be combined with this gun,
in which case the return motion of the extractor is made to liberate a spring
so as to eject the exploded cartridge case from the chamber.
In applying this part of my Invention to the conversion of a muzzle-loading
rifle into a breech-loading rifle I proceed as follows: In the case of an
Enfield rifle I remove the tail pin and enlarge the bore for about four or five
inches; I screw a short pin into the extreme breech end, and bore a hole in
the said pin, through which hole the rear end of the sliding piece or closer
herein-before described passes. I hinge the flap or block to the sliding piece
or closer and arrange the other parts of the action in the manner described
and illustrated. When converting a rifle to the central pin or striker or
needle action I dispense with the lock and hammer of the converted gun
and substitute the sliding central hammer and parts connected with the
same.
Figures 20 to 26, both inclusive, represent a needle gun constructed
according to another part of my Invention, Figure 20 being a longitudinal
section of the gun, the parts being in position for discharge; Figure 21 a
plan, Figure 22 a cross section, Figure 23 an end elevation, and Figure 24 a
plan with the breech open; Figures 25 and 26 are parts of the same separately.

page_text: The same letters indicate the same parts in Figures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
25, and 26.
a is the closing plug (shown separately in Figure 26) capable of sliding
and partly rotating in the chamber b, the said chamber being screwed to the
barrel c. The bore of the barrel c is closed when the plug a is pushed home
by the conical end of the said plug accurately fitting upon the conical seat at
the mouth of the said barrel. At the back of the plug a, and capable of
working in the chamber b, is a sliding hammer d, motion to which to discharge
the gun is given by the coiled spring e. In the axis of the sliding hammer
is a rod or needle carrier d³, which has at its extreme front end a three square
or triangular needle d³. The forward end of the rod d³ works through a
hole a² in the axis of the plug a, as represented. On the under side of the
sliding hammer is a rib d' which traverses a shallow longitudinal groove c³ in
the chamber b. In this rib is a bent d', in which the sear f engages in the
manner represented in Figure 20. In the upper side of the chamber b is an
opening 6 for introducing the cartridge, and along the top of the said chamber
is a slot 6. The opening 6 and slot are covered by a plate 9 connected
to the plug a, the said plug being operated by the handle h. On the sliding
of the plug a the rib on the plug to which the handle is affixed works in the
slot 63, and when the plug has been pushed home the said handle may be turned
aside or depressed, and the rib described made to bear against the shoulder i
and support the plug during discharge. In the end of the chamber b an end
piece or cap c (shown separately in Figure 25) is fitted, which cap forms an
abutment for the coiled spring e and head or rear of the rod d, which rod
when drawn back projects through a hole in the said cap, and may be adjusted
by a turnscrew without removal from the chamber b. The part 5 of this
tail piece fills up the slot in the rear end of the chamber c. The said cap is
fastened to the breech chamber 6 by screws c passed through the chamber b
and entering holes in the said cap. After the discharge of the gun, in order
to reload it, the handle h is raised from the shoulder i, and the plug a made
to slide in the chamber 6 and uncover the opening 6, as seen in Figure 24.
On the sliding back of the plug it pushes before it the sliding hammer d and
compresses the spring e bebind the said hammer, the scarf engaging with the
bent d³ in the said hammer. After the introduction of the charge into the
powder chamber the plug a is pushed home and fastened by the turning aside
of the handle h, as herein-before explained, leaving the sliding hammer cocked
ready to discharge the gun, the parts of the gun having the respective positions
represented in Figure 20. On releasing the sear f from the hammer d by
pulling the trigger of the gun, the said hammer is urged forward by the com-

