UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

ORVILL M. ROBINSON, OF UPPER JAY, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 103,504, dated May 24, 1870.

*To all whom it may concern:*

Be it known that I, ORVILL M. ROBINSON, of Upper Jay, in the county of Essex and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Breech-Loading Guns; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

This invention relates to that class of guns which use fixed ammunition in connection with a magazine beneath the barrel, the cartridge being conveyed from the magazine to the breech of the gun by means of a carrier-block, and being exploded by means of a firing-bolt actuated by the hammer; and consists in certain details of construction, which will be fully described hereinafter.

In the drawing, Figure 1 represents a side elevation of my improved gun with one of the side plates removed to expose the interior mechanism. Figs. 2 and 3 are views of the firing-bolt; Figs. 4 and 5, views of the breech-block, and Figs. 6 and 7 views of the carrier-block.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will now proceed to describe fully its construction and method of operation.

A represents the barrel of my improved gun; a¹, the magazine; a², the cock; a³, the trigger, and a⁴ the trigger-guard. As these parts do not especially belong to my invention they need not be here particularly described. They may be constructed in any suitable manner.

B, Figs. 1, 4, and 5, represents the breech-block, which is nearly divided into two parts by the longitudinal opening b, in which moves the firing-bolt C. It is united, however, by the cross-bar b¹ and end piece, b², in which latter is located a depression, b³, which permits the proper movement of the point c of the firing-bolt C. The breech-block is also provided with guides b⁴, b⁵, which slide in corresponding grooves in the side plates of the lock, which are provided with suitable stops to limit its rearward motion. It has also a recess, b⁶, Fig. 1, in which is located the brace-block D.

The firing-bolt C is provided with the point c, handles c¹, c², recess c³, and projection c⁴. It

has also a recess, c⁴, in which a small spring is placed for the purpose of holding the bolt against accidental displacement in moving the gun. To it is connected the brace-block D by means of the bar d, which is pivoted to it, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. The brace-block is provided with a suitable opening for receiving the end of the arm d, and has also attached upon its lower side a spring, d'.

E represents the cartridge-carrier, which is provided with guides ee, as shown. Its slides are triangular in shape, as shown in Fig. 1, and its rear elevation is U-shaped, as shown in Fig. 6.

e' represents a flat metallic spring, which is attached directly to the carrier-block.

F represents a spiral spring, located below the carrier-block, which is attached to the hinged cover G. This latter is secured in place ordinarily by means of a button, g.

H represents a covering-plate, which is secured to the breech-block by any suitable fastening.

The operation is as follows: The cartridges are inserted into the magazine by opening the hinged cover G and by pressing downward the carrier-block, the gun being inverted and the breech-block being pulled out by the fingers to the limit of its rearward motion. When the magazine is full the cover G is replaced in position and secured, and the gun is ready for use.

To fire the gun the hammer must first be brought to a half or full cock, and the breech-block be drawn out by the fingers to the limit of its rearward motion. By means of this movement the carrier-block is permitted to rise, being forced upward by the spring beneath, and brings with it a cartridge, which then rests in line with the breech of the gun. The breech-block is now pushed forward, by which means the cartridge is forced into the breech, and the carrier-block is forced down into its former position. The cartridge is forced into the breech instead of being carried down again by the carrier-block, because it is moved forward by the breech-block and caused to enter the breech before the downward movement of the carrier-block begins. The gun may now be fired in the usual manner.

2

103,504

It will be observed that the hammer is peculiarly formed in order to permit the breech-block to slide back readily over it.

The relative movement of the brace-block and firing-bolt should also be observed. The former being connected to the latter by means of the bar *d*, and being actuated by it, it is impossible that an explosion can occur until the brace-block is in position.

By means of the covering-plates the breech is entirely closed when the gun is fired.

The empty cartridge is drawn back by means of the hook *s* on the covering-plate, and is thrown out by the upward movement of the carrier-block.

The movements necessary to fire the gun after the magazine is filled are as follows: first, to cock it; second, to pull back the breech block; third, to thrust it forward; and, fourth, to pull the trigger.

The operation of the breech-block is essentially one movement.

The parts are all simple and easily manufactured. The gun is not likely to get out of order, is easily operated, and is remarkably safe.

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

1. The carrier-block E, when constructed and operating substantially as described.

2. The combination of the firing-bolt and brace-block, substantially as described.

3. The combination of the breech-block, firing-bolt, and brace-block.

4. The combination of the breech-block, firing-bolt, brace-block, and covering-plate, substantially as described.

5. The gun described, provided with a longitudinally-sliding breech-block, firing-bolt, brace-block, and carrier-block, when constructed and arranged substantially as described.

This specification signed and witnessed this 29th day of March, 1870.

ORVILL M. ROBINSON.

Witnesses:

A. S. BABBITT,
A. S. PRIME.

United States Patent Office.

ELI WHITNEY, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

Letters Patent No. 112,997, dated March 21, 1871.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELI WHITNEY, 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 drawing and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawing constitutes part of this specification, and represents in—

Figure 1, a side view of the hammer set at half-cock;

Figure 2, a top view of the same.

