Category: Hammer / Pin

Britain 610
A.D. 1866, 28th February. N° 610.

Breech-loading Revolving Fire-arms, &c.

(This Invention received Provisional Protection only.)

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Leopold Cohn at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th February 3866.— A communication from abroad by Joseph Grunbaum, of Vienna, Austria.

I, DAVID LEOPOLD Cone, of Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “Improvements In Breech-Loading Revolving Fire-Leis, And In Apparatus For Extracting Cartridges Or Cartridge Cases Therefrom,” to be as follows:—

My Invention relates, firstly, to improved arrangements for effecting the successive explosion of the several charges of the revolver. Instead of making the barrels to revolve so that they are presented successively to the hammer I fit in a block behind the barrels a cylinder, on the face of which a striker is formed, while the rear end carries a pin or projection; a spring tends to press back the cylinder to withdraw the striker within the face of the block. The rear end of the cylinder is also formed with a series of notches, into which the upper end of a long paul plate takes; the lower end of this plate is connected to the trigger plate, and a spring acts behind it to make it enter the notches.

The action is as follows:— Before the barrels are to be charged the trigger is drawn back; this movement causes the trigger plate and the lower end of the paul plate to move back, and the upper end of the paul plate by pressing against the notch in which it is engaged causes the cylinder carrying the striker to perform a twelfth of a revolution (in a sixth barrel revolver). The hammer is at the same time moved to half cock by the action of the lock, and the cylinder is forced back by its spring to withdraw the striker; the barrels are then allowed to fall on their hinge ; by moving round the ordinary locking lever the cartridges are inserted, the barrels are again raised and locked ; then to fire the charge draw the trigger further back, and the paul plate is thereby caused to impart another twelfth of a revolution to the cylinder by acting in its notch, and it then rises over into the next following notch ; the hammer next comes down upon the pin or projection on the rear of the cylinder, drives in the cylinder so that the striker explodes the charge of the barrel opposite thereto. By again drawing back the trigger the striker is with-drawn, the paul plate imparts another sixth revolution to the notched cylinder to bring the striker opposite the next barrel, the hammer comes down to force in the cylinder and striker, and the same operations are repeated until all the charges have been fired.

Instead of fitting the cylinder in the block at the rear of the barrel I fit it, on the front of the hammer so that it moves backwards and forwards with the hammer, and I form the block with an opening to receive the cylinder when the hammer comes down to explode the charge.

My Invention relates, secondly, to apparatus for extracting the cartridges or empty cartridge cases. This apparatus consists of a frame shaped to the configuration of the divisions between the bands and carrying two rods, one of which enters an aperture in the central portion of the barrels, and the other enters a block below the barrels. When the cartridges are inserted in the barrels the flanges on their rear ends bear against this frame, and when it is required to extract the empty cases or the cartridges themselves the frame is pressed back, and the cases or cartridges are drawn back with it.

Britain 694
A.D. 1860, 15th March. N° 694.

Fire-arms and Cartridges.

(Provisional Protection refused.)

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Nicholas Norman and John Lubé at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the 15th March 1860.

I, William Nicholas Norman, of the City of Dublin, Ireland, Gentleman, and I, John Lubé, of said City of Dublin, Esquire, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “Improvements In Guns And Other Fire-Arms, And In Cartridges To Be Used Therewith,” to be as follows:—

Our Invention consists, in the first place, in a particular form and arrangement of jointing barrels to the break-off of double or single guns, particularly breech-loaders, by attaching a solid piece of metal to back ends of barrels about four inches long, which has at one end a projection corresponding with a slot in break-off, & at the other end a pivot; by passing the barrels on the pivot, either by hand or by a small lever, horizontally into the slot a small screw stud passing up through the break-off into the solid piece on the barrels perfectly secures this joint from separating by recoil of the gun.

The next part of our Invention consists in a particular shaped hammer or cock for breech-loading guns, so that you can explode the cartridges either at the centre or side, first, by having a small movable striker inserted into the nose of the cock that passes into a small cavity in the barrels, exploding the cartridges at the side; next, by having a stud fastened to body of cock that attaches itself to a small striker, which passes through break-off, and explodes the cartridges at the centre.

The next part of our Invention consists of cartridges for breech-loading guns that can be ignited either at side or centre, first, by having a small piece of wire inserted perpendicularly into a small detonating cap; next, by having a wire inserted horizontally into a detonating cap at base of cartridges; those wires are cut off level with the outside of cartridges; they are made of paper or any other elastic substance strong enough to resist the charge, the advantage being that no accident can happen by pressure or fall, as the wires do not project, besides which the needles or strikers may be much shorter and stronger, rendering them less liable to break.

The next part of our Invention consists of an improvement in breech-loading guns, either with a movable breech or movable barrel; this is done by having the breech excavated in a particular form to receive the base of the cartridges, particularly in needle guns; first, it will extract the fired cartridges; secondly, it will keep them from bursting behind; thirdly, it will prevent the needles being broken; and, lastly, when the explosion takes place, it will expand into the barrel, and prevent any escape of gas behind.