page_text: pressed spring e; the rod is thereby forced through the hollow plug a,
and the needle carried by the said rod made to penetrate and ignite the
cartridge in the barrel and discharge the gun. When metal cartridges, or
cartridges having a rigid or metallic base are used with this gun, I dispense
with the needle d³ and use the rod da to strike upon and ignite the cartridge.
In this case I cause the rigid case or base of the cartridge to fall from the
chamber on the opening of the said chamber and discharge itself through an
opening in the bottom of the chamber; or I use a cartridge case extractor of
the kind berein-before described, and illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 of the
Drawings.
The triangular or three square needle used in the gun represented in
Figures 20 to 26 is much stronger and more rigid than cylindrical needles,
and may be applied to needle guns of various constructions.
The triangular needles described, as well as ordinary cylindrical needles,
may be protected by a coating of copper or platinum or other protecting metallic
coating.
Figure 27 represents in longitudinal section a central fire-gun constructed
according to another part of my Invention. a is the plug or closer, the
rear end of which is tubular. In the tubular part the sliding hammer b and
coiled spring c for discharging the gun are contained, and in the forward end
of the said plug is the pin or striker d for acting upon the cartridge f in the
barrel g. The rear end of the plug is provided with a handle h, by which the
motions of the plug are effected. On the bottom of the handle h (or at the
extreme rear of the plug) is a lug or projection i, which said lug or projection
by a partial rotation of the handle h can be turned into a cross slot k formed
in the thick part of the breech, and thus sustain the plug in position during
discharge by abutting against a shoulder formed by the said cross slot. When
the gun has been discharged the plug a is released by turning the lug or pro-
jection out of the cross slot k by a partial rotation of the handle h, and the
plug is drawn back so as to open the breech, when a fresh cartridge may be
introduced through the opening at a³. On pushing up the plug a to close the
breech the sear n engages with the bent in the sliding hammer b and arrests
the motion of the said hammer and compresses the spring c behind the said
hammer. The hammer b is thus cocked by the act of closing the breech. On
the liberation of the sear n by pressure on the trigger the hammer b is urged
forward by its spring and strikes the outer end of the pin or striker d, driving
its front end against the percussion cap in the centre of the cartridge, igniting
it, and discharging the gun. A cartridge case extractor of the construction
represented in Figures 12 and 13 may be used with this gun. When I

page_text: construct this arrangement of my Invention for actuating a needle instead of
a pin or striker I prefer to connect the needle direct to the rod or hammer,
as illustrated in Figure 20, and the pin or striker may also be connected in a
similar manner.
In applying this modification of my Invention to the conversion of an
Enfield or other muzzle-loading rifle to a breech-loader I proceed as follows:
-I take away the ordinary tail pin, and attach or screw into the breech a
short tubular piece with the necessary rib or lump on its rear and under side
for securing the sliding plug during fire, and I form and arrange the other
parts of the action in the manner herein- before described and illustrated in
the Drawings.
Figures 28, 29, 30, and 31 represent a breech-loading gun for discharging
cartridges which do not carry their own means of ignition, constructed
according to another part of my Invention; Figure 28 representing a plan
of the breech end of the gun; Figure 29 a longitudinal section of the same;
Figure 30 is the same with the breech open; and Figure 31 is a side and
end elevation of the sliding plug separately. The same letters indicate the
same parts in Figures 28, 29, 30 and 31.
.
a is the barrel, and 6 the breech box or chamber open at its top and rear end.
In the said breech box a sliding plug c is fitted for closing the breech during
discharge, the said plug being secured in its place in the following way :-On the
rear of the plug is a handle d by which it can be moved into and out of the
breech box and also be made to perform a partial rotation. At the rear end of
the plug is an excentric or boss e, and at the rear end of the breech box a cross
slot or recess fis made, into which the said excentric can be turned. The
plug c is guided in its longitudinal and rotary motions by means of a
pin
g on the inner side of the breech box entering the longitudinal groove h
and cross groove in the said plug. The plug c carries a cover k, which
when the said plug is pushed home to close the breech, as illustrated in
Figures 28 and 29, covers the breech box 6 and protects it from dirt and wet.
In order to load the gun the plug c is drawn back as represented in Figure 30,
and after the introduction of the cartridge into the barrel through the
opening a², the said plug is pushed home, and a motion of partial rotation
given to it by the handle d. By this motion the boss or excentric e on the
plug is turned into the cross recess f in the bottom and rear of the breech
box, and the plug is effectually secured during fire as illustrated in
Instead of making the excentric on the plug it may be
made on the handle of the plug; in this case the handle is made capable of
Figures 28 and 29.