Figure 3, a side view with the breech open; and in

Figures 4, 5, and 6, detached views.

This invention relates to an improvement in the construction of that class of breech-loading fire-arms in which the breech-block is turned down to the rear to open the barrel for the insertion of the charge; and

It consists in a mechanism, combined with the hammer and breech-block, yet independent of both, by which the breech-block is locked in position.

A is the frame, constructed to be fitted into a wood stock in the usual manner.

C is the barrel or part of the frame to which the barrel is attached.

B is the breech-block, pivoted in the frame at a, as seen enlarged in fig. 4, the center of the pivot lying below and in line with the rear end of the barrel.

The breech-block is provided with a finger-piece, b, by which it may be turned away from the barrel, as from the position in fig. 1 to that in fig. 3.

To hold the breech-block up against the barrel I arrange a divided cam or pair of cams, d, (see figs. 2 and 4;) the said cams hung upon the same pivot c which carries the hammer D.

The surface of the said cams is of such form and shape, as seen in fig. 4, that, when the breech-block is up against the barrel, the said cams will pass under the rear of the breech-block, as seen in fig. 4, supporting the breech-block in that position, from which it cannot be removed until the cams are turned away, as in fig. 5, which is done by means of a finger, e, formed upon the said cams.

A spring, f, in the frame acts upon the cam to throw it forward under the block when the block is raised; but when the cam is drawn back, as in fig. 5, the breech-block may be turned down, as in fig. 6, which will hold the cam back until the block is raised to permit the cam to fly forward, as before described.

It is necessary to hold the cam back in order to turn down the breech-block. To do this I arrange a latch, n, in the hammer, which extends forward, and on the cam I form a notch, i, (see figs. 5 and 6,) so

that, when the hammer is set at half-cock, as in figs. 1 and 5, and the cam drawn back, the latch n will catch upon the notch or projection i of the cam, and thus retain the cam in that position, until the breech-block is turned down, in doing which the breech-block strikes the forward end of the latch, which projects beyond the cam, as in fig. 5, and, in striking the latch, turns it down and frees the cam from the latch, and allows the cam to fly forward against the upper surface of the breech-block, as seen in fig. 6; then, when the breech-block is turned up against the barrel, the cam falls from the surface of the block beneath it, as in fig. 4, to support it, as before described; then the hammer may be cocked or released, as may be required.

The cams d d are arranged each side of the hammer, but united together by a yoke, s, across the top, as in fig. 3, and in fig. 6 in solid black, and are prevented from going too far back by slots t in their sides, into which a pin or stud, x, on the frame, sits, thus limiting the movement of the cams.

By this arrangement of the yoke, as both the cam and hammer are hung upon the same pivot, I am, by means of the yoke bearing upon the nose of the hammer, enabled to raise the hammer to half-cock, if such an operation at any time be desirable.

I have represented the latch as fixed in the hammer, but it will be evident to those skilled in the art that it may with equal effect be fixed upon the cam itself and catch upon the hammer, or be fixed upon the frame independent of the hammer; but I prefer that the connection be between the hammer and cams, as, by limiting the movement of the cams by the slots t, I am enabled to hold the hammer at half-cock and prevent accidental discharge.

I have described the cams as a pair, one upon each side of the hammer; while I prefer this construction, a single cam arranged upon one side only may answer the purpose. I therefore do not wish to be understood as confining myself to two cams or the divided cam.

On the hub of the breech-block I arrange a flat spring, h, as seen in fig. 4, one end of the spring being fixed to the hub, the other end left free to catch under the rim of the cartridge when the breech-block is closed, as seen in fig. 4, and so that, turning with the breech-block, it will retract the shell from the barrel when the breech-block is drawn back.

I claim as my invention—

1. In combination with the breech-block B and hammer D the cam or cams d, provided with thumb-piece, operating upon the same center with the hammer, but independent of the same, to release and lock the breech-block, substantially as described.

2. The cam or cams d, provided with thumb-piece,

United States Patent Office.

FRANK TIESING AND CHARLES GERNER, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNORS TO ELI WHITNEY, OF SAME PLACE.

Letters Patent No. 113,470, dated April 4, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, FRANK TIESING and CHARLES GERNER, of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Breechloading Fire-Arms; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable those skilled in the art to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification, in which drawing—

Figure 1 represents a longitudinal central section of this invention when the breech is closed and the hammer down.

Figure 2 is a similar section of the same when the breech is open to admit a new cartridge, the hammer being at half-cock.

Figure 3 is a similar section of the same when the arm is charged and the hammer cocked ready for firing.

Similar letters indicate corresponding parts.

This invention consists in a latch for locking the breech-block, said latch being hinged and combined with the hammer in such a manner that by pulling the hammer back the latch is made to release the breech-block.

With the hammer and latch is combined a finger or hook which serves to throw the latch back when the hammer is cocked, and which is afterward made to release the latch when the breech-block is opened, the latch being subjected to the action of a spring, which carries the same back to its locking position as soon as the breech-block is closed.

