UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK W. TIESING, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO ELI
WHITNEY, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 191,197, dated May 22, 1877; application filed
January 16, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK W. TIESING, of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of this specification, and represent, in—

Figure 1, a side view; Fig. 2, a top view; Fig. 3, a longitudinal section with the parts in their normal condition; Fig. 4, a longitudinal section with the parts set as for charging the arm; Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, detached views.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of fire-arms in which the breech-piece is arranged to swing backward and downward in opening.

The invention consists in the combinations of mechanism for operating the arm, as fully hereinafter described, and recited in the several clauses of claim.

A is the barrel, attached to the frame B and to the stock C, in the usual manner, the barrel being open at the breech, substantially as in other breech-loading fire-arms of this class. D is the breech-piece, hung upon a pivot, a, and so as to turn freely backward and downward, in the usual manner. On the side of the breech-piece, and upon the same pivot, a lever, d, is arranged for operating the breech-piece and locking-shoulder, and substantially such a lever as is found in the arm known as the "Laidley & Emery."

In rear of the breech-piece, and below it, upon a pivot, e, the locking-shoulder E is hung. The breech-piece is constructed with a bearing-surface, f, which, when the breech is closed, rests upon the nose or end of the locking-shoulder, as seen in Fig. 3; but when the locking-shoulder is turned forward and downward, as in Fig. 4, out of the way of the bearing f in the breech-piece, then the breech-piece may be opened, as seen in Fig. 4; but in the position seen in Fig. 3 the breech-piece is firmly held in its closed position. To thus move the locking-shoulder and breech-piece in opening and closing, the lever d is applied. Through the lever d a slot, g, is made, and

into which, from the breech-piece, a stud, i, extends, this slot being substantially concentric with the pivot on which the lever is hung, and the relative position of the stud i in the slot is such that when the breech-piece is closed the lever may be turned backward a short distance before the lever will come in contact with the stud to act upon the breech-piece; and during this movement of the lever independent of the breech-piece, a cam, h, on the lever engages a corresponding part, n, on the locking-shoulder, and turns that forward and downward until the end of the cam will pass below the bearing-surface f on the breech-piece. At that time the end of the slot in the lever will come in contact with the stud i, and from that time the lever, breech-piece, and locking-shoulder will move together, the cam h on the lever carrying the locking-shoulder always in advance of the breech-piece until fully opened, as seen in Fig. 4.

A spring, m, acts upon the under surface of the breech-piece when near its open position, which tends to throw the breech-piece down in advance of the lever, until the stud i will arrive at the opposite end of the slot g.

It will be understood that before the breech is to be opened the hammer should be turned back to full or partial coek.

A spring may be applied to the locking-shoulder, which will return it with the breech-piece when that is closed; but in order to make this movement of the locking-shoulder positive, a lever, F, is hung below the breech-piece and locking-shoulder upon a pivot, r, and as the locking-shoulder drops in opening, it presses down the longer arm of the lever F, and proportionately raises the shorter arm toward the lever d. Then, when the lever d begins its return, a cam, s, on the lever d below the pivot strikes the shorter arm of the lever F, and forces that downward, correspondingly raising the longer arm, which, in its turn, raises the locking-shoulder until the part n enters between the cam h and a projection, t, on the lever d, as seen in Fig. 5. From that time the projection t raises the locking-shoulder, and forces it upward beneath the bearing f, and rests beneath the forward surface of the locking-shoulder, as seen in Fig. 3, as a support for the locking-shoulder, to prevent its accidental turning.

The cartridge-extractor consists of a lever,

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G, hung on the pivot of the breech-piece, and operating substantially as in the arm known as the "Whitney arm."

The hammer H is hung upon the same pivot e as the locking-shoulder, the locking-shoulder being forked, as seen in Fig. 9, so that the hammer may hang upon the center of the pivot, or may be at one side, and is provided with the usual trigger, T, and a suitable mainspring.

In order to make the discharge of the arm impossible, except the lever and locking-shoulder should be in their places, a connection is made between the firing-pin and the lever d, as seen in Figs. 6 and 7.

The firing-pin L is arranged through the breech-piece for central or rim fire, as may be required, here shown as for central fire; and from the firing-pin a projection, u, extends through the side of the breech-piece into a corresponding cavity, w, in the lever, (see Figs. 6 and 7,) the relative position of the said recess w to the projection u being such that unless the lever be turned to its home position the projection u will strike the forward end of the cavity w before the point of the firing-pin will reach the primer, and therefore discharge would be impossible; but if it be very nearly closed, then the blow of the hammer on the firing-pin would tend to close the lever, and would usually do so; but in any case it insures the perfect locking of the breech-piece before explosion can take place.

As an auxiliary guard to secure the proper locking of the breech-piece, an arm, P, extends up from the trigger T, through a notch, x, in the locking-shoulder, into a recess, b. The spring holds this extension P in the recess x, as indicated in broken lines, Fig. 4; but when the trigger is pulled, as for discharging the arm, the locking-shoulder then being in place, the end of the arm P will be drawn down into the notch x, as seen in Fig. 8, thus forming a bearing upon which the locking-shoulder will rest, to prevent its being turned until the finger releases the trigger; then the end will turn up into the recess b, so that the locking-shoulder may be freely turned, and as the trigger cannot be pulled until the end of the arm P passes into the notch x, it follows that the discharge of the hammer cannot occur until the locking-shoulder be fully in its locking position, so that the end of the arm P will pass into the notch x.

I claim—

1. In a breech-loading fire-arm, the combination of the following elements: a breech-piece arranged to swing backward and downward in the arc of a circle in opening the breech; a locking-shoulder hung in rear of said breech-piece, and swinging forward and downward to release the breech-piece; a lever in connection with said breech-piece, and operating first to release the locking-shoulder, then to open the breech-piece, substantially as described.

2. In a breech-loading fire-arm, the combi-

nation of the following elements: a breech-piece arranged to swing backward and downward in the arc of a circle in opening the breech; a locking-shoulder hung in rear of said breech-piece, and swinging forward and downward to release the breech-piece; a lever in connection with said breech-piece, and operating first to release the locking-shoulder, then to open the breech-piece, and the said lever also constructed with a bearing-surface to support the said locking-shoulder when fully closed, substantially as described.

3. In a breech-loading fire-arm, the combination of the following elements: a breech-piece arranged to swing backward and downward in the arc of a circle in opening the breech; a locking-shoulder hung in rear of said breech-piece, and swinging forward and downward to release the breech-piece; a lever in connection with said breech-piece, and operating first to release the locking-shoulder, then to open the breech-piece, and the said lever also constructed with a bearing-surface to support the said locking-shoulder when fully closed, and an auxiliary lever working between the said lever and locking-shoulder, and operated by the said lever to bring the said lever and locking-shoulder into connection in the act of closing, substantially as described.