page_text: rotating on the end of the plug. In order to prevent the cocking of the
gun till the plug is properly secured a stop may be formed on the handle by
which the plug is worked.
This arrangement of my Invention is represented in plan in Figure 31^
and end elevation in Figure 31. The handle a of the plug carries an arm
or horn b, on the end of which is a projection c; when the handle a is
turned into the position proper for locking the plug ready for firing the arm
or horn b rests on the stock of the gun, its end c being immediately at the
back of the head of the hammer, the said hammer d on being cocked just
escaping over the projection c; if by accident or inadvertence the handle b
has not been sufficiently turned fully to lock the plug the projection c obstructs
the motion of the hammer d and prevents the cocking of the said hammer;
or instead of the arrangement Figures 31 and 31 the handle by which the
plug is worked may be made to act upon a stop which prevents the discharge
of the gun unless the plug is properly locked.
Figures 32 to 36, both inclusive, represent the breech end of a gun, having
a binged block to close the breech constructed according to another part of my
Invention; Figure 32 representing a plan, the breech block being shut down;
Figure 33 a cross section of the same; Figure 34 a plan (partly in horizontal
section) with the breech block opened; and Figure 35 is a plan showing the
action of the extractor; Figures 36 and 37 are separate views of the same.
The same letters indicate the same parts in Figures 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37.
a is the extractor fixed upon a rod or joint pin 6 (shown separately in
Figure 36), one end of which works in the front bearing c, and the other
end passes through a tube d, and enters the tubular or joint part of the
block e.
The tube d has a collar & upon it, between which collar and the
shoulder 6 on the pin 6 the extractor a is fixed. The tube d is secured to
the pin b by a screw f being passed through the collar d² and entering the
pin b. Made in one piece with the tube d is a thumb plate or handle g by
which the extractor a is worked and the block e raised and lowered. The
tube d and handle g are represented detached from the gun in Figure 37.
The thumb plate or handle g is provided with a longitudinal slot h, which
works upon a corresponding projection i on the cover of the block e, so that
the said thumb plate may slide longitudinally upon the said cover, as seen in
the section Figure 33. The solid rear end of the tubular part of the
block e turns in the rear bearing k of the shoe, and in the said part is
contained the coiled spring by which the return motion of the extractor a is
When the block e has been raised from the shoe in the manner
effected.

page_text: represented in Figure 34 by pressing the thumb plate g towards the butt end
of the gun the said thumb plate is made to slide longitudinally on the cover
of the block 6, the said cover and block remaining stationary. By the motion
of the thumb plate g the tube d is made to slide within the tubular part e³ of
the block, and the joint pin or rod 6 is made to slide in the bearing c, the
extractor a being carried with them so as to start or extract the exploded
cartridge case from the barrel. By the motion of the tube d and rod or
pin & the spring in the tubular part e is compressed, and when the hand is
removed from the thumb plate g the pressure of the said spring effects the
return motion of the extractor and parts connected with it, the said extractor
returning to its place at the mouth of the barrel.
The front bearing c of the arrangement last described may
be dispensed
with, and the rear bearing k only used, as illustrated in plan in Figures 38
and 39, Figure 38 representing the extractor in its place in the barrel, and
Figure 39 the extractor pushed into the shoe to extract the cartridge case.
In this modification the extractor a is secured between the ring or collar d of
the sliding handle g and the head 3 of the joint and extractor rod or pin b,
as represented.. The construction and action of the other parts of the gun are
the same as corresponding parts in Figures 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36, and are
marked with the same letters. By these arrangements the objectionable end
motion in the closing block is avoided.
The construction of closing block described and represented may be hinged
to either side of the shoe.
Figures 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 represent one of the arrangements of my
Invention for converting muzzle-loading fire-arms into breech-loading. fire-
farms in which the breech is closed by a hinged block. Figure 40 represents
a plan of a breech-loading gun converted according to my Invention ;
Figure 41 is a horizontal section of a portion of the same; Figure 42 is a
vertical section, and Figures 43 and 44 are portions of the same separately.
In converting a muzzle-loading gun into a breech-loading gun I remove the
tail pin and enlarge the bore of the barrel a for four or five inches and cut an
opening in the top of the barrel of a size proper to receive the cartridge; I
then screw a tail pin 6 into, the open rear end, and fix on the side of the
barrel a tubular piece or frame marked c, d, (represented separately iu
Figure 43) for carrying the cartridge case extractor and hinging the closing
block to. The said tubular piece c, d, is fixed in its place by means of a
screw e passed through the tail pin b, and by a screw f passed through the
barrel, the said screws taking into the cross plate or arm g of the tubular
frame or piece c, d, the said arm g being fitted at the rear of the cut away