The breech-block is provided with a yielding spring-dog, which catches in front of the flange of the cartridge-shell when the breech-block is closed, and which, when the breech-block is opened, throws out the shell and then drops down so as to give free access to the chamber for the introduction of a new cartridge.

In the drawing—

The letter A designates the barrel of our fire-arm, which is secured to the stock B in the usual manner.

C is the breech-opening, in which are secured the breech-block D and the hammer E, the breech-block being made to swing on a pivot, a, and the hammer on a pin, b.

When the breech-block is turned up to its closing position, as shown in fig. 1 of the drawing, it is locked by a latch, F, which is secured in the breech-opening by a pin, c, and which is subjected to the action of a spring, d, that has a tendency to keep the same down in its locking position.

In the drawing we have shown the latch with a separate pivot; but it must be remarked that said latch could be so constructed that it would swing on the same pin with the hammer. We prefer, however, to place the pin c, on which the latch swings, as near as possible in the line of the recoil.

With the hammer is connected a finger, e, which swings on a pivot, f, and is subjected to the action of a weak spring, g, that has a tendency to throw the finger out to the position shown in fig. 1, so that its tip bears under the outer end of the latch F; said latch being provided with a lip, h, to prevent the finger from being turned out beyond its end.

When the hammer is raised to half-cock the finger e raises the latch against the action of the spring d and the breech-block can be thrown back to the position shown in fig. 2. While being moved back, however, the back of the breech-block bears against the finger e and forces the same away from under the latch, so that, when the breech-block is returned to its closing position, the latch is free to follow the action of its spring d and to drop back to its locking position, as shown in fig. 3.

During these operations the hammer remains at half-cock, but as soon as the latch has returned to its locking position the hammer can be cocked ready for firing.

It is obvious that the form of the finger depends upon the construction of the latch and its relation to the hammer, and we do not wish to confine ourselves to the precise form shown in the drawing; but we reserve the right to change the form of said finger to a hook or any other device which will be capable of raising the latch when the hammer is pulled back, and of releasing it by the action of the breech-block.

With the breech-block is combined a dog, i, which has its fulcrum on a pivot, j, secured in the breech-block in front of the pin on which said breech-block swings. Said dog is subjected to the action of a spring, k, so that, in turning the breech-block up to its closing position, said dog will spring up behind the flange of the cartridge, as shown in figs. 1 and 3; and in opening the breech-block the empty shell is withdrawn from the chamber and then the dog drops down to the position shown in fig. 3, so as to offer no obstruction to the introduction of a new cartridge.

What we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

1. The relative arrangement of the latch or locking-brace F, breech-block D, and hammer E, when combined for operation, as set forth.

United States Patent Office.

Letters Patent No. 115,258, dated May 23, 1871.

IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELI WHITNEY, of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawing constitutes part of this specification, and represents, in—

Figure 1, a side view of the frame and spindle, the spindle in place as when securing the cylinder.

Figure 2, the same, with the spindle withdrawn as for the removal of the cylinder.

Figures 3 and 4, vertical sections on line x x.

This invention relates to an improvement in revolving fire-arms, the object being a convenient device for removing the cylinder; and

It consists in combining with the spindle, which forms the bearing on which the cylinder revolves, a vertical latch arranged in the frame, which will fall into a notch in the spindle when in its home position, and also into a similar notch when the spindle is withdrawn sufficiently to permit the removal of the cylinder, thus preventing the entire removal of the spindle, and avoiding the liability to lose the said spindle.

A is the frame, of common construction.

B, the spindle or bearing, which passes centrally through the cylinder and forms the axis upon which the cylinder turns.

It rests in a bearing, C, in the frame, with an end, D, projecting from the frame, which, under certain circumstances, may be used to force the exploded shells or cartridges from the chambers.

In the forward part of the frame I arrange a vertical slide, a, (see fig. 3.) which extends down to the under side of the frame, and is formed into or fixed in a head, d.

A pin, f, or similar device, is inserted in the frame, passing through a slot in the said slide to prevent its removal entirely from the frame, and a suitable spring, n, is arranged to force the slide downward as in fig. 3.

The said slide is arranged in such relative position

to the seat for the spindle B as to enter upon one side of the said seat, and the said slide is at one point, m, grooved, so that when the slide is pressed upward the said groove will conform to that portion of the seat for the spindle through which it passes, as seen in fig. 4; but when down, as in fig. 3, that portion of the seat is filled by the said slide.

On the spindle, at a point, i, (see fig. 2,) a notch is formed in the spindle, this point being in such relative position that when the spindle is fully inserted, as in fig. 1, the slide a will rest in the said notch.

Near the end of the spindle a similar notch, s, is formed, which is in such position that when the spindle is withdrawn, as in fig. 2, the slide a will rest in the said notch s.