4. In a breech-loading fire-arm, the combination of the following elements: a breech-piece arranged to swing backward and downward in the arc of a circle in opening the breech; a locking-shoulder hung in rear of said breech-piece, and swinging forward and downward to release the breech-piece; a lever in connection with said breech-piece, and operating first to release the locking-shoulder, then to open the breech-piece, and the trigger extended into connection with the locking-shoulder, so as to form an auxiliary support for the locking-shoulder at the time of firing, substantially as described.

5. In a breech-loading firm-arm, the combination of the following elements: a breech-piece arranged to swing backward and downward in the arc of a circle in opening the breech; a locking-shoulder hung in rear of said breech-piece, and swinging forward and downward to release the breech-piece; a lever in connection with said breech-piece, and operating first to release the locking-shoulder, then to open the breech-piece; a hammer for the discharge of the arm, and the trigger extending into a recess in the locking-shoulder, and the locking-shoulder constructed with a notch opening into said recess, and so as to prevent the pulling of the trigger to release the hammer until the locking-shoulder is turned into the locking position, substantially as described.

FRANK W. TIESING.

Witnesses:

JOHN E. EARLE,

CLARA BROUGHTON.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK W. TIESING, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

IMPROVEMENT IN MAGAZINE FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 191,196, dated May 22, 1877; application filed
February 28, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK W. TIESING, of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Magazine Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which drawings constitute part of this specification, and represent, in—

Figure 1, a side view; Fig. 2, a top view; Figs. 3 and 4, sectional side views; Fig. 3a, a vertical section; and in Fig. 5, a horizontal central section.

This invention relates to an improvement in what are commonly termed "magazine fire-arms," and especially to that class in which the magazine is arranged longitudinally beneath the barrel, with mechanism in the frame to transfer the charged cartridges from the magazine to the barrel, and, also, to that general class of fire-arms distinguished as "breech sliding backward, operated by a lever;" and the invention consists in the construction and combination of the parts, as shown in the accompanying drawings, hereinafter described, and more particularly recited in the several clauses of claim.

A is the frame, B the stock, C the barrel, and D the magazine, all in external form and relative arrangement substantially as in similar and well-known arms. The mechanism of the arm is arranged in the frame in the rear of the barrel, which is chambered out for that purpose. B is the breech-piece, arranged to slide longitudinally and in axial line to and from the barrel. The frame is open above the breech-piece, and in connection with the breech-piece is a slide, F, working longitudinally in suitable side guides $a_1$, so that when the breech-piece is closed, as in Fig. 3, the slide F closes the top of the frame, and as also seen in Fig. 2; but when the breech-piece is drawn back, as in Fig. 4, the slide, moving with it, opens a passage in rear of the open breech end of the barrel. To thus move the breech-piece and its slide F, a pair of links, $F^1 F^2$, are hinged, the one $F^1$ to the breech-piece, the other, $F^2$, to the frame in the rear,

and the two ends of the said links intermediately connected by a common pintle, b. The point of connection between the said links and the connecting-point, respectively, with the breech-piece, and the frame when the breech-piece is closed, as in Fig. 3, is substantially in line with the axis of the barrel. These links are arranged in duplicate, as seen in Fig. 3a and Fig. 5, one set upon each side of the breech-piece; and to aid in the resistance to explosion, the joint of the forward link, when the breech is closed, comes to a bearing on a seat, $F^3$, in the frame, as seen in Fig. 1, where a portion of the side plate is broken away to show this bearing. The inside of the rear links $F^2$ is constructed with a longitudinal groove, d. Shown in broken lines, Fig. 3.)

The operating-lever G is hung in the lower side of the frame, upon a pivot, e. This lever extends back and forms the trigger-guard G', which also serves as the handle for operating the lever. Above the pivot an arm, $H$, extends upward between the two links $F^2$, with a trunnion, $f$, upon each side, working in the grooves $d$ of the said links; hence, by turning the lever, as from the position in Fig. 3 to that in Fig. 4, the link $F^2$ will be thrown down and backward, and at the same time the link $F^1$ will be correspondingly drawn down, and in so doing the breech-piece and its slide F will be drawn back to open or expose the open breech end of the barrel. This arrangement of the links in connection with the lever G is substantially that known as the Smith & Wesson patent of 1854.

In the breech-piece a firing-pin, $g$, is arranged for central or rim fire, as the case may be. Through the rear of the frame, and in line with the breech-piece, the firing-spindle L is arranged, connected to the breech-piece so as to move with it, and yet have longitudinal play independent of the breech-piece, and the rear end of the firing-pin lies directly in front of this spindle.

The hammer L' is arranged in the frame in rear of the spindle, as seen in Fig. 3, and so that when the breech-piece is drawn back it will force the hammer back to the one-half or full cock, as the case may be, as seen in Fig. 4, and when the breech-piece moves forward,

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the spindle will move with it until, reaching its closed position, the firing-pin will strike the cartridge and arrest the forward movement of the spindle before the breech-piece is completely closed, and so that when the hammer is discharged it will strike the spindle, forcing that forward, and communicating the blow to the firing-pin.

The extracting-hook *h* is attached to the spindle L in rear of the breech-piece. This hook is elastic, either in itself or by the addition of a spring, so that when the breech-piece moves forward the hook will pass over and engage the flange of the cartridge sufficiently to extract the exploded shell or cartridge, when the breech-piece is again moved back.

For the purpose of transferring cartridges from the magazine to the barrel, a carrier, M, is arranged beneath the breech-piece, and from this an arm, M', extends back through a slot in the arm H to a point, *m*, in the rear, where it is hung upon a hinge, and through the slot in the arm H is a pin, *n*, upon which the arm M' rests, as seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 3a, the upper surface of the carrier being substantially in line with the cartridge-chamber. The under surface of the carrier, where the pin *n* bears, is in the segment of a circle, of which the fulcrum *e* of the lever G is the center; hence, in turning the lever to withdraw the breech-piece, the pin *n* will pass along the curved surface, holding the carrier up, as in Fig. 3, until the breech-piece has been moved nearly to the rear, as seen in broken lines, Fig. 3; then the bearing-surface of the pin *n* on the lever turns toward the fulcrum, as at *i*, which causes the pin *n*, in the completion of the rear movement of the breech-piece, to turn the carrier M down to the position seen in Fig. 4, and below the mouth of the magazine; then a cartridge from the magazine is forced onto the carrier, and the return of the arm H first raises the carrier into the position seen in Fig. 3, then advances the breech-piece to carry the fresh cartridge into the barrel, the carrier remaining in that elevated position until the breech-piece is again drawn back, as before described.