page_text: part of the barrel. The tubular piece c, d, is open at top opposite the cut away
part of the barrel. In the opening in the barrel a closing block h is fitted,
by which the breech is opened and closed; I hinge the said block to the
tubular piece, and arrange the parts of a cartridge case extractor in the
following manner :-In the said tubular piece c, d, is a long rod or axis i, the
front end of which is enlarged and has a longitudinal groove k in it, in which
groove a projection works when a longitudinal motion is given to the said
rod; this projection is carried by the free end of the spring m on the under
side of the part d of the tubular frame. The rod i is capable of rotating as
well as sliding in the tubular piece c, d. On the rear end of the rod is a
handle n, by which it can be operated. On the said rod is a tube or filling up
piece p, upon which the knuckle or joint piece h² of the closing block his
placed; this tube also serves as the abutment for the coiled spring q situated
in the part c of the tubular piece. The tube p and knuckle h³ are fixed to
the rod by a cross pin r. On the rod is the hook or cartridge case
extractor 8, the said book being fixed between the shoulder of the enlarged
end of the rod i and front end of the joint piece of the block h. On raising
the hinged block h, after discharge, a partial rotation is given to the rod i and
'tube p within the tubular piece c, d, and the slot k in the said rod is brought
opposite the projection I, which drops into the said slot. By now pulling the
handle n the pin i, tube p, hinged block h, and extractors are moved towards
the butt end of the gun, as represented in Figure 41, and the exploded case
is removed from the barrel. The rod i is guided in its motion by the pro-
jection working in the groove k. On releasing the handle n after the
extraction of the exploded cartridge case, the parts described return to the
position represented in Figure 40 by the pressure of the coiled spring q. On
closing the block h after the introduction of a fresh cartridge the rod i is again
partly rotated, the projection being pressed back out of the groove k to
permit of this partial rotation by a solid part of the said rod acting upon
the said projection. By the use of the projection -and spring m the joint
and extractor rod or pin b is held or fastened in its place when the block
is closed. The hinged block is held down by a round headed snap bolt t,
which bolt can be pressed back to allow of the raising of the block by
pressing the said block upwards with sufficient force.
Instead of the tubular piece or frame c, d, and cross arm g as last described
a tubular plate of the kind represented in plan in Figure 45, side elevation in
Figure 46, and end elevation in Figure 47 may be used for converting muzzle-
loading guns into breech-loading guns. This tubular plate is attached by
the flat part a to the side of the stock of the gun, and the part 6 to the

page_text: extreme breech of the barrel. In the tubular parts c, c, the extractor and
joint rod is placed, the spring occupying the longer tubular part c; the spring
in this case being situated in advance of the closing block instead of behind
it as in the last described arrangement; this tubular plate may be applied
to either side of the breech chamber.
.
Instead of making the closing block move with the extractor, as in the
arrangement Figures 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44, the said block may be stationary
and the extractor move only, as represented in Figure 48. In this case the
tubular piece a for containing the extractor and joint rod or pin e, and the
spring by which the return motion of the extractor b is effected, is situated in
advance of the hinged block c instead of behind it. The handle d, d³, by
which the extractor b is worked and the block c raised and lowered is
connected to the end of the joint and extractor rod e, and is bent round the end
and side of the block c, and terminates at the front end of the said block. That
part of the handle marked d³, situated at the side of the block is made capable
of sliding on the cover of the said block, in the manner herein-before described
with respect to Figures 32 to 39 of the Drawings. The cross arm of the.
converting piece is cut away to receive the eye of the handle d which eye is
connected to the joint and extractor rod e; and the cross arm is also cut
away to receive the flat portion of the said handle d, the said handle being
thereby made to lie flush with the cover of the block c. When the binged
block c is opened the handle d, d², can be pulled towards the butt end of the
gun,
and the said handle made to slide upon the block and operate the
extractor 6 and start the cartridge case from the barrel. This arrangement
of handle may be applied to new guns having blocks or closers hinged to
either side of the breech chamber.
Figures 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 represent another arrangement of
my Invention for converting muzzle-loading fire-arms into breech-loading fire-
arins. Figure 49 represents a plan of a converted gun, the closing block
being shut down; Figure 50 is also a plan with the block raised; Figure 51
is a longitudinal vertical section; Figure 52 is a cross section of the gun;
Figure 53 is a cross section of the closing block, the said section being taken
at a different part of the block from that in which the section Figure 52 is
taken; Figure 54 represents a plan, and Figure 55 a side elevation of the
converting frame separately. In this arrangenient the block is hinged to one side
of the frame, and the extractor is situated at the opposite side of the frame.
a, a, is the converting frame, of a rectangular figure, having at one
end a cylindrical lump or block 6 of a size proper to fit in the rear of the
opening c in the breech chamber d. The said frame is connected to the