The operation is as follows:

Supposing the spindle to be in the position seen in fig. 1, the slide will be in the position seen in fig. 3. Holding the spindle in that position, press upon the head D to force the slide into the frame, as in fig. 4, which brings the notch m into line with the seat of the spindle. Then the spindle may be withdrawn until the notch s comes in line with the slide; then the slide will fall into the said notch s and prevent its further removal, unless it be desirable to entirely remove the spindle, which may be done by pressing the slide inward as before.

To return the spindle, press the slide in as before, return the spindle, and when in place the slide will fall into the notch i, and again secure it.

If desirable only one of the notches may be employed, which may be either to prevent the entire removal of the spindle, as in the case of the notch s, or secure it in position only, as the notch i.

I claim as my invention—

In combination with the spindle B, constructed with the notches i or s, one or both, and arranged in the frame as described, the notched slide a arranged and operating, as specified, to lock and secure the spindle.

ELI WHITNEY.

Witnesses:

A. J. TIBBITS,
J. H. SHUMWAY.

4,483

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM C. DODGE, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO HORACE SMITH AND D. B. WESSON, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 45,912, dated January 17, 1865; reissue No. 4,483, dated July 25, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM C. DODGE, of Washington city, in the District of Columbia, made an invention of certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-arms, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description and specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing making part of this specification and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which several figures will be hereinafter explained.

Similar letters indicate corresponding parts in each of the figures.

The invention relates to that class of fire-arms which has many-chambered cylinders constructed to revolve upon a central axis (so that each chamber may in succession be brought into the line of fire by turning the cylinder upon its axis) and adapted to be loaded with cartridges.

In such arms as constructed previous to my invention, with a cylinder of barrels, the cartridge-cases or shells are removed singly or one at a time by means of a rod or bolt, which is generally separated or detached from the fire-arm, while in the great majority of revolving-cylinder pistols having a revolving cylinder combined with a stationary barrel the cylinder has to be removed or detached from the stock or lock-frame to permit the removal of the cartridge-cases and the reloading of the arm.

It is to remedy the difficulties of or objections to such fire-arms that my invention is intended; and it consists of certain combinations of instrumentalities, of which a revolving cylinder containing chambers for cartridges and a retractor adapted to operate upon the exteriors of the cartridge-cases in the chambers of said cylinder are essential members. These combinations are specified at the close of this description.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use the invention, I will proceed to describe the construction and operation of repeating pistols, embodying it in the best forms known to me at the date of the original application for the patent.

The retractor consists of a metallic plate, of any suitable form to adapt it to the arm to which it is to be applied, and which is so constructed as to fit snugly against or within that end of the cylinder in which the cartridges are inserted. It may be a single disk, as shown at a, Fig. 1, in which case it will be provided with perforations

corresponding in number, size, and location with the chambers of the cylinder; or, it may be in the form of a "spider" or smaller disk, with portions of its periphery cut away to correspond with the chambers, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. In the former case it will fit snugly against the flat end of cylinder B when in place; in the latter case the end of the cylinder will be so recessed as to cause the outer face of the retractor a to be flush with the surface of the end of the cylinder, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. This retractor a is provided with a central stem passing into or through a hole bored longitudinally in the center of the cylinder. This stem b is clearly shown in Fig. 2, and its office is to support the retractor a and guide it in its operation. Upon this stem b is usually mounted a spiral spring, c, for the purpose of automatically returning the retractor a to its position when it has been pushed or drawn outward for the removal of the cartridge-cases.

The invention may be applied to a revolving-cylinder fire-arm having its parts so arranged that the revolving cylinder may be loaded at its front end, or to one having its parts so arranged that the revolving cylinder may be loaded at its rear end.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a revolver embodying the invention and with the revolving cylinder B constructed to be loaded at its front end. In order to permit the ready application and use of the invention the barrel A is so hinged or pivoted to the lock-frame that the barrel can be swung to one side out of the way of the retractor a, as clearly shown. In this case the revolving cylinder B is secured in any suitable manner to the recoil-plate E or rear portion of the frame. The stem b of the retractor may be made to protrude, as in Fig. 2, but at the rear instead of the front end of the cylinder, or it may be incased within the cylinder. Fig. 2, which is a longitudinal vertical section of a portion of the barrel and frame of a revolver with its cylinder B attached to the frame by an axis or journal, e, which permits it to revolve, shows the retractor a with its stem b and spring c applied, with the end of the stem protruding from the front of the cylinder. This method of applying it enables the retractor a to be operated by pressing against the end of the stem b or the nut d thereon, as clearly shown. This figure represents the invention applied to a cylinder which is loaded in