In case of the withdrawal of an exploded shell or cartridge, by the rear movement of the breech-piece, the fresh cartridge, rising, will throw such shell out and away from the arm.

As it is necessary, in drawing back the breech-piece, that the links should pass below the arm M' of the carrier, it follows that that arm must be arranged between the links, as seen in Fig. 5, and as the arm H of the operating-lever must also stand between the rear links, the space between the rear links is much larger than is necessary for the space between the forward links; and if the links be continued straight on the same line, then the frame will necessarily be very thick throughout its length, in order to inclose the links. There is, therefore, formed in each side of the

frame an opening (indicated in broken lines Fig. 1, and also seen in Fig. 5); these openings are closed by covers W. The rear links are arranged in the frame so as to come within these recesses; then the forward links F¹, as they leave the central point *b*, turn inward, as seen in Fig. 5, thus contracting their extent transversely from what is necessary in the rear, and so that a thin frame may be employed.

The cartridge may be introduced to the magazine by any of the known methods, and in order to hold the cartridges forward away from the moving carrier, a spring, N, is arranged in the lower part of the frame, which, when free, stands in rear of the magazine, as seen in Fig. 3, so that the head of the rear cartridge will rest against the head of that spring until the carrier is depressed, as in Fig. 4, which forces down the spring N to free the cartridge and allow it to pass out, and as the carrier rises with that cartridge the spring rises to meet the next cartridge.

The method here represented of introducing the cartridge is through an aperture in the under side of the frame, closed by a cover, P, hinged to the rear, as at *r*, and held in a closed position by a spring, *s*.

When the breech is closed and the carrier-block up, as in Fig. 3, the cover P may be easily pressed inward, as indicated in broken lines, which exposes the rear end of the magazine, and the cartridges may be inserted one after another by such turning in of the cover P, this cover also forming a guide to properly conduct the cartridges to the magazine; and it also serves as a latch to hold the cartridges after they are inserted in the magazine, as the spring *s* will force the cover P outward so soon as a cartridge has passed into the magazine, so as to escape from the end of the cover.

When the parts are in the position denoted in broken lines, Fig. 3, and before the carrier descends, cartridges may be introduced directly to the barrel from above. In that case the arm operates as a breecher, and under such condition the parts may be adapted to breech-loading arms which have not the magazine.

I claim—

1. The combination, in a fire-arm, of a breech-piece moving longitudinally in the frame to open and close the barrel, mechanism for imparting a reciprocating motion to the said breech-piece, a spindle in connection with said breech-piece, so as to have longitudinal play between the breech-piece and said spindle, a firing-pin arranged relatively to the said spindle, so as to receive the blow of the hammer through the spindle, and a cartridge-extracting hook attached to said spindle and independent of the breech-piece, substantially as described.

2. The combination, in a fire-arm, of a breech-piece moving longitudinally in the frame to open and close the barrel, mechan-

191,196

3

ism for imparting a reciprocating motion to the said breech-piece, a spindle in connection with said breech-piece, so as to have longitudinal play between the breech-piece and said spindle, a firing-pin arranged relatively to the said spindle, so as to receive the blow of the hammer through the spindle, a cartridge-extracting hook attached to said spindle and independent of the breech-piece, and a covering-plate attached to said breech-piece to open and close the passage to the barrel, substantially as described.

3. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of a breech-piece moving longitudinally in the frame to open and close the barrel, mechanism for imparting a reciprocating motion to the said breech-piece, a carrier hinged in rear of said breech-piece, and in connection with the mechanism which imparts the said reciprocating movement to the breech-piece, substantially as described, and so that the said carrier, when the breech-piece is closed, is in its elevated position, and made to fall and rise again while the breech-piece is near its extreme rearward position, substantially as described.

4. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of a breech-piece moving longitudinally in the frame to open and close the barrel, and mechanism for imparting a reciprocating motion to the said breech-piece, with the carrier M, an arm from which extends through a vertical slot in the lever-arm H, and hung in the rear of said lever-arm, the lever-arm provided with a pin, n, to impart to the said carrier a vertical reciprocating movement, substantially as described.

5. The combination, in a fire-arm, of a breech-piece moving longitudinally in the frame to open and close the barrel, duplicate links F¹ F², one pair hinged to the breech-piece, the other pair to the frame in the rear, and the two pairs intermediately hinged together, the three joints being in a horizontal plane with the axis of the barrel, the frame of the arm constructed with a bearing, F³, for the links, substantially as described.

FRANK W. TIESING.

Witnesses:

JOHN E. EARLE,

CLARA BROUGHTON.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 193,574, dated July 24, 1877; application filed February 28, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK W. TIESING, of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Magazine Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of this specification, and represent, in—

Figure 1, a sectional side view, illustrating the method of introducing the cartridges to the open magazine; and in Fig. 2, same view with the magazine closed.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of repeating arms known as "magazine-arms," and specially to those in which the magazine is arranged longitudinally beneath the barrel, the object of the invention being to facilitate the introduction of loaded cartridges into the magazine.

The invention consists in the combination of the magazine-tube with an opening forward of the breech mechanism, and combined with means for moving the follower forward, so as to charge the way through the said opening, as more fully hereinafter described.

A is the barrel; B, the magazine, arranged in the usual relative position. Within the magazine is the usual spring C and follower D, the spring forcing the follower toward the mechanism in the frame of the arm, to force the cartridges into the carrier for transfer to the barrel, operating to do this in substantially the usual manner.

The magazine is divided near its rear end, and a second section, E, introduced, which slides upon the first in telescopic form, moved by means of a knob, F, or other convenient device, as from the position in Fig. 2 to that in Fig. 1. The rear end of this second section E has flange-like projections to engage the follower D, so that, there being no cartridges in the magazine, such sliding movement of the section E will carry the follower forward to the position in Fig. 1. The distance of this movement is a little more than the length of the cartridges to be introduced, and at the rear end of the magazine a plate, G, is arranged, hinged at the rear end, as at g, and

provided with a spring, a, the tendency of which is to force the plate G outward to its normal position, as seen in Fig. 2. In this condition the slide E may be moved to the rear to complete the magazine; but when the follower is carried forward, as in Fig. 1, then the forward end of the plate G may be turned inward, as shown in that figure, exposing the follower, so that the cartridges may be successively inserted, the first, as in Fig. 1, striking the follower and pressed inward, the plate G serving as a guide, and other cartridges successively following.

In order to retain each successive cartridge thus inserted, a spring-latch, b, is arranged to yield as the flange of the cartridge passes into the magazine, and then spring outward in rear of the head, as seen in Fig. 1; but in closing the magazine the spring-latch b is pressed upward out of the way, and the magazine being closed, as in Fig. 2, the cartridges are free to pass to the mechanism of the arm for transfer.