page_text: breech end of the barrel by a strong screw pin e passed through the tail pin f
and taking into the cylindrical lump b, see Figure 51. In the side a² of the
frame an opening g is made, and a hole is also made through the axis of the
said side to receive the joint pin. In the opening g the eye or knuckle of
the closing block h is fitted, and jointed thereto by a pin i being passed through
the said side of the frame and the eye or knuckle of the closing block; the
said block is thereby hinged to the frame. The opposite side a of the frame.
is made tubular (see Figure 52), in which tubular part the rod k of the
extractor and coiled spring / work. The end of the rod k has a handle ke³
upon it, by which the extractor is operated in the manner illustrated in
Figure 50. The block his fastened down by means of a spring or snap bolt n,
and is maintained open by a round headed spring or snap bolt m; when the
block his shut down the bolt n snaps into an opening 9 in the side a of the
frame (see Figure 52). To raise the block h the bolt n is pressed back by
the handle, to which it is connected, sliding across the said block when the
bolt is released and the block can be raised from the breech chamber c; when
the block 7 has been turned back from the breech chamber the bolt m snaps
into the depression r in the outer side of the frame a, and thus holds the
block open. This converted gun is discharged by two pins or strikers s, t, the
striker passing obliquely through the tail pin f and cylindrical block b, and
being struck by the hammer, and the other striker t being situated in the
closing block h and acting upon the cartridge.
Figure 56 represents in longitudinal section a cartridge constructed
according to one part of my Invention.
a is the case of the cartridge containing the bullet 6 and powder b³;
the said case is made of thin sheet copper or other metal and is closed
at its front end, the said front end having the shape of the nose of the
bullet b. The copper or metal case a may be strengthened by a lining
of metal or paper. Upon the open end of the case is a metal ferrule
or cap c, having a flange upon it, as represented. I fix the cap c to the
case a by forcing into the open end of the said case a metal cap or closing
picce d, which being slightly taper acts as a wedge and firmly secures the
case to the outer cap or ferrule. The bullet and powder are introduced
into the case a before the insertion of the taper cap d; in the centre
of the wedge or taper cap d is a depression in which a conical anvil e and
percussion cap fare placed, as represented. On the discharge of the per-
cussion cap the flash passes through the hole at the bottom of the depression
to the powder in the ease a. A hole may be made in the nose of the case a
to facilitate its opening and the passage of the bullet from the case on the

