IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND THE APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Bain, of No. 4, Queen's Row, Grove
Lane, Camberwell, in the County of Surrey, Mechanical Engineer, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND THE APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH."
Sealed the 7th November 1854, and dated the 26th June 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Bain at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, ou the
26th June 1854.
I, ALEXANDER BAIN, of No. 4, Queen's Row, Grove Lane, Camberwell, in
the County of Surrey, Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of the said. Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND THE APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH" to be as follows:-
My Invention consists of a new construction of fire-arms, including in that
term pieces of ordnance, muskets, rifles, carabines, fowling or sporting pieces,
and pistols, so as to admit of quicker and more repeated discharges. This
is effected in two ways, each of which I will shortly describe, the property
common to both being that the breech is not a fixed part of the piece, but
separate and detached from it, and that it is charged whilst so detached.
In the first method, the breech consists of a series of chambers, parallel to
each other, of a bore corresponding with or appropriate to the barrel or barrels
of the piece, and either cut out of a solid piece of metal or fixed in a frame,

page_text: the number of them varying according to the size and character of the piece.
and the consequent mass or weight of the breech when loaded.
These chambers may be loaded simultaneously from an ammunition box,
having chambers corresponding in position, first with powder, and then by a
simple movement with ball; and the charges may also by the same means be
simultaneously rammed and the nipples capped.
There may be any convenient number of breeches belonging to each piece,
and they may be, carried separately and remain detached until required for
use.
The loaded breech is applied to the piece by being duly fitted into a socket
or other suitable receptacle, placed at the breech end of the barrel or barrels,
either vertically or at a convenient angle, or horizontally; and the apparatus
for effecting the discharge varies, according as the position of the breech admits
of an escapement movement or requires a propelling one, or as the one or the
other may be found more convenient.
The escapement action, which applies principally to the musket, rifle, fowling
or sporting piece, or other similar gun, consists of a simple apparatus attached
to the barrel or barrels of the piece, whereby the person holding the piece, by
an easy action of the hand applied to a slide about half way up the barrel or
barrels, causes the breech to move into position for firing, that is to say, brings
the chamber or pair of chambers, according as the piece has one or two barrels,
opposite to and into communication with the barrel or barrels, and at the same
time and by the same motion cocks the hammer or hammers. The piece is
then fired in the usual way by pulling a trigger, and the same action is
repeated until each chamber of the series in succession has been rapidly
brought into position and discharged, when the exhausted breech is drawn out
or drops or slides out into a receptacle provided for it. Another breech with
loaded chambers is then applied as before, and may be discharged in like
manner, and so on successively, as long as necessary.
The propelling action is effected by the pressure of the hand, communicated
directly or by a sort of bell crank or any other suitable action. The detail of
this may be more fully given hereafter, as the particular movement is not
claimed by me as a distinct Invention, and may be subject to variation according
to circumstances.
In the second method, the chambers are not fixed to each other in a series or
rows, as before, but are single or double only, according as the piece has one or
two barrels, and may be charged singly, or may be charged in sets, by means
of an ammunition box, such as is before mentioned. Any convenient number
of them when so charged are then placed in a tube or case, fitted to, and either

page_text: parallel with or at right angles to, the barrel or barrels of the piece, and are
successively brought into position for discharge by the escapement action
alluded to, or by other appropriate means; or each such single or double
chamber may be applied to the barrel or barrels by the hand.
One great advantage of the Invention is, that the firing may be kept up
continuously for any length of time, inasmuch as the process of loading will
have been completed beforehand, or, if necessary, may go on simultaneously
with the firing by the agency of another person. Another advantage is, that
by retaining the gun in position without shifting until a succession of dis-
charges has been made, the aim is better kept; and a third is, the rapidity and
precision with which the loading itself is effected.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Alexander Bain in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th December 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
BAIN, of Number 4, Queen's Row, Grove Lane, Caniberwell, in the County
of Surrey, Mechanical Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Alexander Bain, Her special license that I, the said Alexander Bain,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Alexander Bain, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times hereafter
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
FIRE-ARMS AND THE APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Bain, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, 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.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Bain, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the several Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the several Figures thereon, in which similar parts are marked and
referred to by similar letters:-
My Invention has for its object the construction of fire-arms, and of certain
apparatus connected or employed therewith, in such manner as to admit of
discharges being made and other operations performed with greater rapidity
than heretofore.
One peculiar feature of this my Invention is the employment of a moveable
breech, separate and detached from the body of the piece, and charged while
so detached, for the purpose of being afterwards discharged through the barrel
of the gun, so that this detached breech may be re-charged when empty, either
by the person using the fire-arm, or by a person acting in concert with him.
This moveable breech may consist of a series of chambers parallel to each
other, and corresponding in size with the bore of the fire-arm, the number
of chambers in each moveable breech varying according to the size and cha-
racter of the fire-arm, and what may be a convenient size and weight for such
breech when loaded.
The chambers of the moveable breech may be charged or loaded simul-
taneously by means of an ammunition box, having chambers corresponding
with the chambers of the breech, first with powder and then with ball; these
chambers may also be simultaneously rammed and then capped, so as to be
fit for use in and discharged from the fire-arm. The breech when so charged
or loaded is applied to the fire-arm, in portable fire-arms, in a socket or other
suitable receptacle between the stock and the barrel, and advanced or moved
into position for discharging each chamber in succession by the left hand of the
person using such fire-arm, each chamber of the breech being brought into
position and the hammer cocked by the same movements of the person
directing the fire-arm, which is then fired by the finger of the right hand
pulling a trigger, the action of the left and the right hand being repeated, and
continued in succession, until every chamber of the breech is discharged, when
the exhausted breech is removed and another substituted, and so on, con-
tinuously. 1 adapt similar arrangements to ordnance and other descriptions
of fire-arms, as herein-after more particularly described.
Such being the nature of my Invention, I shall now proceed to explain by
reference to Drawings in what manner the same is to be performed.