While it is preferred to make the rear end of the magazine of telescopic form, as above described, any connection or arrangement which will draw the follower forward and allow the plate G to be turned inward will accomplish the same object, and by equivalent means.

I claim—

1. In a magazine fire-arm, the hinged plate, arranged forward of the cartridge-carrier and opening into the magazine, in combination with the spring-follower in the magazine and mechanism, substantially as described, for moving the follower forward, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. In a magazine fire-arm, the hinged plate, arranged forward of the cartridge-carrier and opening into the magazine, in combination with the spring-follower in the magazine, mechanism, substantially as described, for moving the follower forward, and the spring-latch b, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

FRANK W. TIESING.

Witnesses:

JOHN E. EARLE,
CLARA BROUGHTON.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT BALL, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPROVEMENT IN MAGAZINE FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 38,935, dated June 23, 1863; Reissue No. 1,635, dated March 15, 1864; Reissue No. 8,110, dated February 26, 1878; application filed January 24, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT BALL, of Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new Improvement in Self-Loading Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of this specification, and represent, in—

Figure 1, side view, with the side of the frame removed; Fig. 2, transverse section; Fig. 4, longitudinal section; Figs. 3, 5, and 6, detached views.

This invention relates to improvements in that class of fire-arms known as "magazine."

The fire-arm represented in the drawings is a repeating-pistol; but my invention is equally applicable to a rifle, a musket, or a carbine.

The several cartridges (which are what is termed "fixed ammunition") are contained within a tube or magazine, which is situated underneath and parallel with the barrel, as represented in the drawings, in which B denotes the barrel, and W the magazine, both open at the breech end. The frame V is constructed to receive the mechanism of the arm, and at its forward end b the barrel and magazine are attached.

In the frame, directly in rear of the open end of the barrel, a vertical chamber is formed, into which the cartridges from the magazine successively pass, and are thence transferred to the barrel. In this vertical chamber in the frame a cartridge-carrier, o, is arranged.

The cartridge-chamber is partially constructed in the frame at the rear end of the barrel, and the remainder of the cartridge-chamber formed in the cartridge-carrier o, Figs. 1 and 4.

In my invention the cartridge-carrier is employed not only for receiving a cartridge from the magazine and transporting it to and inserting it within the charge-chamber, and so to be ready for being exploded, but is also subsequently employed, or, after discharge, for extracting the cartridge-shell. Furthermore, the cartridge-carrier is so made as to enable the shell, after having been so withdrawn, to

be ejected laterally from the carrier by the action of a spring or other device.

The several cartridges, as arranged within the magazine, are exhibited at C C C, the rear-most one being placed within the carrier o. This carrier, formed as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, is jointed to a trigger-guard lever, R, by means of which the elevation and depression of the carrier is effected.

P is a "locking-piece," or device for preventing the carrier o from being driven backward during the discharge of a cartridge. This locking-piece has a flange or projection, v, which rests on a tumbler, I, and is provided with a spring, g, the object of which is to effect the elevation of the locking-piece.

H is the hammer, on the pivot-pin of which the tumbler I is fixed. This tumbler carries a lever-catch, e, by which the locking-piece P is drawn downward and away from the carrier o at the proper time, preparatory to being moved backward and downward with respect to the barrel or its portion of the cartridge-chamber. A small spring, f, applied to the catch e, operates to keep the catch in proper connection with the locking-piece P. The side plate or cover X (shown in Fig. 5) is secured to the frame V by means of screws zz in said figure. This side plate is recessed or notched at A, in rear of the open breech end of the magazine, for a twofold purpose—that is to say, not only in order that the cartridges may be introduced through the notch A into the magazine, but that the shells, after explosion, may be successively ejected from the cartridge-carrier.

Each of the cartridges used in my said fire-arm has a copper or metallic shell or powder-cup, which not only contains the powder and ball, but has a flange at its rear end for holding the percussion-powder, the form of the cartridge being as shown in Fig. 4. The flange, when the cartridge is on the carrier o, rests within a corresponding recess or groove, l, formed at the rear, as seen in Fig. 4. The head of the cartridge rests against a shoulder on the carrier, which, when the cartridge is within the chamber of the barrel, constitutes a breech for the barrel. The chamber is partly formed in the frame and partly in the carrier o. The

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shell of the cartridge, when in the charge-chamber, overlaps the joint between the front end of the carrier *o* and its next adjacent part of the frame. Thus the joint will be protected by the shell from the action of the gases resulting from the explosion. The flange of the cartridge serves to make a close joint at the breech or rear end of the chamber.

A helical spring, *s*, placed within the magazine, and in advance of the cartridges, serves, by means of a follower, T, to press them backward toward the cartridge-carrier *o*, as occasion may require. This follower has a small projection or knob, N, extending from it, and through a groove, *r*, made longitudinally in the magazine. The knob N serves as a means for contracting the spring *s*, or by which the follower is moved forward preparatory to the charging of the magazine with cartridges. A lateral notch, K, (see Fig. 3,) serves to receive the knob, and to hold the follower stationary during the introduction of the cartridges into the magazine.

With the carrier *o* there is employed a cartridge-shell ejector or spring, D. (See Figs. 2 and 4.) During the forward movement of the carrier *o* it will press back the spring, which, as soon as the carrier may have been retracted, will be free to act against the cartridge-shell and eject it laterally from the carrier. J is a spring or guard by which the cartridge, while being raised up by the carrier *o*, is maintained in place thereon.

The operation of the fire-arm is as follows: Preparatory to charging the magazine with cartridges, the spring *s* is contracted, and should be held so by turning the knob N laterally into the notch K. The cartridge-carrier *o* having been depressed to its lowest position, the cartridges should be successively inserted through the recess A in the side of the frame, and into the magazine, after which the knob N should be turned out of the notch K, in order that the follower, by means of the spring, may be forced against the row of cartridges, and press them toward the carrier *o*. Then, by turning the lever R upward toward the stock, the carrier, with a cartridge thereon, will be raised, and during its rise will be moved forward until it may have reached its position, as shown in Fig. 1. The shell of the cartridge, while in the chamber, will close the joints thereof, in the manner as hereinbefore mentioned.

During the passage of the carrier *o* from its position as shown in Fig. 4 into that as represented in Fig. 1, the rear end of the said carrier will slide forward on the upper surface of the locking-piece P and off the key or catch *c*, and as soon as the carrier has introduced the cartridge into the barrel or chamber the piece P will be thrown up by the action of the spring *g*, and will lock the said carrier in position.