The next part of our Invention consists of an improvement in revolving chamber pistols, so that the line of resistance and recoil are in same plane, by having a strap of iron attached to barrel and frame of pistol; this strap runs level with top line, whereby it can be stocked, so that the hand will resist the recoil in a right line; this produces great steadiness in shooting, and enables a better aim to be taken than with ordinary revolvers, without increasing length of pistol.

The next part of our Invention consists in having the barrel of a revolving chamber pistol attached to the bottom part of frame of pistol working on a centre or pin, by inserting a stud or two, working also on centres; the barrel makes a powerful lever to load, and allows free egress to the chambers for charging.

The next part of our Invention consists in having a safety guard on side of pistol attached to the lockwork, so that by no possible means it can be dis charged without pressing it.

The next part of our Invention consists of an improved barrel for sporting guns for throwing small shot; it is made in the form of a square, with vertices of angles, cut off both inside and outside; it is also fluted inside with semi-circular cuts; the advantage of this is that the sides being flat compress the shot so compactly that it shoots with greater force and much closer than ordinary guns.

US 561963
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
HOMER M. CALDWELL, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO MARY E. JOHNSON, OF FITCHBURG, MASSACHUSETTS.
REVOLVER.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 561,963, dated June 16, 1896.
Application filed May 2, 1896. Serial No. 647,846. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HOMER M. CALDWELL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolvers, of which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is a specification sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable persons skilled in the art to which this invention – appertains to make and use the same.

The object of my present invention is to provide a revolver-frame formed with solid cheeks and having a top opening to facilitate machining or cutting out the interior of the frame for the reception of the lockwork, and also provided with a conveniently removable top cap that bridges over said opening and conceals the hammer, the two sides of the cap forming parts of the opposite side surfaces and secured to the frame as more fully described.

Another object is to provide a revolver with a frame having a top opening fitted along its upper edges with shoulders or offsets formed on a circular contour, in combination with a top cap having its edges fitted to rest upon and match said shoulders, whereby the cap is supported against lateral looseness and in proper elevation above the hammer.

Another object is to provide a hammer having its face provided with two contact-ears adapted to strike the seat or frame at either side of the firing-pin, and to render the hammer-top low in position, thus permitting the top covering-cap to be formed below the top line of the frame. I attain these objects by a revolver mechanism constructed as hereinafter explained in detail, and shown in the drawings, wherein—

Figure 1 is a side view of a revolver embracing my invention. Fig. 2 is a transverse section at line X X. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section with the top cap removed. Fig. 4 is a horizontal section showing the top of the frame and hammer. Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section and front end view of the cap, and Fig. 6 shows the side and front of the hammer.

Referring to parts, A denotes the frame, B the barrel, and C the cylinder, relatively disposed in the usual manner and having combined therewith suitable or well-known means for effecting rotation of the cylinder, opening and closing the arm, ejecting empty shells, and such devices as are usually employed in revolvers, which will be fully understood, but not being features of my present invention need not be herein particularly described.

In accordance with this invention the frame A is made with solid cheeks or sides a and with a top opening E, through which convenient access is afforded for machining and fitting the interior of the frame for the hammer-seat and reception of the lockwork, which latter is preferably of the form shown in Fig. 3. The top of the frame is best cut away at both sides in uniform opposite relation, and preferably on the line of a circular curve, as at 3, the edges fitted with an inward offset or shoulder 4 and upwardly-projecting lip 5, extending from the top of the frame 9 to the rear part 10 thereof, as indicated. Combined with this open-top cutaway frame I provide a removable top cap F, that bridges over and closes the opening, said cap corresponding in width to the lateral width of the frame and extending from the under side of the barrel latch-bar B’ to the position 10 in rear of the hammer H.

The top 6 of the cap is arched to cover the hammer-head in its line of movement, and the sides f f are disposed flush with the sides a of the frame. (See Fig. 2.) The lower edges 7 are dressed off on a circular curve and reduced to form the lip 8, that matches the curved edges 3 and shoulders 4 of the frame, over and upon which the edges of the cap fit and rest, while the ends of the cap fit the frame at 9 and 10, respectively, thus affording a complete closure and finish for the top of the frame, concealing the hammer, and showing a neat and smooth exterior surface at the sides.

Small pins 11 and 12, arranged through-holes in the lip 8 and frame at the upper and lower ends of the cap, serve for retaining the cap securely in position, or, if in any instance preferred, other suitable fastening devices may be used in lieu of said pins.

By forming the frame as shown with the edges 3 and 4 on the line of a circular arc, the construction and the process in manufacture are greatly facilitated and simplified in labor and machining operations, and the accurate fitting of the frame and cap to each other is rendered practically simple and rapid; also, by forming the edges to intermatch in the manner specified, perfect fit and support for the cap laterally is attained, so that the opposite outer faces on the dependent sides f of the top cap and the outer surfaces of the frame-cheek are maintained positively flush or in proper relation to each other.