4,483

2

the usual manner at its rear end. In such fire-arms the frame C, with the barrel A and cylinder B attached thereto, is to be so pivoted or hinged to the lock-frame that the former can be swung round or moved so as to bring the rear end of the cylinder clear of the recoil-plate E or other portions of the frame or stock. This, however, is only necessary in those cases where it is desired to operate the retractor without detaching the cylinder from the frame. It is obvious that the retractor may be applied to all cylinders which are to be detached from the frame without thus hinging or pivoting the parts. In all cases in which the retractor is constructed with perforations or with recesses the stem b of the retractor may be provided with a feather and its seat with a corresponding groove, which will so guide the retractor-plate a in its return, after having been shoved or drawn out, as to cause its perforations or recesses to exactly coincide with the chambers of the cylinder; or any other mechanical device may be used, if desired, for the same purpose—as, for instance, one or more pins or studs may be screwed to the under or inner surface of the retractor a, and made to work in corresponding holes in the revolving cylinder, or in grooves in the side thereof. It is also obvious that, instead of the central stem b, two or more stems may be attached to the retractor a near its outer edges, and made to work in corresponding grooves or holes in or near the periphery of the revolving cylinder. It is also further obvious that the retractor a may be made in two or more parts, and so applied as to move but a portion of the cartridge-cases at a time; but that would be but a modification of my invention, and one which I do not deem desirable, as it might increase the number of parts, and, consequently, the cost of construction, and would, at the same time, lessen the rapidity of operation of the retractor, as all the cartridge-cases would not be withdrawn simultaneously. In case the retractor has the form of a perforated disk, a, as shown in Fig. 1, its periphery may be "milled" or otherwise roughened, or proper recesses may be cut in the sides of the revolving cylinder at the end where the disk a is applied for convenience in grasping it when it is desired to operate it by drawing instead of pushing it out.

The operation is very simple, so much so as scarcely to require further explanation. After the arm has been discharged the revolving cylinder is so moved in relation to the other parts of the arm as to expose its end containing the cartridge-cases, when, by either pushing or drawing the retractor a outward, all the cases, whatever their number, may be simultaneously and instantly ejected from the arm. By this means the arm is instantly prepared for reloading, with the least possible loss of time, without detaching any of its parts from the frame or stock and without the use of any separate rod, bolt, or other part for that purpose.

The advantages to be derived from this improvement in revolving fire-arms are manifold. In the first place, as revolving arms were con-

structed previous to this invention the soldier or person using them is not able on any occasion to discharge them more times than they contain loads, for the reason that the process of removing the cartridge-cases is so slow and tedious, and for the further reason that the cylinder has generally to be detached entirely from the arm and some separate device used for the removal of the cartridge-cases. So great is the difficulty of performing this operation in the case of mounted men, who more than all others use revolving arms, and so imminent is the danger of losing or dropping some of the detached parts that usually in battle no effort is even made to reload the arm after it has been once emptied of its charges; and in case the arm is to be used in the dark, as often happens both with soldiers and civilians, the difficulties here mentioned are greatly increased, whereby valuable lives are oftentimes lost, and the efficiency of the arm greatly lessened. By the invention which constitutes the subject of this patent all these difficulties are at once removed, the efficiency and value of the arm largely increased, and that, too, without adding materially to its weight, bulk, or expense. The invention is simple, readily constructed, not easily injured or disarranged, and does not interfere in the least with the compactness or beauty of the arm.

The invention is not limited to the mechanical details or devices hereinbefore described, as it is obvious that they may be greatly varied or others substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

On the other hand, I do not claim the invention of a revolving cylinder or chambers, or of a revolving cylinder of barrels having chambers at their rear ends, nor the combination of a retractor with two or more stationary barrels or chambers; but

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

1. The combination of the chambered cylinder, connected with the frame of the fire-arm by means of the journal, or its equivalent, that permits said cylinder to be revolved on its axis, and the retractor with its stem, adapted to withdraw several cartridge-cases simultaneously from said cylinder, the whole constructed and arranged substantially as described.

2. The combination of a single barrel, a revolving-chambered cylinder connected to the frame by a journal or its equivalent, and a retractor with its stem adapted to operate upon the exterior of the cartridge-cases and withdraw them from said cylinder, the whole constructed and arranged substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the revolving-chambered cylinder-retractor, retractor-stem, and retractor-spring, the whole constructed and arranged substantially as before set forth.

4. The combination of the revolving-chambered cylinder and retractor, with a retractor-stem extending through said cylinder and projecting therefrom so as to be operated from the

4,957

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES STILLMAN, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO ELI WHITNEY, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 50,507, dated October 17, 1865; reissue No. 4,957, dated June 25, 1872.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES STILLMAN, of Springfield, in the county of Hampden and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawing constitutes part of this specification, and represents in—

Figure 1 a side view, Figs. 2 and 3 transverse sections, and in Fig. 4 a longitudinal section.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of breech-loading fire-arms in which a breech-block is hung upon a pivot below the barrel and in a line transversely to the axis of the barrel, so that when the block is thrown back and down the rear of the barrel will be open for the insertion or removal of the cartridge or shell, and when thrown up against the barrel will form a recoil-block to resist the explosion.