page_text: discharge of the gun. Instead of making the anvil e, which is placed in the
depression of the cap or ferrule d solid, it may be made tubular, as represented
in Figure 57, where the tubular anvil is marked g. The tubular anvil g
allows the flash to pass through its centre and is not so liable to miss fire as
the solid anvil at present used. The tubular anvil, Figure 57, may be used
with self-ignition cartridges of various constructions in which anvils are
employed. Instead of using in self-ignition cartridges a percussion cap of the
usual construction a small charged rim percussion cap may be used. This
part of my Invention is illustrated in Figure 58, where the rim percussion cap
is marked h. When a rim percussion cap is used a depression at i is made-
in the wedge cap d to receive the rim of the cap h, and also to act as an
anvil for exploding the said percussion cap h.
My Invention consists further in making and fixing inside the metal caps
or heads of self-ignition cartridges a metal disc with a projection or anvil upon
or fixed to it for igniting the percussion cap instead of the loose anvils now
employed. Figure 59 represents in section and elevation a disc and anvil of
this kind, the anvil and disc being made in one piece. A hole is made in the
axis of the anvil for the flash from the percussion cap to pass through to the
powder of the cartridge. Instead of making the disc and anvil in one piece
they may be made separately, and the shank of the anvil be made to seat
itself in a perforation made in the disc, as represented in Figure 60; in this
case the anvil may either be tubular, as represented in Figure 59, or the
flash may pass through holes on either side the anvil, as represented in the
said Figure 60. Or instead of an anvil a small charged percussion rim cap
similar to that represented in Figure 58 may be inserted in the perforated
disc, as illustrated in Figure 61, and thus dispense with an anvil. The discs,
Figures 59, 60, and 61 are fastened in the heads or caps of the cartridges by
compressed paper pulp or soft metal washers, or in any other convenient way.
When the disc, Figure 61, is fastened in the head or cap of the cartridge the
rim of its percussion cap is protected from accidental discharge in the manner
represented in Figures 58 and 62.
My Invention consists further in making a cheap self-ignition cartridge in
the manner represented in Figures 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 68 of the
Drawings. In constructing the cartridge represented in Figure 62 I take a
metallic cap k and mill or roughen its external surface to which the open end
of the paper case is attached; I thereby procure a more perfect adhesion of
the gummed paper to the said cap; I form the said cap k of copper or other
metal, and I make a hole and depression in its centre to receive the charged
rim percussion cap m; I then insert the metal-cap or ferrule in the paper

page_text: case and
gum the open end of the said paper case to the roughened surface
of the cap k, the said case having been previously charged with the bullet
and powder. The cartridge is then complete. Instead of the metallic cap k
a cap of compressed paper may be used, as represented in Figure 63. The
cap of compressed paper n has a recess n² at its base in which the fulminate
is deposited, the said fulminate being kept in its place by a paper disc p
gummed over it. Instead of placing the fulminate in a recess in the paper
cap a metal cap may receive the fulminate and be fixed in the paper cap, as
represented in Figure 64. Or the cap or base of the cartridge may be made
of metal and have a cup or tube 9 fixed in it to contain an anvil and percussion
cap, as illustrated in Figure 65. Paper pulp is inserted between the cap n
and anvil tube g for supporting the said anvil tube g. The caps, Figures 63,
64, and 65, may be connected to the paper case of the cartridge in the manner
described with respect to Figure 62. The paper caps described and
represented may be protected by a thin casing of metal, marked r, represented
in Figure 66; or a complete metal powder case and flange, marked-s, of thin
sheet metal may be used, in the end of which metal case a paper cap or block is
inserted, as illustrated in Figure 67; or a metal ring t, represented in Figure 68;
may be fixed to the flange of the paper caps for the extractor to act against.
Having now described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I do not
limit myself to the precise details herein described and illustrated, as the
same may be varied without departing from the nature of my Invention, but
I claim as my Invention,-
Firstly, the arrangement or combination of parts of mechanism, substantially
as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the
accompanying Drawings, for opening and closing and discharging breech-
loading fire-arms. Also, the construction of the breech frame described and
illustrated in the said Figures 1, 2, and 3 for carrying the mechanism for
opening and closing and discharging the fire-arm.
Secondly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the accompanying
Drawings, for fixing or securing the sliding plugs or breech pieces of breech-
loading fire-arms in their places during discharge.
Thirdly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the accompanying
Drawings, for operating and releasing cartridge case extractors for breech-
loading fire-arms, that is to say, working the extractor by a spring hook or
catch made to detach itself from the extractor after the withdrawal of the