The hammer H is arranged in the top opening and pivoted, as usual, between the cheeks, as at r. This hammer H, according to my improvement, is formed broader than usual and with a low rounded top, as at m, Fig. 6, and. provided with a bifurcated striking-face, that presents two contact-ears or forwardly projecting side portions h, that strike the hammer-seat e at the right and left of the firing-pin head 15, and with an intervening space or vertical recess I between said ears h, that receives, without touching the firing-pin 15 when in normal condition of inaction, and into which space the end d of the lifter-bar D is interposed when the trigger K is drawn back and the hammer thrown down by the mainspring J, the lifter end d then occupying the space and causing the projection of the firing-pin for discharging the cartridges. By the bifurcated construction of the hammer face, as shown, in connection with the lifter end, the hammer is rendered comparatively low in height, and this hammer can be employed with the top m on line with or below the upper part of the firing-pin, thereby facilitating the use of a low top cap F for concealing the hammer and closing the top of the frame without extending the cap above the bottom line of the barrel-strap B’.

It will be understood that the idea of interposing the end of a lifter between a hammer face and firing-pin as a means for giving projective movement to the latter is not, broadly, a feature included as part of the present invention, since this invention relates to the improved structure of the parts in combination, as defined.

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

1. The revolver-frame formed as described, with solid cheeks, cut away at the upper part and having a top opening through which the hammer can be introduced; and a removable top cap fitting over and closing the hammer opening; said cap composed of an arched top portion, the full width of the frame, with two integral, downwardly-extending opposite side portions, as shown, that match the respective cheeks, and form parts of the two side faces of the frame, as set forth.

2. In a revolver, the frame formed with the solid parallel cheek portions, and provided with a central hammer-space opening in its top, and having the upper edges of said cheeks, adjacent to said opening, cut away on the line of an inward circular arc, and fitted along such circular arc, with shoulders or bearing lips, as shown; in combination with the removable top cap bridging over said opening above the hammer-space, and extending rearward from the under side of the barrel latch-bar to a position in rear of the hammer, the two sides of said top cap depending to form parts of the parallel cheek-surfaces, and fitted with circular curved edges that match the circular edges on the frame-cheeks, and suitable pins or fastening devices for securing said cap to the frame, substantially as set forth.

3. In a revolver, the combination of the frame having solid side cheeks and open top, the low-topped hammer pivoted in the opening between said cheeks, its face provided with projecting contact-ears and an intervening recess, the top cap bridging and covering the hammer, its sides flush with and supported upon the cheeks at opposite sides of the frame, the firing-pin fitted in the frame, the trigger, and the hammer-actuating bar having an extended end adapted for the interposition within the hammer-face recess for contact with the firing-pin, all substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 29th day of April, A.D. 1895.

HOMER M. CALDWELL.

Witnesses:
CHAS. H. BURLEIGH,
ELLA P. BLENUS

US 633734
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
JACOB RUPERTUS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
LOCK FOR FIREARMS.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 633,734, dated September 26, 1899.
Application filed April 3, 1899. Serial No. 711,502. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JACOB RUPERTUS, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Firearms, of which the following is a specification.

My improvements relate especially to the hammer and hammer controlling mechanism of fire arms, and it is my object to provide a self-cocking fire arm combining simplicity of parts with reliability in operation, and which shall be so constructed and arranged as to be especially secure against accidental discharge.

In the accompanying drawings I show, and herein I describe my improvements as employed in connection with a well-known type of revolver, provided with a hood which incloses and conceals the hammer.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, of a revolver embodying a good form of my invention, the parts being shown as occupying their normal position.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, the parts being shown in the position they occupy at the moment of the discharge of a cartridge.

In the accompanying drawings,

A is the pistol barrel, B the revolving cartridge holder, C the stock, and D the hammer inclosing hood.

E is the transverse plate which closes the front of the lock chamber, provided with the usual hammer channel, as shown particularly in Figure 1, through which the nose of the descending hammer passes to encounter a cartridge in the cartridge holder disposed in line with said opening.

F is the hammer, the upper portion of which is, in the form illustrated in the drawings, suitably fashioned for operation within the hood-covered lock-chamber, which hammer is mounted upon and free for rotative oscillation with respect to a pivot f the respective extremities of which are housed in the side walls of said chamber.

The front portion of the lower end of the hammer is conveniently provided with a bearing shoulder f’, whereof hereinafter.

The trigger G is pivotally mounted for oscillation upon a pivot g, the respective extremities of which are housed in the side walls of the lock chamber, and is provided with a finger piece g’ of any usual form around which extends the usual metallic guard I.

H is a dog or pawl adapted to be tripped in the movement of the trigger.

Preferably the trigger is formed with a central dog recess extending vertically through its body and opening through its upper and lower edges respectively, and I prefer to locate the dog in this chamber and pivotally mount it upon the pivot g upon which the trigger is mounted, but independent of said trigger, with the result that said dog and trigger are capable of slight oscillation independently of each other, such independent oscillation ceasing, however, when said dog encounters the front or rear wall of the dog recess, or the spring h in front of said rear wall.