The object of this invention is to securely lock the breech-block independent of the hammer; and it consists in the arrangement of the breech-block upon a pivot below the barrel, and in a line transverse to the axis of the barrel, so that the said block will be thrown back and down to open the breech, and turned up against the rear of the barrel to close the breech, combined with a cam or swinging lever independent of the hammer, having its pivot parallel to the pivot upon which the breech-block turns, and in such relative position to each other that the throwing back of the said cam will release the said breech-block, and allow the opening of the breech, and when the breech-block is thrown up to close the breech, the said cam will automatically drop into the rear of the said breech-block to hold it firmly against the rear of the barrel to resist the explosion of the cartridge.

A is the frame, constructed for the reception of the stock at B and C, in substantially the usual manner; D, the barrel, secured to the frame and open at the breech to receive the

cartridge in the usual manner for breech loading fire-arms. E is the breech-block pivoted at F, the said pivot being in a line transverse to the axis of the barrel, the said block constructed as shown, so that when in the position in Fig. 4, it will close the rear of the barrel; but when turned away, as in Fig. 1, it will open the rear for the insertion or removal of the cartridge or shell, as the case may be. A suitable spring, e, is arranged in connection with the said breech-block, so that when unsupported the said spring will open or throw back the breech-block, as denoted in Fig. 1. In the rear of said breech-block a cam, G, is arranged upon a pivot, o, the said pivot being parallel to the pivot of the breech-block, and is combined with a spring, g, the tendency of which is to throw the said cam forward into the position denoted in Fig. 4. A notch or seat, n, seen in Fig. 1, is formed on the breech-block to receive the cam when the breech-block is up against the barrel, the cam being forced into that seat by means of the spring g, and there rests as a support for the breech-block. Upon the cam G is formed a thumb-piece, a, by which to operate the said cam; therefore, by placing the thumb upon the said part a, and drawing it back out of the notch or seat, or from beneath the breech-block, or until the breech-block is free, then the spring e will throw the breech-block back and down forward of the cam, as seen in Fig. 1, and against the block, and in that position the cam will rest until the breech-block is again raised, which is done by means of a suitable thumb-piece thereon, as denoted in Fig. 4, and when forced up to its place to close the rear of the barrel, the cam will, by the action of the spring g, fall into position in the rear of the said block, and there support the block, as before described. Through the breech-block a suitable firing-pin, W, is arranged, so that the hammer L, which is independent of both the cam and breech-piece, will, when thrown down, strike upon the said firing-pin to cause the discharge of the cartridge inserted into the barrel; but when the hammer is down it lies over the cam; hence in raising the cam the hammer will be brought to half-cock, which obviates

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the necessity of raising the hammer to half-cock, and then by another movement raising the cam.

It will be seen that the hammer cannot be thrown down from full-cock against the firing-pin unless all the parts are in their proper position, for if not in such position the hammer will strike the recoil-block and its stroke be arrested.

I claim as my invention—

1. The breech-block F, in combination with a spring, *e*, operating substantially as described, so that when the cam, which supports the breech-block against the barrel, is removed the said spring will automatically throw down the said breech-block to open the barrel.

2. The breech-block E, combined with a spring, *e*, and cam G, and its spring *g*, in substantially such relative position to each other, as described, so that the throwing back of the said cam releases the breech-block and allows the spring *e* to act on the said breech-block to

open the barrel, and also that when the said breech-block is raised to close the barrel, the said cam will automatically drop in the rear of the said breech-block and lock it in its closed position, substantially as described.

3. The breech-block F, pivoted below and so as to swing to and from the rear of the barrel to open and close the same, combined with the cam G and its spring *g*, operating in the manner substantially as described, so that when the said breech-block is raised to close the barrel, the said cam will automatically drop in the rear of the said block, and lock it in its closed position.

4. The combination of the cam G, which locks the breech-block, with the hammer L, when arranged substantially as described, so that the throwing back of the cam will raise the hammer to half-cock.

JAMES STILLMAN.

Witnesses:

SAM. W. PORTER,
H. T. FITZ.

117,461

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES B. RICHARDS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO "THE COLT'S PATENT FIRE-ARM MANUFACTURING COMPANY," OF SAME PLACE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 117,461, dated July 25, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES B. RICHARDS, of Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Revolving Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing making part of this specification.

My invention relates to that kind of revolver which has a chambered breech or cylinder. It has for its object to provide a compact and cheap form of this kind of arm, which shall be fitted for the convenient use of flanged metallic cartridges, and it is particularly useful as furnishing a means of converting a revolver constructed and intended for loose ammunition into one adapted for the kind of metallic cartridges which are loaded into the chambers from the rear. To this end my said invention consists in the peculiar application and construction, hereinafter described, of the shell-ejector case, whereby the recesses and holes made for the reception of the rammer and lever in arms of the "Colt" system may be utilized as means of holding the ejector-tube in place; also, in the peculiar construction of the ejector-tube, which provides for preventing the removal of the ejector-rod except after the removal of the ejector-case from the pistol, whereby the loss of the rod is prevented by simple means. It also consists in providing the recoil-ring or plate, which is placed behind the cylinder, with a projection on its back which enters the channel made in the pistol-frame for the hammer, and holds the ring from turning; also, forms a bearing for the firing-pin, as hereinafter described. It also consists in the peculiarly-constructed jointed hand or pawl, hereinafter described, for the purpose explained, and in the guide surface in the breech-plate for the jointed end of the pawl.