During the movement of the carrier *o* from

its position as shown in Fig. 4 to that in Fig. 1 the hammer H will remain stationary and raised, as shown in Fig. 4, ready to be thrown down for discharging the cartridge, the blow of the hammer being forced by a mainspring, which, with the trigger to be applied to the tumbler, is not represented in the drawings. It will be impossible to explode the cartridge until the locking-piece P may have been forced into its locking position.

During the upward movement of the carrier *o* the flange of the cartridge within it will be moved in contact with the spring *J*, which, on entering a notch in the top of the carrier, and bearing on the flange, will serve to keep the cartridge in its proper position until it may enter or have passed into the chamber or bore of the arm. The hammer, by striking against the flange of the cartridge, explodes the priming thereof. At the moment the hammer is thrown against the cartridge the tumbler will have been turned around with respect to the projection *v* of the locking-piece P, as shown in Fig. 1, and so as to prevent any downward movement of the piece P during explosion of the cartridge.

After having discharged the fire-arm the hammer should be raised. During the descent of the hammer to explode the cartridge the key or catch *e* will be raised and locked onto the piece P, and will pull the said piece P downward during the elevation of the hammer. By depressing the lever R the carrier *o* will be moved backward on the piece P, and will be depressed at its front end. The shell of the cartridge in the meanwhile will be drawn out of the cartridge-chamber, and be thrown off or ejected from the carrier by the reaction of the spring *D*, after which another cartridge will be forced into place on the carrier, ready for being raised up to the chamber. During the rearward movement of the carrier *o* it will press the catch *f* out of action on the locking-piece P.

What I claim as my invention in the above-described fire-arm is as follows:

1. In a magazine fire-arm, the combination, substantially as described, of a barrel and magazine, both open at the breech, a frame to which the barrel and magazine are attached, and constructed with a vertical chamber in rear of said open end of barrel and magazine, with an opening through the side of the frame in rear of the magazine, through which the magazine is charged.

2. In a magazine fire-arm, the combination, substantially as described, of a barrel and magazine, both open at the breech, an opening in the side of the frame, through which the magazine is charged, and a carrier to receive a cartridge from the magazine and present it in line with the bore of the barrel.

3. The combination of the locking-piece P, the spring *g*, and catch *f* with the tumbler I and the carrier *o*, the whole being constructed

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HORACE UPDEGRAFF, OF SMITHFIELD, OHIO.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 205,147, dated June 25, 1878; application filed

March 19, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORACE UPDEGRAFF, of Smithfield, in the county of Jefferson and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in that class of breech-loading fire-arms described and patented by me in Letters Patent No. 189,973, dated April 24, 1877, and has for its object to furnish a breech mechanism wherein the breech-block is locked by the nose of the hammer, the extractor operated more effectively, and whereby other improved results are obtained.

It consists in the construction of the breech-block with a side recess and cam-shoulder, in an extractor pivoted to a pin fixed to the frame and operated by the breech-block, and in other improvements, all of which will be hereinafter fully explained.

In the drawings, Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6 are sectional views of the frame, showing the breech mechanism in different relative positions. Fig. 3 is a view of the breech-block, partly in section. Fig. 4 is a side view of the hammer. Fig. 7 is the firing-pin. Fig. 8 is the extractor, and Fig. 9 is the safety-arm.

A is the frame, in which are secured the several parts of the breech mechanism, and to which is attached the breech B of the barrel B'.

D is the hammer, turning on the pin D¹, having its lower end D² extended below the axis or pin D¹, and provided with notches for catching the trigger, as shown. On the side of the hammer above the axis there is formed a groove, D³, in which are formed shoulders or cams D⁴ D⁵, for operating the safety-arm, hereinafter described. The lower end D² is slotted, and provided with a spring, a, for receiving and holding the end of the sear E. Just below the nose of the hammer is formed

a projection, D⁶, adapted to enter a recess in the breech-block, hereinafter described.

The sear E has its front end forked, as shown. The under point b is adapted to engage and open the breech-block, while the upper point b' closes the said block.

F is the breech-block, pivoted to the frame A by the pin F¹, arranged under and slightly forward of the breech B. The objects in pivoting the block in the manner described are to secure for it more perfect action, with less circular sweep or movement, to gain for it the fullest benefit from its own gravity, and so that the extractor may be pivoted in the rear of its pivotal point F¹, and so that the angle of recoil between the breech-block and barrel is made accurate, thereby giving greater power and safety in the operation of the device.

The breech-block has formed on its side, in rear of its axial pin, a recess, C, for the reception of a cam-shoulder, c, which engages the front side of the extractor G, and causes the latter to move slowly backward as the breech-block is opened. When the breech-block is nearly open, a shoulder or pin, c', engages a projection, d, on the rear side of the extractor, which gives to the latter a quick jerking movement, which throws the shell entirely out of the barrel.

The breech-block has formed in its rear edge a curved recess, F², which receives the nose of the hammer, the latter entering said recess with a wedge or cam action, forcing and locking the block firmly against the breech. On the upper edge of the block is a small recess, F³, adapted to receive the projection D⁶ on the hammer D. The breech-block, when it is open, as shown in Fig. 5, is forced and held firmly down by the action of the projection D⁶ in the recess F³.

The extractor G is pivoted at e to and near the lower side of the frame A. It is arranged in rear of the pin F¹. Its upper end is constructed with a small projection, e¹, which catches the rim of the shell.

When the breech-block is closed its upper end rests in a small recess in the breech B, as shown. It is operated by the cam c and shoulder c', as hereinbefore explained.

2

205,117

When the breech-block is open, as shown in Fig. 5, its upper end stands out slightly from the breech B, with the breast or projection e² resting firmly against the cam c, which prevents any springing or recoiling movement when the cartridge is hurriedly inserted.

H is the safety-arm, which holds the breech-block to guard against a premature discharge. It moves on a pivot, *h*, on the frame A, and is provided with a pin, *h'*, on its inner side, which projects into the groove D³, and is actuated by the cams D⁴ D⁵.

When the hammer is at full-cock the end of the arm H is behind the block, as shown in Fig. 6.

When the hammer is down or is at a half-cock, the arm is raised clear of the breech-block, its end resting in such a position as to prevent the introduction of dirt or other obstructions to the breech mechanism.

The operation of the device may be clearly understood by reference to the drawings.

After the gun has been fired the parts will occupy the position shown in Fig. 1. If the hammer be drawn back to the position (which is slightly beyond a full-cock) shown in Fig. 2, the shell will be thrown out of the breech. In the first part of this movement the cam c on the breech-block acts with great power on the extractor, which is moved very slowly, thus relieving the shell from any tightness which may have been caused by the slightly-tapering shape of the shell, or by expansion caused by the explosion.