page_text: Figure 1 is a Drawing of a single-barrelled gun constructed according to my
said Invention. A, A, is the stock; B, B, is the barrel; C, C, the lock; D,
the centro piece, which connects the lock and barrel, and is the part where the
loaded chambers II, H, pass through and are discharged. These chambers
are more fully explained in Figures 2 and 3. E is a curved piece of metal
projecting through the stock, and connected with a sliding piece under the
barrel; F, G, is a slit in the side of the stock, and allows the piece E to move
freely between F and G; the sliding piece, of which E is a part, or to which
it is affixed, extends backwards to the lock, and is actuated by the left hand of
the user of the gun, so as to cock the hammer and simultaneously to give the
required movements to the chambers H, H, which, in the arrangement shewn
in tho Drawing now under description, move through the centre piece D, at
an angle of 45 degrees, but the angle may be varied according to circum-
stances. I is the trigger; and K, K', a locking plate, to prevent the hammer
being released accidentally; L, L', are the sights.
Having thus described the exterior features of my improved single-barrelled
gun, I shall now proceed to describe all the parts separately, and then
proceed to explain the actions of the different parts in combination with cach
other.
Figure 4 represents that portion of the centre pieco D that is buried in the
stock. M is the barrel end, and N the lock end; O is a metal plate, affixed
to or formning part of the centre piece, and acts as a support and guide to the
loaded chambers. P is an extension of the centre piece downwards, which
also acts as a support and guide to the chambers. This will be more fully
understood by reference to Figure 5, which is a reverse view of the same parts.
Q, Q, Figure 4, is an open space in the bottom of the centre picce, the purpose
of which will be herein-after explained. R is a lever, having its centre of
motion at S; it has a kneed projecting point at T, which passes freely
through an opening made for the purpose, and projects about an eighth of an
inch beyond the surface of the plate P, at the opposite side; U is a spring
which retains it in that position. O, P, Figure 5, is a perfectly straight and
flat surface, except the open space, which is shewn by Q, Q, in Figure 4, and
is about an eighth of an inch lower than V, V, V, V.
are rails, to enable the chambers H, II, (see Figure 2,) to move freely, and
the open space between the upper part of the centre piece D and the rails V, V,
is made of the exact size to let the chambers H, H, move freely, but with as
little shake as possible.
The parts marked V

page_text: These two pieces
they project about
Figure 6 represents all that portion of the gun and apparatus that lies in
the stock. W, W, is the sliding piece, referred to in Figure 1, and which is
also seen at Figures 7 and 8, and an end view looking from the breech at
Figure 9; Y is also a sliding piece, and is seen detached at Figures 10 and 11.
Figure 10 shews the under side, which is next to the stock, and Figure 11
shews the upper side, facing the receptacle in which the loaded chambers are
placed. The sliding piece W, W', has a projecting part, seen at W², Figure 8,
which when in place works in the opening Z of the sliding piece Y, (see
Figures 10 and 11,) which gives to the piece Y the necessary sliding action.
It will be seen by Figure 6 that the projecting piece W is of a size to fill
about a third of the space Z, so that the piece Y does not slide backwards and
forwards to the samo extent as the sliding piece W, W. On the upper side
of Y, Figure 11, are two projecting pieces "m" and "n."
traverse in the vacant space shewn by Q, Q, Figure 4, and
one-eighth of an inch above the surface O, P, Figure 5. Y', Y¹, Figure 6, is
a plate of metal, screwed on the back of the centre piece, for the purpose of
retaining the sliding pieces W, W, and Y in their proper position. This piece is
seen detached in Figure 16. X is a piece of metal soldered to the barrel, in an
opening in which the end of the sliding piece W, W¹, moves freely. W³ is a
spiral spring, one end of which is hooked to the piece X and the other end
to the sliding piece at W. The lock C, C, is composed of the following parts:
an iron cylinder "a, a;" a spiral spring "b, b," of the best tempered steel; "c, c,"
is the hammer, having a head or thick part at "d" nearly the same size as
the interior of the cylinder "a, a." A portion of this thick part is cut away
for the reception of the kneed part "," of the sliding piece W, W', which
will be more clearly seen in the sectional Figure 3. The other end of the
hammer "c, c," works in a bearing "," which is fixed at the end of the
cylinder a, a," close to the trigger I. In the thick part "d" a pin is
screwed, the ends of which pin traverse in slots in the sides of the cylinder
a, a;" it has a nut at the end "e." I is the trigger, and "g an arm, being
solid with and part of the same piece of metal. This piece, which forms
trigger and arm, is hinged at "h," which will also be more clearly seen
in Figure 3. "h" is a spring, the free end of which presses on the arm "9,"
and retains it in its present position. This spring is screwed to the cylinder
"a, a," at "." A top and edge view of this spring are seen at Figure 12.
Figure 2, A1, A2, A3, represents a bar of iron half size, containing a series of
ten chambers, which are bored out of the solid metal; the bore of the
chambers corresponds with the bore of the barrel of the gun, Figure 1. A¹,
Figure 2, shews the back of the bar, where nipples are seen for the reception
""