Similar letters of reference denote the same parts in the several figures of the drawing, which represents the parts in their actual dimensions.

Figure 1 is a view of the under side of a Colt revolver changed so as to be adapted for flanged metallic cartridges, with my invention applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the barrel and ejecting apparatus at line X X. Fig. 3 is an end view of the muzzle of the barrel and of the ejector. Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the ejector-tube or case with its flange, and of the barrel, respectively.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the pistol-lock frame, with the breech-plate and its gate in place. Figs. 7 and 8 are, respectively, a front view and section at Y Y of the breech-plate—its gate and the pawl; Figs. 9 and 10, side and rear views of breech-rings; and Figs. 11. and 12, side and edge views of the breech-plate gate. Fig. 13 is a side view, partly in section, of a portion of the pistol, showing the mechanism for rotating the cylinder. Figs. 14 and 15 are rear views of the cylinder and jointed pawl, showing the pawl in its lowest and highest position, respectively; and Figs. 16, 17, and 18 show the jointed pawl in detail.

a is the barrel of the revolver; b, the frame; e, the stock; and d, the center-pin or axis-pin on which the cylinder e turns. f is the hammer, and g the trigger. All these parts may be made from those of an ordinary Colt revolver by changing them, as follows: First, by cutting off the rear part of the cylinder to expose the ends of the chambers. Second, by cutting away the frame at the rear of the cylinder so that a breech-plate or ring, h, may be inserted behind the cylinder. Third, by cutting off the face of the hammers. Fourth, by cutting away portions of the barrel to make place for a shell-ejector. The cylinder is further changed by cutting off the old ratchet, and forming a new one with the teeth intermediate between the chambers, so as to allow of wide teeth, and to give room between them for the insertion of the flanged cartridges. When the cylinder has six chambers the peculiar location of the ratchet-teeth, just described, prevents the use of the ordinary pawl, because, in rotating, the acting tooth of the ratchet moves out of the line of action with the pawl, which has a vertical movement only. To provide, therefore, for the rotation of the cylinder, I have devised an attachment to the end of the pawl, which is also applicable with advantage to new arms whose ratchet-teeth, when being acted on, move in arcs deviating greatly from the line of action of the pawl. This consists in a movable end or bit, i, which is jointed to the end of the old pawl k. Its construction and arrangement and the way it operates on the ratchet are clearly shown by Figs. 13 to 18. The jointed end of the pawl, being free to bend laterally, will follow the ratchet-tooth, on which it presses even after the tooth has turned, over beyond the side of the center-pin, around which it rotates, and by the side of which the pawl plays. h is a

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breech-plate nearly filling the space between the back of the cylinder and the frame. Its general outline is circular, but it is cut away at one side sufficiently to permit the insertion of the cartridges into the cylinder. This opening is closed by a gate, *l*, which is jointed to the breech-plate, its pivot being a stud, *m*, formed in one piece with the plate. A pointed plunger, *n*, urged by a spiral spring, is contained in the gate, and acts to hold the gate open or shut by snapping into notches *o* cut in the breech-plate at the joint. A projection, *p*, on the back of the breech-plate, enters the channel formed in the frame *b* for the reception of the hammer, and prevents the plate from turning. It also increases the thickness of the plate at this point enough to furnish a sufficient bearing for the firing-pin *q*, by which the blow of the hammer is conveyed to the cartridge. The breech-plate has in its front face a circular central cavity, *r*, to receive the ratchet. The curved surface of this cavity forms a guide for the jointed end *i* of the pawl. A vertical groove, *s*, in the back of the breech-plate, intersects the cavity *r* and permits the pawl *k* to enter it. The operation of the jointed pawl in the breech-plate is illustrated in Fig. 7. *t* is the ejector. It consists of a straight rod furnished at its upper end with a head, an arm of which forms a thumb-piece, *u*, for forcing it downward. The rod is contained in a tubular case, *v*, and its weight is sustained by a spiral spring, *w*. The case is furnished at its lower end with a peculiarly-shaped flange or wing, *x*, adapted to fit into and fill the recesses of the barrel *a*, originally made to receive the rammer and its lever. An opening out of the lever-recess is made at *x* to receive a portion of the ejector-case flange. (See Figs. 2 to 5.) The tubular part of the ejector-case lies in a bed cut along the side of the barrel. It is located in line with the gate *l* of the breech-plate, so that the rod *t* may be thrust down through the cylinder-chamber and eject the cartridges or empty shells through the gate-opening. The ejector-rod thumb-piece *u* protrudes from the side of the

case through a longitudinal slit, *y*. This slit is offset laterally near the top of the case, so that the thumb-piece may, when not in use, be swung around against the barrel and then be out of the way. The lateral offset of the slit *y* has an outlet, *z*, leading to the end of the case. This outlet is located beyond the place where the thumb-piece lies when turned against the barrel, and thus will not permit the ejector-rod head to be removed from the case except when the latter is taken off from the barrel; the thumb-piece may then be turned around until in line with the outlet and be removed. The accidental displacement of the ejecting mechanism is thus provided against by simple means.