The upper end of the dog projects above the trigger, and is of such dimensions and so arranged as to be adapted to encounter the bearing shoulder f’ of the hammer as hereinafter more fully explained.

h is a small flat spring mounted in the rear portion of the dog recess, and bearing at times as to its free lower end against the dog, tends to force said dog into engagement with the bearing shoulder f’ when the parts are in appropriate position.

J is the main spring of the fire arm, conveniently mounted, in the form of fire arm I elect to illustrate, within the stock, in any preferred manner, and, in the preferred embodiment of my invention herein illustrated and described, provided with a link Ix, hereinafter termed the main-spring link, the outer end of which is seated in a suitable recess or socket in the free end of, or otherwise connected with, said main spring, and the inner end of which is pivotally connected with what I term the trigger link L, the lower end of which trigger link is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the body of the trigger.

The main spring link K and the trigger link L, connected by the pivot P, together constitute a toggle joint through which the main spring at all times, owing to its disposition and arrangement, exerts its force downward against the rear portion of the trigger and tends to throw said trigger forward into the position shown in Figure 1.

M is a hammer link, the front end of which is pivotally connected to the body of the hammer, and the rear end of which is pivotally connected to the connecting pivot P.

The operation of the apparatus will be readily understood.

In the normal position of the parts the hammer is up in the cocked position shown in Figure 1, and is maintained in such position by the stress or force of the main spring itself, transmitted through the links K and M, from which it results that only such force applied to the trigger as will overcome the force of said spring or change its direction of application will cause the descent of the hammer and the discharge of the fire arm; hence the weapon is thoroughly protected against accidental discharge by light fingering or jars or contact of such slight objects as would occasion the discharge of an ordinary fire arm.

As will be understood, the pressure of the main spring through the links K L is strong and constant and tends to maintain the trigger pressed forward to the limit of its movement.

To recapitulate: the force of the main spring exerted through said toggle K L referred to, downwardly against the trigger, not only serves to force the trigger forward to the limit of its movement, but also serves, by the engagement of the main spring link K with the hammer link M, to draw downwardly and backwardly upon said hammer and thereby to maintain said hammer in its open or cocked position.

The hammer thus maintained in its open or cocked position by the stress of the main spring, is also positively locked in such position by the dog hereinbefore described, the upper end of which is normally in contact with the bearing shoulder of said hammer.

When, however, it is desired to discharge the weapon, and rearward manual traction of sufficient force is exerted against the finger piece, said trigger will be caused to swing rearwardly with respect to its pivot,—without, however, occasioning at first any movement of the dog H,—and in such movement will, through the trigger link L, cause the manual pressure applied to the finger piece to be applied against the pivot pin P and through said pivot pin, and the hammer link M, and main spring link K, against the hammer and main spring.

Inasmuch as the hammer is for the time being, locked by the dog against forward movement, the main spring yields and recoils under the manual pressure, the trigger link, pivot pin, spring link, and hammer link, all rising as said spring yields, until said pivot pin is slightly above a line intersecting the pivot f of the hammer and the point of connection j’ between the main spring and main spring link.

So soon as the parts are in this last described position, a portion of the strength or thrust of the main spring becomes directed, through the main spring link and the hammer link, against the hammer, and will tend to force said hammer down; at the same time the front wall of the dog recess,—or other device intended for the tripping of the dog,— will in the rearward movement of the trigger encounter the lower end of the dog and occasion its rearward movement, thereby, of course, throwing its upper end forward and clear of the bearing shoulder of the hammer.

As soon as by the tripping of the dog the shoulder of the hammer is released, said hammer is, by that portion of the force of the main spring which has been diverted, so to speak, from its normal application directly against the trigger, driven strongly and abruptly forward, to encounter and occasion the explosion of the charge within the cartridge.

After such discharge, as soon as the manual pressure is removed from the finger piece, the main spring, which has not ceased to bear more strongly against the trigger than against the hammer, will, by pressure against said trigger, drive said trigger forward to its normal position and at the same time through the hammer link draw said hammer backward to its open position.

This action is due to the fact that at the time of the release of the manual pressure against the finger piece, the parts are in the position shown in Figure 2, with the main spring exerting force through the hammer link against the hammer and through the trigger link against the trigger.

Inasmuch as the hammer cannot further yield or move farther forward, while the trigger can very readily do so, said trigger will under the stress of the spring immediately begin to move forward.

Very slight movement forward of the trigger lowers the pivot pin P so that it falls below an imaginary line passing through the pivot of the hammer and the point of junction of the main spring and its link,—with the result that the two links K M assume a more angular relationship and the stress of the mainspring not only ceases to press the hammer forward but acts to draw it rearwardly.

At the moment the hammer reaches its open or cocked position and the trigger almost reaches its normal forward position, the rear wall of the dog recess or the spring h disposed in front thereof,—encounters the lower end of said dog, and, moving it forward, occasions the rearward movement of its projecting upper end into locking engagement with the shoulder f’ of the hammer.