page_text: of the percussion caps. The nipples are screwed into the ends of the chambers
in a line with the centre of the bore, and they are sunk, so that the points of
the nipples are a little below the surface of the bar. Around each nipple an
open space is left, as represented, considerably larger than the cap, for the
purpose of allowing the cap to expand when struck by the hammer. A shews
the side looking into the chambers, each chamber being of the proper size to
contain the full charge of powder and a ball. A shews that side of the bar
that is placed below when in the gun; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, are
pieces projecting from the surface of the bar. Figures 14 and 15 shew a
contrivance for preventing the gun being discharged accidentally. P, P¹, is a
portion of the stock at the place where the trigger and guard are situated,
the end P being towards the barrel, and P¹ towards the heel plate or butt
end of the stock. K is a thin plate of metal, hinged at K2; R' is a piece
of the same metal, fixed to the plate at K', and standing at right angles
to it; J is a portion of the trigger; R is a spiral spring, which keeps the
plate closely pressed against the side of the guard, as seen in Figure 14,
and by dotted lines in Figure 15, the piece R¹ being close behind the trigger.
From this it will be clearly seen that the trigger cannot move so as to release
the hammer while the plate K is in this position, because the piece R' is
directly behind the trigger; but when the user of the gun wishes to fire, he
places the forefinger of the right hand in front of the trigger; the point of the
finger comes against the inner side of the plate and pushes it outwards towards
K, as seen in Figure 15; the piece R is no longer behind the trigger, which
can then be pulled as usual. As soon as the finger is removed, the plate
instantly resuines its former position by means of the spring R³.
**
Having thus explained the different parts, I shall now proceed to shew how
the combination is actuated by the user of the fire-arm. Let us suppose the
chambers to be loaded. The user of the fire-arm pulls back the projecting
piece E smartly with the left hand towards the breech end of the piece as far
as it will go; this produces the notion of the sliding piece Y, afterwards
described. It also causes the sliding piece W, W', by means of its kneed
end to push the hammer "c, c," until the nut "e" passes the point of the
arm "g," which it will push upwards out of the way; the point of this arm
will then fall, in consequence of the pressure of the spring "h'," and place
itself in the way of the face of the nut, and the spiral spring "b, b," will have
been thus compressed. The operator will now allow or cause the projecting
piece E, and consequently the sliding pieces W, W', and Y, to resume their
former positions. The hammer cannot follow, because the point of the arm "g"
formis a stop to the nut e," as seen at Figures 1 and 13, and the hammer is

page_text: thus cocked. The operator will now place the moveable breech or series of
loaded chambers in the receptacle of the centre piece D with the mouths of
the chambers towards the barrel of the gun, and consequently the nipples, on
which are the percussion caps, opposite the hammer; and the straight edge of
the pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, will be downwards, and the straight
edge of the first one will come in contact with the upper straight edge of the
projecting piece "m" of Figure 11, which will form a stop, to prevent the
chambers going any further; and when these edges are in contact, as we have
now supposed to be the case, the mouth of the first chamber will be exactly
opposite the bore of the barrel of the gun, and the first nipple will at the
same time be quite opposite the end of the hammer. If the trigger is now
pulled, it will move the point of the arm "g" upwards, out of the way of the
nute," as shewn by dotted lines, Figures 13. The spiral spring will now ex-
pand by its elastic force, and will make the end of the hammer strike the per-
cussion cap which is on the first nipple. This blow will explode the cap, which
will ignite the powder in the usual way, and thus the contents of the first
chamber of the series will be discharged through the barrel of the gun. Now,
without taking the gun from the shoulder or out of the line of aim, the user
of the gun repeats the action of drawing the projecting piece E smartly
towards the breech as far as it will go, and then returning it to or allowing it
to resume its original position; by this means the hammer will be again put
upon cock; while in the motion of the sliding piece Y towards the breech, the
straight side of the projecting piece "m" will be removed from under the
straight side of the projecting piece 1 on the moveable breech, the round side
of the projecting piece "n" will come into contact with and press upon the
round side of the projecting piece 1 on the moveable breech, and the breech
will fall or be moved down until the straight side of the projecting part 2
comes into contact with and rests upon the straight side of the projecting
piece "non he iece Y, and in the return motion of the piece Y the
straight side of the projecting piece "n" will be removed from under the
straight side of the projecting piece 2 of the moveable breech; the round side
of the projecting piece "m" will come into contact with and press upon the
rund side of the projecting piece 1, and the breech will then again fall
or be moved down until the straight side of the projecting piece 2 comes into
contact with and rests upon the straight side of the projecting piece "m,"
which has by the same return action resumed its first place, and chamber 2
will be opposite the bore of the barrel, and cap 2 will be opposite the hammer.
If the trigger is now pulled, the second chamber will be discharged, and so on,
until the whole of the series is fired, whatever the number may be. When

page_text: they are all discharged, the moveable breech is released from the gun by
pressing the lever R, see Figures 4, 5, 6, and 13. Figure 13 shew's more clearly
the open space of the centre piece through which the chambers I, II, are
made to pass in being discharged. It also shews the ends of the rails" V, V,"
on which the chambers slide, and the projecting kneed end of the lever R at
T, the back of which is seen in Figure 4. As soon as all the chambers are
discharged, the next action of the sliding piece, Figure 11, allows the move-
able breech to escape from the control of the pieces "m" and "," and
it would then fall out of the gun if it was not for the projecting piece T of
the lever R falling into the hollow or pit T (see Figure 2). The moveable
breech is by these means retained until the user presses the end of the
lever R upwards, and thereby releases it. He can then insert another move-
able breech or series of loaded chambers ready to be discharged, or he can
re-charge the same chambers, and replace them in the
gun.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the chambers H, I, of the lock C, C, and of
a portion of the barrel B, shewing one of the chambers (6) in the act of being
discharged, and the first five chambers having been previously discharged and
the four remaining chambers undischarged. The spiral spring "b,b," of the
lock, and the hammer "c, c," are not shown in section but whole, for the sake