Having thus described the construction and operation of my invention, I disclaim as new the use of a breech-plate behind a bored-through cylinder, or of its gate, or of a cased ejector lying alongside the barrel; but

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

1. The flange *x* of the ejector-case when shaped and adapted, substantially as described, to fill the recesses in the barrel made for the rammer and its lever.

2. The outlet *z* in the ejector-case when located, as herein described, so as to prevent the removal of the ejector-rod head while the ejector-case is in place, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. The projection *p* on the breech-plate, in combination with the firing-pin and the recess in the pistol-frame for the hammer, as set forth.

4. The movable bit *i* applied to and forming part of the pawl *k*, when operating substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

C. B. RICHARDS.

Witnesses:

LEWIS SHELDON,
J. H. BODWELL.

United States Patent Office.

Letters Patent No. 115,997, dated June 13, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELI WHITNEY, 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 drawing and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawing constitutes part of this specification, and represents, in—

Figure 1, a side view;

Figure 2, a longitudinal central section; and in
Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, detached views.

This invention relates to an improvement in the
arm invented by me, and patented March 21, 1871, in
which a breech-piece is pivoted below the barrel to
turn down from and so as to open the breech, and
supported by a cam or holder when thrown up against
the rear end of the barrel; and

It consists—

First, in the peculiar manner of tripping the device
which holds the cam away from the breech-piece to
permit the opening of the breech.

Second, in a device for securing the pivot-pins of
the breech-piece and hammer.

A is the barrel;

B, the frame, constructed in the usual manner for
this class of arms;

C is the breech-piece, pivoted at C';

D, the cam; and

E, the hammer, the cam and hammer both hung
upon the same pivot D'.

The cam and breech-piece are constructed relatively
to each other, so that when the breech-piece is turned
up against and so as to close the breech end of the bar-
rel the cam D will, by the action of suitable springs, F,
be thrown forward beneath the breech-piece C and
form a support to retain it in that position, in substan-
tially the same manner as my invention before re-
ferred to.

For the purpose of forcing the breech-piece to its
bearing, when from any cause it does not freely so re-
turn, as, for instance, when the cartridge sticks or does
not freely pass into its position, I chamfer the nose of
the cam, as at a, fig. 2, the result of which is that the
cam will enter beneath the breech-piece before it is
quite hard against the barrel, and the cam will force
the breech-piece to its place; or, if from any cause
this cannot be done, then the cam will be prevented
from passing fully up to its place; consequently the
hammer cannot strike the firing-pin of the breech-
piece if it be thrown down.

To retain the cam when drawn back, as denoted in
broken lines, fig. 2, in order to allow the charging of
the arm, I arrange a latch, L, upon a pivot, l, which,
when the cam is thrown back, as denoted by broken
lines, fig. 4, will catch in a notch, n, on the cam, and
there hold the cam until the breech-piece is thrown
down so as to strike upon and depress the latch, as
denoted by broken lines, fig. 2, which frees the cam
and allows it to be thrown forward against the breech-
piece, so that when the breech-piece is turned up to
place the cam will be thrown below it, as seen in fig. 2.

The latch L is here represented as placed below the
breech-piece, and so as to take hold of the lower edge
of the cam. This may be arranged in the side of the
frame, as seen in fig. 4, a projection, d, formed upon
the latch to project inward to catch into a recess or
perforation, b, in the cam, and a second projection, f,
formed upon the inside of the latch, so that when the
breech-piece descends it will strike the said projection
f and force the latch back into the frame, as denoted
in fig. 4, and free the cam, it being understood that the
projection d enters the recess b in the cam when it is
thrown back, in like manner as the latch L, before de-
scribed, it being simply a change of position of the
latch in the frame.

To secure the pivots D' C', and prevent their acci-
dental removal, I arrange a plate, P, on the side of the
frame from which the pivots are inserted, a sufficient
length to extend onto the said pivots, and secured to
the frame by a screw, R; and at one or both ends a
projection, s, is formed, as in fig. 6, to set into a cor-
responding depression, t, in the pivots, as in fig. 5.

To remove the said pivots it is only necessary to
loosen the screw R and turn the plate P to one side,
as denoted by broken lines in fig. 1, to uncover the
pivots.

I claim as my invention—

1. In combination with the breech-piece C and cam
D upon independent pivots, the latch L, arranged in
the frame to catch and hold the cam when thrown
back, and tripped by the breech-piece to release the
cam, substantially as described.

2. The arrangement of the plate R, provided with
one or more projections, S, upon the frame, in the
manner described, so as to retain the pivots O D in
place, substantially as set forth.

ELI WHITNEY.

Witnesses:

A. J. TIBBITS,
JOHN H. SHUMWAY.