The trigger is of course to be equipped with the usual devices through the operation of which the rotation of the cartridge cylinder is occasioned.

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

1. In a fire arm, a trigger, a pivoted hammer,and a mainspring, a connection between said spring and said trigger through which said spring tends to constantly force said trigger forward, and a movable connection between said spring and said hammer through which when said connection is in normal position and the trigger is forward said spring holds said hammer in open position, but through which when moved or elevated by the rearward movement of the trigger said spring forces said hammer to closed position, substantially as set forth.

2. In a fire arm, a trigger, a pivoted hammer, and a mainspring, a connection between said spring and said trigger through which said spring tends to constantly force said trigger forward, and a movable connection between said spring and said hammer through which when said connection is in normal position and the trigger is forward said spring holds said hammer in open position, but through which when moved or elevated by the rearward movement of the trigger said spring forces said hammer to closed position, a dog which locks the hammer in open position, and means for tripping said dog as the trigger is moved rearwardly, substantially as set forth.

3. In a fire arm, in combination, a trigger, a hammer, a main spring, means, structurally independent of the main spring, and acted on by said main spring through which the pressure of said spring is applied to the hammer, and means, structurally independent of said spring, and acted on by said spring through which the pressure of said spring is applied to the trigger, substantially as set forth.

4. In a fire arm,in combination, a hammer, a trigger, a main spring, mechanism connective of said main spring and said trigger, and a link which connects said hammer to said mechanism, substantially as set forth.

5. In a fire arm, in combination, a pivotally mounted hammer, a trigger, a main spring, a main spring connecting mechanism connective of said main spring and said trigger, and a link which connects said hammer to said main-spring-connecting mechanism, the point of junction of said link with said mechanism being carried in the operation of the fire arm alternately above and below a line drawn from the pivot of the hammer to the upper end of said connecting mechanism, substantially as set forth.

6. In a fire-arm, in combination, a mainspring, a hammer, a trigger, a link connected with said trigger, means for applying the pressure of the main spring against said link, a link connected to said hammer, and means for applying the pressure of the main spring against said link, substantially as set forth.

7. In combination, a trigger, a hammer, and a main spring, a series of three links each connected to or engaged with one of said devices as to its outer end and all as to their inner ends connected to a common movable pivot, substantially as set forth.

8. In combination, a trigger, a hammer, and a.main spring, a series of three links each connected to or engaged with one of said devices as to its outer end and all as to their inner ends connected to a common pivot, which pivot in the manipulation of the trigger is moved to different positions so as to distribute the pressure of the main spring in varying degree against said trigger and hammer, substantially as set forth.

9. In combination, the trigger having a dog recess, the hammer provided with a shoulder, a dog mounted in the dog recess of the trigger and adapted for engagement with the shoulder of the hammer, a pivot upon which the trigger and dog are mounted free for slight movement independent of each other, a main spring, a main spring link, a trigger link, and a hammer link, and a pivot which connects the meeting ends of said three links, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention have hereunto signed my name this 25th day of March, A. D. 1899.

JACOB RUPERTUS.

In presence of—
F. NORMAN DIXON,
THOS. K. LANCASTER.

US 501566
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
HUBERT HENRY GRENFELL, OF LONDON, AND JAMES GEORGE ACCLES, OF BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND.
REVOLVING SMALL-ARM.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 501,566, dated July 18, 1893.
Application filed December 19, 1891, Serial No. 415,679. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, HUBERT HENRY GRENFELL, captain in the Royal Navy, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, and a resident of London, and JAMES GEORGE ACCLES, engineer, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Birmingham, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Revolving Small-Arms, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The objects of our invention are chiefly to improve revolving pistols in respect to simplicity and durability of the mechanism. For this purpose we provided the weapon with a firing pin or plunger which has a rectilinear action, that is to say, its striking portion is a straight piece and moves in a straight line to and away from the cartridges in the cylinder under the action of a hammer or equivalent device. And we further provide the weapon with a cylinder stop operated by the trigger.

These improvements are hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which relates to a revolving pistol constructed according to our invention.

Figure 1 is a side view of the revolver, partly in longitudinal section. Fig. 2 is a side view of the firing pin and hammer.

Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the drawings.

a is the breech shoe or frame.
b is the barrel.
c is the cylinder.
d is the firing pin.
e is the hammer.
f is the lifter or arm for acting on the ratchet of the cylinder to rotate the same.
g is the trigger.
h is the main spring.
i is the aforesaid cylinder stop.

The striking portion dx of the pin or plunger is preferably made cylindrical in transverse section and has a suitably formed pivot or nose d’ at its extremity; it has extending down from its underside a toothed projection d2 which is arranged in combination and gears with a toothed portion e’ of the hammer e.

In cocking the hammer e, the teeth thereon acting on the teeth of the pin or plunger d will move the same back, and when the trigger is pulled the hammer, through the medium of the teeth will drive the said plunger forward and will finally impact thereon. We may use a hammer or its equivalent with a lever at the side of the pistol or with other convenient means for pulling it back.