page_text: tubes; E, E, the chambers; G, G, the case or receptacle in which they are
placed; H is a slot or long upright opening in the back plate of the recep-
tacle G, G. This opening H is much narrower than the open spaces between
the chambers, so that when the user of the gun looks through the opening H,
his eye does not catch sight of the chambers, but only of the thin edges of the
cross bars or plates, or, as they are sometimes called, partitions, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, in Fig. 4. He has therefore a sufficiently clear view to
enable him to take perfect aim, there being a larger opening left in the front
plate of the receptacle G, G, as shewn at F, Fig. 2, for the purpose of keep-
ing the view clear. The chambers are actuated and the hammers are cocked
by the left hand of the user of the gun, precisely in the same way as already
explained in the single-barrelled gun, but with a few differences in the inccha-
nical apparatus, which I will now proceed to explain.
The sliding piece corresponding to that designated W, W', in Sheet A, and
which is actuated by the left hand, is in this case designated by the letters
K, K, and is placed under the space between the barrels and the piece I, (cor-
responding to the piece E in Sheet A,) which projects through the stock points
downwards, and by one movement cocks both of the hammers; the piece
K, K, does not itself extend to the lock, but before being put in motion it
extends only as far as L, (see Fig. I.,) and has the form at L, shewn by the
dotted lines. When put in motion, it meets at the point M² another sliding
piece (M), as shewn also by dotted lines at M². The sliding piece K, K, works
freely in bearings K and K, and the sliding piece M works freely in a bear-
ing K'. The bearings K' and K2 are screwed to the bottom of the centre piece
C, C, and the bearing K is soldered to the rib between the barrels. On the
sliding piece M, (see Fig. 3,) is screwed a cross piece N, N. The ends of the
cross piece N, N, traverse freely in slots, cut in the sides of the tubes I), D,
for that purpose. O and O' are the hammers; and P, P, the spiral springs ;
Qand Q are the arms which keep the hammers cocked; R is the trigger
(I use but one); and S is an arm, fixed to and is of a piece with the trigger;
Tis a curved arm, carried by the arm Q', and moves on a vertical centre at U;
V is a spring screwed at one end to the arm Q'; X is a piece screwed to the
tubes D, D, in which the end of the spiral spring Y is placed. The other end
of this spring is secured to and presses against the piece N, N. Z is a click,
carried by the lever, S, and works freely on a joint at Z; Z is a spring
screwed on the top of the lever S, its free end lying gently on the click Z.
The actions take place as follows:-Suppose the user of the gun places it in
position to take aim, and with the left hand pulls back the piece I towards the
breech as far as it will go, the end L of the sliding piece K, K, is then

page_text: brought into contact at M² with the sliding piece M, and the cross piece N. N,
will push back the hammers until they are on cock; they are then held in that
position by the arms Q and Q. Now, let the slide K, K, resume its former
position, the sliding piece M will instantly follow, being pushed by the
spring Y, so that N, N, will be now out of the way of the hammers. Now,
when the trigger is pulled, the end of the arm S being under the arm Q, will
lift it up and release the hammer 0, which will immediately spring forward
towards the gun, and if the loaded chambers are in their place, will discharge a
chamber through the left-hand barrel. It cannot discharge the other, because
the arm S is not in contact in any way with the arm Q'; but as soon as the
hammer O is out of the way, the end T¹ of the lever T will spring forward, by
means of the spring V pressing against the tail piece V₁, until the point Z³
comes directly under the click Z, as shewn by the dotted lines. Now, when the
finger is removed from the trigger, the arm S will fall through a considerable
space,
and the end of the click Z will fall under the point Z. Now, if the
trigger is again pulled it will push up the arm Qas before, but as the hammer
at that side has already fallen, no other effect is produced at that side. but the
end of the click Z will now push up the arm T, and consequently the arm Q¹
also; this will release the hammer O', which will discharge a chamber through
the right-hand barrel. If the sliding piece is again pulled, both of the
haminers are again put upon cock, and ready to be, immediately acted upon a
second time.
It would be easy to use, two triggers, but I prefer the method,
I have described, because the user has not the trouble of moving his finger
from one trigger to another. I shall now explain how cach pair of chambers
are made to take their place opposite the barrels. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 represent
chambers of the double-barrelled gun, which are the same as those already
described for the single barrel, except that in this case two series of chambers
are joined together. Before the chambers are placed in the receptacle for the
first discharge the hammers should be cocked; then place the chambers in
the receptacle G, G, at the top, with the mouths opposite the barrels, and the
nipples opposite the hammers.
The cross bar or plate 1 will rest on the sliding piece M at M', and the first
two chambers will be opposite the barrels; discharge them in the way
already explained; then repeat the action for cocking the hammers, which
action will cause the point L of the sliding piece K, K, to slide in between the
chambers and above the first cross bar or plate, by coming in contact with the
point M, to push back the piece M, which being thus withdrawn from under
the cross bar or plate 1, the chambers will drop, until the cross bar or plate 2
is received by and rests upon the end L. The sliding piece K, K, being then,