When the hammer is let down from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 5, the breech-block will be slightly elevated, so as to cause the extractor to turn forward, with the breast e² resting firmly against the cam-surface c, from which position there will be no recoiling or backward movement of said extractor when the rim of the cartridge is placed quickly against the projection e¹ in the act of loading the gun.

The cartridge is not placed entirely in the breech B by the hand, but is inserted till its rim is caught by the projection e¹ on the extractor, after which, by drawing the hammer to a full-cock, as shown in Fig. 6, the breech-block, in closing, forces it into the barrel, with the extractor in the position shown in Fig. 1.

When the hammer is let down into the position shown in Fig. 5, the projection D⁶ enters the recess F³ and locks the breech-block. The action of the projection is such as always to bring the breech-block into place, thus securing perfect position for the other parts of the breech mechanism.

When the safety-arm is raised clear of the breech-block in bringing the hammer to a half-cock, its rear end bears on the end of a spring, *h*², which is so constructed as to hold said block in its elevated position until the hammer is drawn to a full-cock, and the sides (which are suitably inclined for the purpose) of the forward end of the groove D³ come in contact with the pin *h*, and release the bar from said spring.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

1. The breech-block F, having the recess C, cam-shoulder c, and stop c', in combination with the extractor G, pivoted to the frame A, and having the shoulder e² and shoulder d, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The combination, with the safety-arm H, pivoted to the frame A, and provided with a pin, *h*, of the hammer D, having the groove D³ and cams D⁴ D⁵, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HORACE UPDEGRAFF.

Witnesses:

P. B. TURPIN,

J. MASON GOSZLER.

— Established 1864. —

LOUIS BAGGER.

AUGUST PETERSON.

LOUIS BAGGER & CO.,
SOLICITORS OF

American and Foreign Patents,

Counsellors at Patent Law,

Offices: Le Droit Building, cor. 8th & F Sts.

Opp. Main Entrance to U. S. Patent Office,

Washington, D. C.

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HOW TO OBTAIN PATENTS

In from One to Three Weeks.

Under the Patent Laws of the United States, any man or woman, whether citizen or alien, who has made a new and useful invention or discovery in machinery, manufactures, art, chemical compounds, or medicinal preparations, or an IMPROVEMENT upon any existing machine, manufacture, &c., is entitled to a PATENT for the same, which secures to him or her, for the term of 17 years, the sole and exclusive right to make, use, or sell the invention.

The first step, therefore, is to ascertain if the invention or discovery is patentable or if the same thing has not been already patented by somebody else. If you have a MODEL, send it to us at once; but if not, a pencil sketch of the invention, accompanied by a brief description thereof, will answer the purpose of making a PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION in the Patent Office, which we do free of charge, and immediately report the result. If our report is favorable, and a model has not been sent, prepare a nice model, not exceeding one foot in any dimension, and send it to us by mail or express, prepaid. Upon receipt of this, we make an additional examination in the Patent Office before preparing the necessary papers, in order to determine upon the exact claims to be made. This being done, the application, specification, and oath, is prepared by us and sent to the inventor for his examination, oath, and signature. The same papers, after being duly signed and executed, should be returned to us with Draft or Post Office Order for the first

247,452. MAGAZINE FIRE-ARM. ELI WHITNEY, New Haven, Conn. Filed July 30, 1881. (No model.)

*Claim*.—1. In a breech-loading fire-arm substantially such as described, the combination of a longitudinally-movable breech-piece, a lever hung in the receiver below the breech-piece, one arm extending downward to form the trigger-guard, the other arm extending upward into the receiver, a link hung by one end to a pivot in the lever and by the other end to a pivot on the breech-piece, the openings in the link through which the pivots pass elongated, so as to permit the lever to move to a certain extent without moving the breech-piece, the end of said lever cam-shaped, and the breech-piece constructed with a corresponding seat, *f*, onto which the said cam-shaped end of the lever passes after the breech-piece is closed, substantially as described.

2. In a breech-loading fire-arm substantially such as described, the combination of a longitudinally-movable breech-piece, a lever hung in the receiver below the breech-piece, one arm extending downward to form the trigger-guard, the other arm extending upward into the receiver, a link hung by one end to a pivot in the lever and by the other end to a pivot on the breech-piece, the openings in the link through which the pivots pass elongated, so as to permit the lever to move to a certain extent without moving the breech-piece, the end of said lever cam-shaped, and the breech-piece constructed with a corresponding seat, *f*, onto which the said cam-shaped end of the lever passes after the breech-piece is closed, a firing-pin constructed with a shoulder, *i*, the upper end of the lever constructed with a recess, *h*, to pass onto the firing-pin and engage said shoulder, substantially as described.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 206,367, dated July 23, 1878; application filed February 13, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Figure 1, side view; Fig. 2, longitudinal section, showing the parts in position of open breech; Fig. 3, longitudinal central section, showing the parts with the breech closed; Fig. 4, modification of the follower.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of fire-arms known as "breech sliding backward, operated by handle," and particularly to magazine-arms in which the magazine is arranged in the stock of the arm in rear of the barrel; and it consists in the construction and combination of the parts, as hereinafter described, and more particularly recited in the claims.

A is the frame; B, the barrel attached there-to and open at the breech; C, the breech-piece; D, the handle attached thereto; E, the hammer, arranged to be thrown back by the rear or opening movement of the breech-piece and to be engaged by the sear *a*, substantially in the usual manner for this class of fire-arms—a construction so well known as not to require more particular description; F, the magazine, arranged in the stock G, and provided with a follower, H, and spring I, and so that when the breech is open, as in Fig. 2, the magazine may be charged by introducing cartridges rear end first against the follower, and forcing it back into the magazine until the desired number of cartridges are introduced.

*d* is a dog or stop hung upon a pivot, *e*, which will successively engage the flange of each cartridge as it is introduced, so as to rethem in the magazine. The dog *d* extends forward, and forms a brake or holder, *f*, and on the same pivot *e* is hung an ejector, *g*. Between the ejector and the holder *f* is a spring, *i*. In rear of the dog *d* a spring, *n*, is arranged to force the dog down onto and over the flange of the cartridge, as seen in broken

lines, Fig. 2. When the parts are in position as in Fig. 2, the power of the spring *n* is greater than that of the spring *i*; hence the dog *d* allows the flanges of the cartridges to easily pass it and drop forward of them.

On the ejector, and in rear of its forward end, is an upward projection, *m*. This projection, when the breech-piece is forward, rests upon its under side, as seen in Fig. 3, and continues to be held down by the breech-piece, and consequently bearing the spring *i* down upon the holder *f* until the breech-piece is fully opened, when the projection *m* rises into the notch *r* in the breech-piece, as seen in Fig. 2. This relieves the holder from the pressure of the spring *i*.