The aforesaid cylinder stop is a nose or projection i on the forward end of a small arm i’ pivoted at i2 to the frame a below the cylinder, the said nose being arranged in combination with notches or recesses c’ in the said cylinder. There is a small projection g’ on the forward edge of the trigger g and when the trigger is at rest the rear end of said arm i’ engages with this projection and the stop i is then held out of the notches c’. The rear end i3 of the lever i’ and the part g2 of the trigger are so formed and arranged that when the trigger is pulled the rear end of the arm is thereby lowered and the nose or stop 2 is pressed up toward the periphery of the cylinder; therefore in the rotation of the cylinder about its axis, as each notch c’ comes opposite the said stop i the latter enters the notch and acting in combination with the lever or lifter f (which engages with the ratchet of the cylinder when the trigger is pulled) holds the said cylinder rigidly and immovably at the moment when the firing pin strikes the cartridge. The said nose or stop i projects through a slot k in a part of the frame a which forms a very firm lateral support to the said stop when engaging with the cylinder. We prefer to use a main spring formed of two separate pieces of steel; one of these parts h’ bears on the hammer and the other part h2 engages with the arm f’ that operates the lifter f, both parts being united at their fixed ends in a recess or notch at h3 in the butt or handle of the weapon as is clearly shown in Fig. 1.

The ordinary cylinder holder or locking pin is shown at o. We use said holder or locking pin for its ordinary purpose, in combination with our improvements.

It is obvious that the rectilinearly acting firing pin and the auxiliary cylinder stop may be applied or adapted to revolving fire arms of various kinds.

We claim as our invention—

1. In a revolver the combination of a firing pin provided with a downwardly projecting lug having teeth at its lower end, and a hammer adapted to strike the firing pin and provided with teeth e’ meshing with the teeth on the lug of the firing pin, substantially as described.

2. n a revolver, the combination of a firing pin d provided with a downwardly projecting lug having teeth, a hammer adapted to strike the firing pin, said hammer being provided with a toothed portion e’ meshing with the teeth on the firing pin, a stop lever i’, and a trigger connecting said stop lever and hammer for operating the same, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto signed our names in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HUBERT HENRY GRENFELL.
JAMES GEORGE ACCLES.

Witnesses:
JNO. FREDK. PARKES,
ERNEST HARKEN.

US 468243
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
CHARLES FOEHL AND CHARLES A. WEEKS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
REVOLVER.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 468,243, dated February 2, 1892.
Application filed September 20, 1890. Serial No. 365,648. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES FORHL and CHARLES A. WEEKS, citizens of the United States of America, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Revolvers, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates, particularly, to the hammer mechanism, which includes a rebounding action. In the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation of a portion of a revolver with parts removed to disclose the hammer, which is retracted. Fig. 2 is an edge view of the hammer; Fig. 3, a view similar to Fig. 1 with the hammer down.

In the drawings the cylinder B, the guard C, the trigger, and the grip D may be of any desired or well-known form.

The cylinder is rotated by the pawl 3. The main part of the hammer is operated by the push-pawl 4 in the ordinary manner to cause the hammer to swing back and then allow it to slip and strike against the firing-pin 5. Our special construction includes a supplemental piece intended to give better rebounding action. The piece marked 6 has a tongue 7 pivoted at its upper end in a slot in the rear upper edge of the hammer. The lower part of the piece has the same thickness as the hammer and fits loosely in a recess cut away to receive it. The end of the mainspring bears against a shoulder on the lower end of this piece, between which and its bearing on the hammer there is a space for movement or lost motion in the action of the spring when giving the blow. When the hammer is down, as shown in Fig. 3, as at the instant of the completion of the stroke, the lower part of the bearing of the spring is against the tail of the hammer below the pivot, and this causes the rebound. The extreme end of the spring still bears on the piece; but the piece does not bear on the hammer, but leaves the hammer sufficiently free movement for the rebound. When the parts are brought into position shown in Fig. 1, then the bearing is full.

We claim as our invention—

In combination with the hammer, a pivoted supplemental piece, with the mainspring arranged to bear upon said piece and upon the tail of the hammer, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES FOEHL,
CHAS. A. WEEKS.

Witnesses:
ROBT. M. FRANKS,
JACOB S. DUVALL.

US 376922
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
JOHN T. SMITH, OF ROCKFALL, CONNECTICUT.
REVOLVER.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 376,922, dated January 24, 1888.
Application filed Jane 6, 1887. Serial No. 240,400. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN T. SMITH, of Rock-fall, in the county of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Revolvers; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with accompanying three sheets of 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 of the revolver, showing the parts in the normal or closed position; Fig. 2, the same view showing the parts in the position of the hammer cocked; Fig. 3, a detached view of the trigger and hammer connecting mechanism in the position of releasing the hammer; Fig. 4, a detached view of the frame, illustrating the method of hinging the two parts together.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of revolvers in which the hammer is concealed entirely within the frame, no portion of it being exposed, and such as are commonly called “concealed hammers,” the object of the invention being to adapt the hammer to be set at full-cock and discharged at pleasure, or for firing without fall-cock engagement, and also to permit the hammer, after it has been set at full-cock, to be dropped easily, and without imparting a blow, whereby accidents arising from a hammer held at fullcock are avoided, and has also for its object to arrange the lock mechanism in one part of the frame, the said one part of the frame hinged to that portion which carries the recoil, and so as to be turned therefrom and expose the entire lock mechanism for examination or repairs.