page_text: The bore of the gun is shewn in Fig. 1 by dotted lines from A¹, A², to the
muzzle.
Having described the cannon, and the part where the loaded chambers are
to be placed to be discharged, I shall now proceed to describe the construction
of the chambers, and the means whereby they are discharged. Fig. 4
represents a series of three chambers F, F, F, and a portion L, L, of the
barrel of the cannon, together with that part of a sliding piece M, M, here-
after described, which lets the chambers fall into their places opposite the
barrel of the gun. These chambers should be made of strong material, such
as wrought iron or brass of a tenacious description; cast iron I do not
recommend for them, it being too weak and brittle. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are
pieces which are solid with and form part of the metal of the chambers and
project therefrom. No. 3 represents a breech end view of one of the
chambers; 1 and 2 are the projecting pieces. It also shows an end view of
the sliding piece M, and a projecting picce N, fixed to it, which forms a stop to
the projecting pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the chambers. These 3 chambers
are not in one piece, but are separate, and can be lifted and used separately.
They are shewn in the Figure, not in the position they occupy in the cannon,
but bottom upwards, in order that the action of arresting and releasing them
may be more clearly seen. Let us suppose that they are on a platform which
is placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizon, and that they are free to
slide down this incline by their own weight, but that instead of allowing them
to do so we place the sliding piece M, M, in such a position that the edge of
its projecting piece N will be direct in a line with the projecting pieces 1, 3,
and 5, on the three chambers, as is shown in Figure 4. The chambers will
be thus arrested in their progress, and this takes place when the mouth of the
first chamber is exactly opposite the month of the barrel where it is discharged.
Let us now push forward the piece M, M, until N, which is part of it,
and is consequently carried with it, takes the position represented by the
dotted lines at N'; N will now be out of the way of the projecting piece 1,
but is in the way of 2. The chambers will now slide down until 2 comes
into contact with N. when they are again arrested. Now pull back the
slide M, M, until N resumes its former position; 2 will now escape,
and 3 will come into contact with N F¹ will now have escaped altogether,
and will slide down to the bottom of the platform (and can be instantly
removed), and the mouth of F will be opposite the barrel in the proper
position to be discharged. When that is done the sliding piece is again put in
motion; in the same way F escapes, and F takes its position opposite the
barrel L, L, and so on with any number, as the loaded chambers can be

page_text: placed on one end of the platform, and the empty ones carried away from
the other.
Having thus shewn the principle on which the chambers are placed
opposite the barrel of the cannon in quick succession, I shall now pro-
ceed to explain the precise apparatus, and how it is to be actuated by
the hand of the gunner. Figure 2 shews in cross section that part of the
cannon that receives the chambers. The breech D' is supposed to be
removed at the line B, B, of Figure 1, so that the breech end of the
chambers and the edge of the platform C, C, C, C, are seen.
The pieces
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the sliding piece M, are shewn below the chambers.
The piece M (also shewn at M, M, Fig. 1,) slides freely in two openings
made for it, partly in the bottom of the platform C, C, C, C, and partly
in the brackets K', K'. These openings are made of the exact size to
let the piece M slide freely, and no more, and they act as the bearings
by which M is kept in its place. M.has its stop N projecting upwards
into the open space H, HI, in the platform. The open space H, H, is for
the purpose of letting the projecting pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, of the
chambers move freely without touching anything except the stop N, and
for allowing the stop N to move freely without touching anything but the
pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, of the chambers.
Having explained the action of the sliding picces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6,
of the chambers, I shall now shew how the sliding piece M is actuated.
O, Figure 5, is a lever handle, having its centre of motion at P, by
means of a stout pin screwed into the side of the breech, more clearly
seen at P, Figure 1. Q. Figure 5, is a slot in the lower end of the lever
handle O, P. In the end of the piece M, M, is an open slot under Q, just
large enough to take in the end of the lever freely; this latter slot is
shewn by the dotted lines "a, a," in Figures 1 and 5. P1 is a pin screwed
in the piece M, M, and passes through the slot Q in the lever handle,
which slot is a little larger than the pin, so that the parts are free to
act easily. Now, if the handle O is pulled back to O¹, as shewn by a
dotted line, the pin P will have moved to the dotted circle M', and the
piece N will have taken the position shown by the dotted lines N¹; and
from what has been before explained, it will be clearly seen that by moving
the handle Obackwards and forwards, the chambers can be passed through the
opening E, E', in the cannon, as before described, with great rapidity, and be
arrested opposite the bore of the gun with great exactitude. The handle R
is fitted on a square part on the end of a plug S, S, S, S; this plug is screwed
into the breech of the cannon, as shewn in Figures 1 and 5, and is for the