When the holder is pressed down, as in Fig. 3, the dog *d* is raised so as to leave the flange of the cartridge free; therefore the cartridge is freed so soon as the breech-piece is moved so far forward as to press down the ejector into the position seen in Fig. 3.

Supposing, then, the parts to be in position as in Fig. 2, with one or more cartridges in the magazine, the outer one, L, held by the dog *d*, the breech-piece is now closed, and in the first part of its movement in so doing the dog is raised, as before described, and the cartridge freed; but at the same time the holder *f* is depressed. The result of this is that instantly on the freeing of the cartridge it is thrown forward, but will be caught by the holder *f*, as seen in Fig. 3, bearing upon the cartridge with sufficient force to hold it in that advanced position; then, when the breech-piece is again opened, the ejector *g* will rise and free the holder, as seen in Fig. 2. Then the cartridge which was before held will be forced forward up the incline *N* and enter the barrel *B* so far, at least, that when the breech-piece is again advanced it will strike the head of the cartridge and force it home into the barrel, the next cartridge being caught by the holder *f*, as before described. The sudden action of the spring in the magazine gives to the cartridge a sufficient momentum to throw it into the barrel, so that it is not necessary that it should be followed closely by the next cartridge or the follower.

On the top of the breech-piece is the usual spring-latch *s*, and below the usual stud or holder *t*, which passes beneath the head, so

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206,367

that the head of the cartridge will be taken by the latch or extracting hook s when the breech-piece is closed, as seen in Fig. 3. Hence, when the breech-piece is opened the cartridge or shell, as the case may be, will be extracted and drawn back with the breech-piece, in the usual manner, until the projection m on the ejector reaches the recess r in the breech-piece. Then the ejector g is free to be thrown by the spring i, as seen in Fig. 2, and, striking the cartridge forward of its head, will throw its forward end upward and eject the shell from the arm, leaving the parts ready to advance for the next cartridge.

When the cartridges are suddenly released from the action of the holder f, and advancing, as before described, the flange is liable to come in contact with the shoulder on the holder f above, the tendency of which would be to throw up the forward end, and thus prevent its entering the barrel. To prevent this, or rather to overcome it, a groove, v, or some slight obstruction, is formed on the lower side of the conductor, or in the path of the cartridge, so that the under side of the head will strike such obstruction and prevent any tendency which the cartridge would otherwise have to rise at the forward end.

To use the arm as a breech-loading and cut off the magazine, a slide, w, is arranged with a finger-piece, P, below the frame, and preferably within the trigger-guard, which, when the brake is down upon the cartridge, as in Fig. 3, may be moved forward beneath the dog d, and thus prevent the holder from rising from the cartridge, and so that the first and the succeeding cartridges in the magazine may be held in reserve, as occasion requires, the ejector, however, being free to act, that being independent of the holder.

The follower H is constructed with an annular projection, R, of slightly larger diameter than the cylinder of the cartridge, and so that when the last cartridge has been thrown forward the said projection R will strike the shoulder on the rear end of the brake, as indicated in broken lines, Fig. 3, and there be arrested, so that it cannot be thrown from the magazine.

In order to give to the last cartridge in the magazine a greater momentum than could be given to it by the follower advancing until arrested by the holder, as before described, and which is less than that given the preceding

cartridges, the follower may be provided with an auxiliary spring, as seen in Fig. 4. This spring being of less power than that in the magazine, the spring will be always compressed until the follower is arrested by the holder. Then the auxiliary spring within the follower will force forward the then free part of the follower, as indicated in broken lines, and thus add to the momentum of the cartridge, or follow the cartridge farther with its power than it could do without this auxiliary spring.

While representing the ejector g and holder f as operated by a spring common to both, and the holder pressed downward through the agency of the ejector, these may be operated independently of each other; but the construction shown is simple and effective.

The spring on the ejector may be dispensed with altogether, because the notch r in the breech-piece, striking the shoulder m on the ejector, will necessarily cause the ejector to rise, and with sufficient force to eject the cartridge; but the spring is preferable.

I claim—

1. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of the longitudinally-sliding breech, the holder f, and dog d, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of a longitudinally-sliding breech-piece, the holder f, dog d, ejector g, with its upward projection m, and notch r on the under side of the breech-piece, substantially as described.

3. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of a longitudinally-sliding breech-piece, the holder f, dog d, ejector g, with its upward projection m, and notch r on the under side of the breech-piece, with a spring, i, between the ejector and holder, and common to both, substantially as described.

4. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of a longitudinally-sliding breech-piece, holder f, dog d, and stop or slide w, substantially as and for the purpose described.

5. The combination, in a magazine fire-arm, of the holder f, dog d, and the follower in the magazine, constructed with an annular projection, R, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

FRANK W. TIESING.

Witnesses:

JOHN E. EARLE,

H. A. KITSON.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

E. LEWIS STURTEVANT, OF SOUTH FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS,
ASSIGNEE OF CYRUS W. BALDWIN.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 85,897, dated January 19, 1869; Reissue No. 8,963, dated
November 11, 1879; application filed March 31, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that CYRUS W. BALDWIN, of
Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of
Massachusetts, invented a new and useful Im-
provement in Magazine Fire-Arms; and I do
hereby declare the following, when taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings,
and the letters of reference marked thereon,
to be a full, clear, and exact description of the
same, which said drawings constitute part of
this specification, and represent, in—

Figure 1, a vertical central and longitudinal
section; Fig. 2, an elevation of its interior
working parts; Figs. 3, 4, and 5, vertical and
transverse sections of the arm; Fig. 6, a per-
spective view of a portion of the movable
breech; Fig. 7, a section of the rear end of
the barrel; Fig. 8, a top view of the explod-
ing-bolt, to be hereinafter described.

This invention is an improvement in that
class of breech-loading fire-arms carrying me-
tallic cartridges, and known as "magazine or
repeating arms," the arm, as constructed, being
susceptible of use as a "single loader," so
termed, the object of this invention being to
secure great simplicity of construction, com-
bined with ease and accuracy in manipulation
and effectiveness and durability in operation.

The invention consists in the employment of
a longitudinally-sliding breech-block moving
in an inclosure or chamber made in the frame
or receiver of the arm in rear of the barrel and
in axial alignment with the bore thereof, the
disposition of the said breech-block being
such that when drawn back or retracted to its
farthest limit of movement it allows a car-
tridge from the magazine below it to precede
it, and when pushed forward to its extreme
position it performs the function of forcing
the cartridge along in advance of it, of intro-
ducing such cartridge into its chamber within
the barrel, and of closing the rear end of and
forming a breech thereto, the block being pro-
vided with a suitable device for automatically
locking it in its closed position, and enabling
it to sustain the force of the explosion of the
charge.