In illustrating the invention I omit that portion of the frame which carries the barrel and the cylinder, such portions being unnecessary to the clear understanding of the invention.

A represents the recoil portion of the frame, from which an arm, B, extends forward, and to which the usual cylinder and barrel portion of the frame is hinged in the usual manner. In the recoil part of the frame A the firing-pin C is introduced in the usual manner, and so as to automatically fall back after it shall have been struck with the hammer.

D represents the handle portion of the frame, which is hinged at the upper side to the recoil portion upon a pintle, E. From its forward end an arm, F, extends into a recess upon the under side of the arm B, where it may be secured by a screw, G, introduced through the arm B into the arm F, (see Fig. 4,) and so that the handle portion of the frame D may be turned downward and away from the recoil or forward portion, A, as indicated in broken lines, Fig. 4. The recoil portion is hollow or recessed for the lock mechanism, in the usual manner; but the mechanism of the lock is secured entirely to the handle or hinged portion D, so that as the handle portion is turned downward from the recoil portion of the frame, as seen in broken lines, Fig. 4, the lock mechanism will be conveniently exposed.

While I prefer to hinge the handle portion D upon its upper side, as at E, it may be hinged forward, as indicated at H, broken lines, Fig. 4, and so as to turn downward and forward in opening, it being secured to the recoil portion, say, at the same point as the pintle E, that pintle in such case being a screw, which may be removed to detach the parts for the purpose of opening.

I represents the hammer, which is hung upon a pivot, J, in an upward projection, K, from the handle portion of the frame. (See Fig. 1)

In the hammer below the pivot J, I hang a lever or dog upon a pivot, L. One arm, M, of the lever extends to the rear of the pivot, to which the mainspring N is hung, in substantially the same manner as in my Patent No. 346,327. The other arm, O, of the lever extends forward of the pivot, and is utilized as a dog for cocking the hammer, substantially as in my patent before referred to.

In the frame below the forward end of the dog O the trigger P is hung upon a pivot, R, the trigger extending down into the guard in the usual manner. Above or in rear of the pivot the trigger is provided with a shoulder, S, which is adapted to engage the nose T of the dog when the hammer is in the down position, as seen in Fig. 1, and so that by pulling upon the trigger the shoulder S will engage the nose T of the dog, and, drawing it forward, will correspondingly draw the hammer toward the position of full-cock. In the principal trigger P an auxiliary trigger, U, is hung upon a pivot, V, and so as to work within the principal trigger. The upper end, W, of the trigger U extends above the upper end or shoulder, S, of the principal trigger, and is adapted to bear upon an anti-friction roll or corresponding surface, a, in the nose of the dog O.

When the parts are in the normal position, as seen In Fig. 1, if the principal trigger he pulled it will draw the dog forward and correspondingly turn the hammer rearward, as seen in Fig. 2, and as the trigger approaches its extreme forward position the nose W of the auxiliary trigger U will rest against the anti-friction roll a. The mainspring acts through the deg to hold the nose end downward and correspondingly hold the nose W of the auxiliary trigger rearward, which causes the lower end of the auxiliary trigger to project forward beyond the front face of the principal trigger, this projection being somewhat above the lower end of the principal trigger, as seen in Fig. 2. The auxiliary trigger rests against the forward edge of its recess in the principal trigger, so that in the pull of the principal trigger, as it approaches its extreme rear position, the nose W of the auxiliary trigger will bear against the roll a, and it will thus bear after the shoulder S of the principal trigger has escaped from the nose T of the dog O, so that the nose W of the auxiliary trigger serves to produce the last portion of the forward movement of the dog O, which brings the hammer to the full-cocked position, as seen in Fig. 2, where it is engaged by the shoulder b of the sear d, which is hung upon a pivot, e, in rear of the principal trigger.