page_text: purpose of pressing forward each chamber before being discharged, so as to
cause the mouth of the chamber to come into close and firm contact with the
mouth of the bore of the barrel, and to prevent as much as possible the escape
of fire or gases between the barrel and the chainber during the firing. The
positions of the handle R are also shewn by dotted lines in Figure 2, when the
plug S, S, S, S, is out of contact with the chamber. The handle R stands, as
shewn by the dotted line, between R and R2. When the chamber is to be pressed
forward by the plug S, S, S, S, the handle R is moved towards the dotted line
R', R; when the chamber is to be released, the handle R is to be brought.
back again to the dotted line R, R². The plug'S, S, S, S, is hollow, as shewn
by the dotted lines within it, in Figure 5 and Figure 1. Within this hollow a
bammer works, for the purpose of exploding the percussion cap, which I shall
now proceed to explain. T, in Figure 1, is the nipple for the purcussion cap.
The nipple is screwed into the end of the chamber, just in the same way as has
been already explained in the small arms, the only difference being that the
nipple is larger and stronger, and the screwed part is longer, so as to withstand
the greater force which the larger quantity of powder necessary to this kind of
arm will have upon it in the act of firing. U, U', is the hammer; U' is tho
end that strikes the cap; U³ is a knob on the outer end of the hammer; V is
the trigger; and Van arm, which is a part of the same piece as the trigger,
and is for the purpose of retaining the hammer on cock. The piece forming
the trigger and arm is jointed at V. This joint is also seen in Figure 6,
which is an end view of the plug S, S, S, S. The pin of this joint is fixed
in the piece forming the trigger V and arm V', so as to turn with their motion,
and it turns freely in its hole in the plug. Its end at V2 is squared, and on
the squared part the pallet W is placed, having a square hole to suit the square
end of the pin. The pallet W is fixed on the pin by means of a screw, just in
the same way as the hammer of an ordinary gun lock is fixed on its axis. X
is a spring, the free end of which presses on the pallet W, and serves to keep
the point of the arm V' in the front of the collet V* of the hammer, and so to
keep the hammer cocked until the required moment arrives for discharging the
cannon. The hammer is cocked by pulling the knob U³ until it takes the
position shewn in the Drawing, and is discharged by pulling the trigger V
towards the cannon.
Having now described all the apparatus as applied to pieces of ordnance,
and the purposes for which they are used respectively, I shall now explain
the combined and general action of the whole. In loading the chambers,
I recommend, first, to put percussion caps on the nipples, then to pour in
the charges of powder into the chambers, and place the balls or shells over

page_text: them. The ball may be secured either by a tight-fitting wad placed over
it, and well rammed home, or in any of the ordinary modes of securing balls,
shells, or other projectiles in fire-arms. Now, suppose a gun pointed, and a
number of chambers ready loaded and required to be discharged at any given
object first cock the hammer, then place one or more of the chambers in
the gun, as already explained; push the handle R to the right, that is to say,
in the direction from R to R', and pull the trigger. One chamber will be
now discharged. Now cock the hammer again, back the handle R to the left
to its first position, pull the handle O to O', and instantly push it back again
to its first position; the discharged chamber will now be released, and can be
removed to be re-charged, and the second one will have taken its place; push
the handle R again towards I, pull the trigger, and the second chamber will
be discharged. On the second chamber passing to the position for firing, its
place on the platform C, C, C, C, may be immediately supplied by a third
loaded chamber; the second chamber being released after discharge by the same
means as the first, the third will come into position for discharge, and so on in
succession to any number. In this way an almost continuous shower of shell
or solid shot can be poured into any place, or at any object within range of
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them. The ball may be secured either by a tight-fitting wad placed over
it, and well rammed home, or in any of the ordinary modes of securing balls,
shells, or other projectiles in fire-arms. Now, suppose a gun pointed, and a
number of chambers ready loaded and required to be discharged at any given
object first cock the hammer, then place one or more of the chambers in
the gun, as already explained; push the handle R to the right, that is to say,
in the direction from R to R', and pull the trigger. One chamber will be
now discharged. Now cock the hammer again, back the handle R to the left
to its first position, pull the handle O to O', and instantly push it back again
to its first position; the discharged chamber will now be released, and can be
removed to be re-charged, and the second one will have taken its place; push
the handle R again towards I, pull the trigger, and the second chamber will
be discharged. On the second chamber passing to the position for firing, its
place on the platform C, C, C, C, may be immediately supplied by a third
loaded chamber; the second chamber being released after discharge by the same
means as the first, the third will come into position for discharge, and so on in
succession to any number. In this way an almost continuous shower of shell
or solid shot can be poured into any place, or at any object within range of
the gun.
DESCRIPTION OF SHEET D.-POWDER APPARATUS.
1 shall now proceed to explain the means I employ for effecting rapid
loading.
Figures 1, 2, 3, represent an apparatus half size, by means of which a move-
able breech or series of chambers may be simultaneously charged with powder.
A is a canister or magazine containing gunpowder; B is a cap or lid screwed
into a ring, which is soldered in an opening on the side of the canister A.
When the canister is required to be filled, the lid B is screwed off and the
powder poured in; the lid is then to be replaced. D, D', is a metal frame
containing tubes corresponding in number to the number of chambers in the bar
of chambers to be loaded. These tubes are (in Figures 1, 2, and 3.) marked
1, 2, 3, 4, &c. up to 10. The tulies are of the exact size to hold one charge
of powder each; they are soldered in the frame, and are open at both ends,
and also perfectly flush with the metal of the frame. This frame containing
the tubes is fitted into and slides freely, but without any shake, in another
frame E, E, E, E, which is soldered to the bottom of the canister.
side of this frame E, E, E, E, next to the canister, which we will call the
upper side, are openings corresponding in number, size, shape, and distance
with the mouths of the tubes, so that when the frame D, D', is slid from D
In the