The invention further consists in the em-
ployment and disposition of an inclined plane
or inclined planes, upon which the cartridge

ascends by the force of a coiled spring or other
device until it attains a sufficient elevation to
be struck by the advance of the sliding breech
and carried by it to the barrel.

The invention further consists in combining,
with the movable breech and its operative
parts, a device for exploding the cartridge,
the same to be hereinafter described.

To enable others conversant with fire arms
to make and use my invention, I will describe
its construction and operation.

In the drawings, *a* denotes the barrel, and
*b* its bore; *e*, the frame for containing the op-
erative parts. This frame is hollow or formed
with a longitudinal chamber, *d*, open at rear
end and in axial line with the bore of the bar-
rel. Within this chamber is an elongated
block, *e*, the two being of equal length, or so
that when the bloon *e* is in its place it shall
extend from the rear end of the chamber *d* to
the rear end of the barrel, and form the re-
coil-block or breech-piece of the arm. The said
rear end of the chamber is formed with an
abutment or ledge, *f*, to retain the said breech-
block firmly in place.

For the purpose of effecting the necessary
backward and forward movements of the
breech-block *e*, I employ a handle, *g*, formed
upon the rear end of a bolt or bar, *h*, which
slides within a groove, *i*, made in the upper
face of the breech-piece, and nearly its entire
length, the bolt being retained within the
groove by a transverse pin, *j*, passing through
the breech-piece and slot *l* in the bolt, this slot
allowing of a short reciprocating movement
of the bolt within the block. On the bolt,
and immediately in front of the handle *g*, is a
shoulder, *m*, which, when the breech is in the
position against the barrel, extends under-
neath a corresponding point, *a'*, of the breech-
chamber *d* and prevents the rear end of the
breech-block from rising above its supporting-
abutments *f*<sub>1</sub> before mentioned.

When it becomes desirable to retract the
breech-block in the act of loading the arm the
hook is seized and drawn back a short distance,
which will remove its shoulder *m* from under
its stop *a'*, the length of the slot *l* before men-
tioned permitting this movement, the forward
end of the bolt *h* at this point sinking into a

2

8,963

depression, b', made in the bottom of the groove i, and by this means leaving room between the breech-block and the top of its chamber for raising of the rear end of the block therein. At this point the hook, and with it the rear end of the breech, is to be raised, with the front upper corner of the breech as a fulcrum or turning-point, and the rear end of the breech raised from contact with its ledge or abutment f, when the combined hook and breech are to be drawn back to their extreme rearward position, which is determined by a projection, n, depending from the front end of the breech-block, and which brings up against the abutment f.

The magazine or tube, or a portion thereof, for containing the cartridges is shown at p as extending through the stock of the gun and communicating with a cartridge - receiving trough, q, formed below the breech-chamber, and in alignment therewith, the sides of the rear portion of the trough q being provided with an inclined ledge or ledges, r, s, upon which the flange of the cartridge rests, the forward terminus of the trough, or that supporting the ball, also being inclined, as shown at s.

The spring or other device for advancing the cartridge has the effect of forcing the foremost one a short distance up the inclined planes r and s, and in advance of and into the path of movement of the breech-block when the latter is retracted. One device which I have contemplated for thus forcing the cartridges along consists of a long thin ribbon or plate of steel or other metal, a², lying within a slot in the lower part of the cartridge-magazine, and punctured, as at b² b'², the distance of such openings b² b'² from one another being equal to the extreme length of a cartridge. This ribbon a² is secured to the under side of a short tube, c², which slides freely within the cartridge-magazine p, a coiled spring, d², being arranged within this tube, and projecting, when in an extended state, somewhat beyond the forward end thereof, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the said spring pressing against the last of the series of cartridges within the magazine.

A tubular sleeve, c², encompasses the cartridge - magazine p, and so as to slide freely thereon, such sleeve having affixed to its lower part a spring-catch or hook, f², for taking into the openings b² of the feeding-ribbon and advancing the cartridges.

The said tubular sleeve is worked backward and forward by a hooked and notched bar, g², (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and detached in Fig. 9,) with a hook, i², for advancing the sleeve and its spring-catch, and with a catch or notch, j², for retracting such sleeve and catch, according as the breech-block e may be advanced or retracted, the said hook or rear end of the bar g² extending into a short slot or aperture, k², made in the upper side of the sleeve e².

As the breech-block is drawn back preparatory to loading the arm, the catch j² of the bar g², by means of the aperture k², forces back the sleeve e² and its spring-catch f², such spring-

catch, when the breech arrives at its extreme rearward position, taking into one of the series of notches b² of the feeding-ribbon a².

In this construction of the arm the spring d², which, as before described, is pressing against the rearmost cartridge, forces all the cartridges forward, the foremost rising, as it advances, into a position forward of the breech-piece. Then as the breech-block is moved forward, forcing the foremost cartridge into the barrel, the spring-catch f² also advances the sleeve e², and with it the feeding-ribbon a², the spring d² of which, by pressing against the rear cartridge of the series, serves to advance the whole of them within the magazine and toward the barrel, and again compresses the spring d². It will be found in practice, I think, that this spring will have the effect of throwing the cartridge entirely into the barrel in advance of the breech-piece.

The above-described device for advancing the cartridges constitutes a positive mechanism, and in many respects may be considered preferable to the ordinary spiral spring now generally employed in magazine fire-arms for advancing the cartridges.

Although, in itself considered, the use of the feeding-ribbon is not new, and is used in other arms, I show its operation in connection therewith.

As soon as the breech-block brings up against the end of the barrel, or against the flange of the cartridge inclosed between the two, a slight downward pressure is exerted upon the handle, which has the effect of de-pressing the rear end of the breech-piece into its position in front of the abutment f. This downward pressure upon the hook also has the effect of elevating the forward end of the bolt h from out of the depression b', before mentioned, and permits the hook to be pushed forward to its fullest extent, and its shoulder forced under the stop a', the above-mentioned depression of the breech-block locking it in position against the barrel by extending in front of the abutment f.

The firing-pin for exploding the cartridge is shown at t as a bar of a length about equal to that of the breech, to the projection n of which it is pivoted by a bolt, u, the bar extending alongside the bar g² and partially into the groove h², before mentioned as made in the under side of the breech-block. The firing-pin t, besides serving the purpose of exploding the cartridge, also, in combination with the bar g², lies upon the top of the next cartridge in the series within the magazine, and serves to maintain such cartridge within its trough q until the breech-block has passed over and to the rear of it.

The lock or discharging mechanism of the arm consists of a hammer w', sliding freely in a groove, v, made in the upper part of the receiver and over the magazine p, the forward end of the hammer striking against the rear end of the firing-pin t, the rear end of the ham-