page_text: cartridge case, and thereby permitting the return of the extractor to its place
in the chamber.
Fourthly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-,
before described and illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9 of the accompanying
Drawings, for fixing the plugs or closers of breech-loading fire-arms in their
places during discharge, and also for discharging the said fire-arms, that is to
say, making a fixed shoulder on the rear end of the breech, against which a lug
or shoulder on the plug or closer is made to bear; the said fixed shoulder on
the breech carrying a pin or striker which is struck by the hammer and made
to act upon a second pin or striker in the plug or closer to discharge the gun..
Fifthly, the arrangements or combinations of parts of cartridge case
extractors for breech-loading fire-arms, substantially as herein-before described
and illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Sixthly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figures 14 to 19, both inclusive, of the
accompanying Drawings, for opening and closing the breech ends of breech-
loading fire-arms, that is to say, hinging a closing block to the forward end
of a sliding closer, the said closing block being carried by and sliding with the
sliding closer, substantially as described and illustrated.
Seventhly, the improvements in needle guns herein-before described and
illustrated in Figures 20 to 26, both inclusive, of the accompanying Drawings,
that is to say, the construction and arrangement of needle guns having tubular
closing blocks, substantially as described and illustrated. Also the con
struction and arrangement of the hammers or needle carriers, substantially as
described and illustrated. Also, the construction or arrangement of the cap
or end piece for closing the end of the chamber and filling up the slot in the
said chamber, and for facilitating the adjustment of the needle carrier or rod,
substantially as described and illustrated.
Eighthly, making the needles of needle guns three-square or triangular in
cross section, as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 20 and 24
of the accompanying Drawings.
Ninthly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figure 27 of the accompanying Drawings,
for fixing or securing in their places the sliding plugs of needle or central-fire
breech-loading fire-arms. Also, the arrangement or combination of parts,
substantially as described with respect to the said Figure 27, for cocking the
sliding hammer or pin or needle carrier of central-fire breech-loading fire-arms
by the act of closing the breech.

page_text: Tenthly, the arrangement or combination of parts, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figures 28, 29, 30, and 31 of the ac-
companying Drawings, for fixing or securing in their places the sliding plugs
or closers of breech-loading fire-arms.
Eleventhly, the arrangement substantially. as herein-before described and
illustrated in Figures 31 and 31³ of the accompanying Drawings, for pre-
venting the raising of the hammers of breech-loading fire-arms till the closing
plug is securely fastened in its place.
Twelfthly, the improvements berein-before described and illustrated in
Figures 32 to 39, both inclusive, of the accompanying Drawings, in breech-
loading fire-arms which are opened for charging and closed for discharge by
means of a block hinged to either side of the shoe or breech chaniber, that is
to say, hinging the block to the shoe or chamber and constructing the cartridge
case extractor substantially in the ways described and illustrated, whereby on
operating the extractor the said block remains stationary, the joint and
extractor pin or rod and extractor moving forward, and the handle by which
the block is raised and lowered, and the extractor operated sliding longi-
tudinally on the said block. Also the construction of handle for breech-
loading fire-arms of this construction herein-before described with reference to
Figure 48 of the accompanying Drawings.
Thirteenthly, the several improvements, substantially as herein-before
described and illustrated in Figures 40 to 55, both inclusive, of the accom-
panying Drawings, for converting muzzle-loading fire-arms into breech-loading
fire-arms.
Fourteenthly, the improvements in self-ignition cartridges for breech-loading
fire-arms, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated in Figure 56
of the accompanying Drawings, that is to say, constructing and fixing the
metal case of the cartridge to the cap, or base, or ferrule, and closing the
said case by means of a wedge-closing piece carrying the anvil and per-
cussion cap. Also making the said closing piece and anvil tube or recess in
one piece.
Fifteenthly, making the anvils of self-ignition cartridges tubular, sub-
stantially as berein-before described with reference to Figure 57 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Sixteenthly, discharging self-ignition cartridges by means of a small charged
rim percussion cap fixed in the closing caps or bases of the cartridges, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 58, 61, and 62
of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventeenthly, fixing in the metal caps or bases of self-ignition cartridges a

page_text: metal dise, either having a projecting anvil upon it, against which the per-
cussion cap is discharged, or carrying a charged rim percussion cap, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 59, 60, and 61
of the accompanying Drawings.
Lastly, the construction and arrangement of the parts of self-ignition
cartridges, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures
62 to 68, both inclusive, of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Wilson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
Witness,
GEORGE SHAW.
THOMAS WILSON. (L.s.)