page_text: to D', as shewn in Figure 3, the mouths of the tubes will be exactly under the
said openings in the upper side of E, E, E, E, x, x, x, x, x. In the other or
lower side of the frame E, E, E, E, are other openings, of the same number, size,
shape, and distance as the tubes; and these other openings are so placed, that
when the frame D, D', is in the position shown in Figure 2, the under mouths
of the tubes will be exactly over them, and at the same time the openings in
the upper side of the frame E, E, E, E, corresponding to the upper mouths
of the tubes, will be closed. C, C, is a hoop, just of a proper size and shape
to take the mouth end or side of the bar of chambers to be charged. It is
fixed at both ends to the frame D, D', and slides with it. F, F, is a spring
screwed to the canister, as seen in Figure 1, and is for the purpose of
retaining the frame D, D', in the position shewn in Figure 1, so that the
upper openings in the frame E, E, E, E, may be always shut, except when in
the act of loading.
Having explained the apparatus, I shall now shew how the loading is to be
effected. Take a moveable breech or scries of chambers in the left hand with
the mouths of the chambers upwards; take the canister in the right hand;
insert the mouths of the chambers into the hoop C, C; keep the chambers and
the canister upright; press the canister to D, and the bar of chambers to D¹;
powder from the canister abovo will then fall into the tubes and fill them;
then push the canister back to D', and 'the series of chambers to D, and the
powder from the tubes will fall into the chambers. Figure 4 represents an
apparatus for charging chambers for double-barrelled guns. It is constructed
exactly in the same way as that already described, except that it has a double
series of chambers. It is also used precisely in the same way, and charges
the double series of chambers simultaneously with powder.
In this way a series of any convenient number of chambers can be charged
with powder in less time than an ordinary gun can be charged out of a common
flask once, and the charges are also more accurately measured.
Figuro 15 represents a flask or canister adapted to the loading of chambers
singly, or a single chamber of a series of the above chambers, should this be
required from any cause; and such a flask will be found extremely useful for
loading an ordinary gun or pistol with powder.
This instrument is of a similar construction & action to the apparatus last
described, with this difference, viz, that instead of having a hoop C, C, into
which the chamber to be loaded is inserted, it has a short tube or nozzle
(C, Figure 15), which is inserted in the act of loading into the mouth of the
chamber or fire-arm, as the case may be.

page_text: Figures 5 and 6 represent a case (full size) for holding bullets, either of the
spherical or oblong shape; Figure 5 is a side view; and Figure 6 is a view
from the under side. The case is composed of a series of round tubes fixed in
a metal frame G, G. The interior of the under part of this frame is of the
proper shape and size to take the mouths of the chambers to be loaded, and
these tubes are so fixed in the frame, that when the mouths of the chambers
are inserted in the frame, the mouths of the tubes are exactly over the
chambers. In the frame G, G, is what may be termed a skeleton slide
H, H. It consists of two thin metal bars fixed together by thin metal
cross bars. These cross bars are in Figure 6, which is adapted to a bar
of ten chambers, marked 1, 2, 3, &c. up to 11, and it slides freely in two
slots made for it in the ends of the frame G, G. The best way to make
this slide is to cut it out of a thin plate of metal. I, I, are two pins,
fixed in the frame G, G, which project from it about a sixteenth of an
inch; they act as stops to the slide H, H. When this case is to be filled
with ball, draw out the slide H, H, by pulling the projection K, until the
cross bar (1) is stopped by the pins I, I; all the cross bars within the frame
are then clear of the tubes. Now place a ball in each of the tubes. If of the
oblong shape, place the conical end foremost, that is, with the flat end next
to the slide H, H.; then push back the slide to its first position. This
slide is for the purpose of retaining the balls in their places until required
for use.
In the top of each of the tubes is soldered a disk of metal. In the
centre of each of the disks is a hole, about half of the size of the interior of
the tubes, the purpose of which will be presently explained. There may be
any convenient number of these cases, but they should be of very thin metal,
for the sake of lightness. Figures 7, 8, and 9 represent an apparatus (full
size), for simultaneously charging a series of ten chambers with ball by means
of the ball cases, just described. Figure 7 is a front view, Figure 8 a back
view, and Figure 9 an end view, of the last-mentioned apparatus. A, A, is a
box or case, made of thin metal, open in front and at the top, so as to be
capable of receiving a bar of ten chambers, and a corresponding case of balls
B, B, above them. Figure 7 represents this case, with a bar of chambers
A, A, above it, and a case of balls B, B, placed over the chambers. The
chambers are placed with their mouths upwards, and the ball case is placed
with the mouths of its tubes downwards, and exactly over the mouths of the

page_text: chambers. C, C, are a series of ten tubes, fixed to a bar D, which stands
exactly over the round openings, already described, the discs of which are in
the tops of the tubes B, B; the tubes C, C, are a little smaller than the last-
mentioned openings, and can move freely up and down in them. E, E, (sec
Figure 8) is a sliding plate; it is kneed at the top (see Figure 9), and is
fixed to and carries the bar D; it slides in dovetail bearings F, F, see Figure 8.
II' is a screw, the lower end of which turns freely in a bearing I, I, and the
top end screws into the bottom of the sliding plate E, E; K, L, is a handle
fixed on the lower end of the screw II' at M. Now, let us suppose we
have a series of chambers charged with powder, as I have herein-before
explained; then take a case of balls and place it over the chambers, and insert
the mouths of the chambers into the frame II, H, of the ball case (sco
Figures 5 and 6); then place the bar of chambers and ball case in the
apparatus, as shewn by A, A, and B, B, Figure 7. Now pull out the slide II, II,
by means of the projecting part K, and the balls will fall into the mouths
of the chambers; then turn the handle L, K', in the proper direction to
draw down the sliding plate E, E, and the tubes C, C, will enter the tubes
B, B, through the openings on the tops, herein-before described, and will
quickly come into contact with the balls, and ram them down into the
chambers. This action should be continued until the tops of the balls are
a little below the lips of the chambers, and this part of the operation is
completed. For loading a single chamber with ball, I use an apparatus
which I shall now describe. Figure 10 is a thin metal tube (full size),
having a slit from end to end, shewn between A and A¹.
The interior of the tube is a shade smaller than the bullets, and the purpose
of the slit is to yield a little when the bullets are put into it, and consequently
grip them so as to prevent them falling out. This tube is represented filled
with ten bullets, and there may be any convenient number of these tubes
carried in the ammunition case. Figure 11 is an instrument consisting of a
centre piece C, A'. That portion between A and B is a perfect tube, except
a slit in front between Band C; it is solid except a screwed hole in the centre,
in which the long screw D works. D at E is a round part, considerably
thicker than the screw itself. In the bottom of this round part is a conical
pit, corresponding in shape with the conical end of the bullets. From A to A'
is a half of a tube, the front half being cut away, in order that the tube,
Figuro 10, containing the bullets, may be easily placed in it. F, F, is a stirrup
of metal to receive the bar of chambers, and is of a proper size sideways to
allow the bars to pass freely through and no more; the wider part G is to let
□ 9

page_text: the projecting parts on the chambers pass without touching. In the buttom
of the stirrup is a moveable bar I, which has a slut in each end; these slots
traverse up and down on the side bars of the stirrup. Under the bar I is a
screw I'; by turning this screw to the right or left, the bar I is raised or
lowered. The purpose of this action will be presently explained. When it
is required to load a chamber or chambers with ball by this apparatus, place a
tube containing bullets in the tube C, A', with the conical ends of the bullets
upwards. This is done by laying the bullet tube (Fig. 10) in the tube C, A¹,
(Fig. 11,) with the upper end of the bullet tube at A; then push the bullet
tube upwards into the round part of the tube C, A, which lies between B
and A, as far as it will go; then place the chamber to be loaded in the
stirrup. with its mouth upwards, exactly under the mouth of the bullet tube,
and screw up the bar I, by means of the screw 1', until the bar of chambers
is fixed; then screw down the handle D, until the top of the lower bullet
is a little below the lip of the chamber; then lower the bar, by screwing
back the screw I, and the chambers are released. If another chamber is
to be loaded, move it under the bullet tube, and as the bottom of the lower
bullet in that tube will be now projecting .a little from the tube, insert it
into the mouth of the chamber; screw up the bar I as before; screw down
again the handle D until the bullet is pressed down below the lip of the
chamber, and then release the chamber as before, and so on, to any required
number.
I will now proceed to describe the apparatus I employ to cap a series of
nipples simultaneously. Fig. 12 is an apparatus (full size) consisting of three
series of tubes, marked 1, 2, and 3. The second series slide freely in the
first series, and the third series slide freely within the second series. The first
series, marked 1, are placed between and soldered to two thin plates of metal.
The top ends of the second series 2, are fixed in a larger tube A, A, and the
other ends are in the tubes 1. The third series 3, are not fixed to anything,
but are spring-tight in the tubes 2, so as not to be liable to fall out. The
interiors of the tubes of the first series 1, are just of the proper size to
receive the required caps, and no more. Four caps are shewn in each tube
by dotted figures. D, D, is a lid, to keep the caps from falling out. It is
hinged at D, D, and is turned back when the apparatus is to be used, either
for receiving caps or for placing them on the nipples; it is shown in Fig. 13
by dotted lines extending from D to D¹. When the cap tubes are being
filled with caps, care must be taken that they are all so placed that the open
ends are opposite to the lid.

page_text: When it is desired to cap a series of nipples, take the bar of chambers in
the left hand and the capping apparatus in the right hand; grip the latter by
the tubo A, A; turn back the lid, taking care to keep the mouths of the tubes
upwards, so that the caps cannot fall out; insert the tops of the nipples of
the chambers in the mouths of the tubes, as shewn in Fig. 13; press firmly
forward the tube A, A, towards the nipples, and this action will place the
nearest caps on the nipples, but may or may not be sufficient to push them
home. If further pressure should be required upon any of the caps, press
down the tubes 3, individually, one after the other, or such of them as may be
requisite, by pressing the thumb hard against the tops at 3, which will drive
them home; now take away the apparatus from the nipples, still taking care
to keep the mouths of the tubes uppermost, and shut the lid. The bar of
chambers in Fig. 13 is shown (full size) loaded with powder and ball; but I
prefer to cap the nipples before the chambers are charged with powder and
ball, in caso a cap might explode while pressing them home. It often
happens that a cap explodes without igniting the powder, so that a fresh cap
has to be put on; or it may be sometimes desirable in practice to put on single
caps.. For that purpose
I use the instrument shewn in Fig. 14. A, A, is a
tube, the interior being of the proper size to take the caps, and is represented
in the Figure as full; C is a lid hinged at D; E is another tube, which slides
freely but without shake in the tube A, A. Fixed in the inner tube is a pin
B, which traverses in a slit in the outer tube, extending from B to C. When
it is desired to cap a nipple, open the lid C, place the mouth of the tube on
the nipple, and press the knob K pretty firmly, and the lower cap in the
tube A, A, will be pressed home on the nipple; then withdraw the instrument
and shut the lid.
'
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that what I
claim as the Invention, whereof the exclusive use is intended to be secured by
the said Letters Patent, is as follows:-
First, I claim the construction of fire-arms with moveable breeches brought
into action and discharged as above described.
Secondly, I claim the apparatus and arrangements herein-before described
as adapted to and for the loading a series of chambers and small fire-arms,
either simultaneously or singly, with powder.
Thirdly, I claim the apparatus and arrangements herein-before described
as adapted to and for charging a series of chambers, either simultaneously or
singly, with balls, shells, or other projectiles.

page_text: Fourthly, I claim the apparatus and arrangements herein-before described
as adapted to and for the applying percussion caps to a series of chambers
either simultaneously or singly..
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Bain, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Witness,
CHARLES TAHOURDIN,
W SHAW,
ALEXANDER BAIN. (L.s.)
·}
11, Lincoln's Inn Fields.