From the sear forward of its pivot is a projecting finger, f, which stands in the path of a corresponding shoulder, g, on the auxiliary trigger. The sear is provided with a spring, h’, which forces it into engagement with the corresponding shoulder on the hammer when at full-cock, as seen in Fig. 2. If now the auxiliary trigger be pulled, its nose end will first act upon the dog to slightly raise its forward end, as indicated in Fig. 3, so as to raise the dog, that it may escape over the trigger. Then the shoulder g on the auxiliary trigger engages the finger f of the sear and turns the sear, so as to permit the hammer to escape and be thrown forward under the action of the mainspring, when the hammer and the dog will be thrown to the extreme rear position, the dog passing over the trigger. It will be understood that in thus cocking the hammer the pull is applied to the principal trigger, and for this purpose the principal trigger is extended below the auxiliary trigger, as before mentioned. Hence in making the pull upon the trigger the finger will be applied first below the auxiliary trigger to bring the hammer to full-cock, then upon the auxiliary trigger to produce the discharge. If, however, discharge is desired upon the pull of the trigger and without engagement of the sear, as for rapid firing, the finger is placed upon the auxiliary trigger, so as to press it backward into position to strike the sear, and then, as the hammer is brought to the position of full-cock, the auxiliary trigger will have pressed the sear out of the engaging position, as seen in Fig. 3, so that the hammer will not be caught, but, on the contrary, will escape so soon as the full-cock position is reached, the final disengagement being produced by the nose of the auxiliary trigger acting against the forward end of the dog to raise it so far as to permit its escape over the trigger, as seen in Fig. 3.

In the case of a concealed hammer without some indicator there is an uncertainty as to whether or not the hammer is cocked, and, if cocked, under ordinary constructions of the revolver it is extremely difficult to drop the hammer without imparting its blow. To permit such dropping of the hammer I construct the sear with a downward and rearwardly projecting finger, h, which extends through an opening, i, in the frame or guard below, and so that when the hammer is cocked, if one finger be placed upon the trigger and, say, the thumb upon the finger h of the sear, the trigger held near its rear position, the hammer will be released by the sear; but the dog will catch upon the trigger and be held by the finger, and so that under the pull of the finger, if the trigger be permitted slowly to move forward, the dog will be engaged with the shoulder S of the trigger and correspondingly permit the hammer to move slowly forward to its down or normal position, as seen in Fig. 1. Thus the hammer may be dropped or closed by a movement similar to that which is permissible in an exposed hammer, where the thumb is placed upon the hammer and the finger upon the trigger.

To surely arrest the trigger when the hammer is brought to full-cock, I construct it with a shoulder, l, say, forward of its pivot, and adapted to engage a corresponding shoulder, m, in the frame, as seen in Fig. 2. This position will be reached upon bringing the hammer to a full-cocked position and before it is possible for the auxiliary trigger to strike the sear, unless the finger shall have also borne upon the auxiliary trigger. By this provision the hammer may surely be brought to full-cock without danger of disengagement, and may be so held for the convenience of the person using the revolver.

The lock mechanism arranged in the handle portion of the frame, and thereby easily separable from the barrel portion, permits ready access to the lock, as occasion may require, for examination or repair. This feature of the revolver is applicable to revolvers having other lock mechanism than that which I have shown and described, and with equal advantage.

The downward or outwardly projecting finger h from the sear may be employed to advantage in revolvers having other mechanism between the principal trigger and the hammer than that which I have described such, for illustration, as the principal trigger with the auxiliary trigger omitted, the principal trigger itself being adapted to directly engage the sear—a, construction too well known to require particular description.

I claim—

1. In a revolver, the frame made in two parts, the division being between the handle portion and recoil portion of the frame, the handle portion of the frame hinged to the recoil portion at one point and at a distant point adapted for attachment to the corresponding point of the other portion of the frame, the said handle portion carrying the lock mechanism, substantially as described.

2. The combination, in a revolver, of the hammer J, principal trigger hung in the frame
below and forward of the hammer, a sear hung in the frame between the principal trigger and
hammer, a lever hung in the hammer below its pivot, one arm extending rearward, the mainspring attached to the rear end of the said arm, the other arm of said lever extending forward and forming the dog forward of the hammer and over the principal trigger, the said forward arm or dog adapted to be engaged by the principal trigger, and an auxiliary trigger hung in said principal trigger, the said sear constructed with a finger projecting forward into the path of said auxiliary trigger, the said auxiliary trigger extending above its pivot and adapted to engage the hammer-dog as the hammer approaches the full-cocked position, substantially as described.

3. The combination; in a revolver, of a concealed hammer, I, a trigger, a dog hung to the hammer, one arm extending rearward, the mainspring attached to said rearward end of the dog, the forward arm of the dog extending forward over the trigger and adapted to be engaged therewith, whereby under the pull of the trigger the hammer may be brought to fullcock, and a sear between the trigger and hammer, the said sear constructed with a finger, h, projecting downwardly through the frame, and whereby said sear may be turned independent of the trigger, substantially as described.

4. In a revolver, the combination of a hammer hung concealed within the frame, a trigger with mechanism between it and the hammer whereby upon the pull of the trigger the hammer may be thrown to the full-cocked position, and a sear between the trigger and hammer and adapted to engage the hammer at the full-cocked position, the sear constructed with a finger projecting therefrom through an opening in the frame, and whereby the said sear may be turned independent of the trigger, substantially as described.

JOHN T. SMITH.

Witnesses:
HARRIS WARNER,
JOHN R. LEVIS.

US 360686
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
GILBERT H. HARRINGTON AND WILLIAM. A. RICHARDSON, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.
REVOLVER.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 360,686, dated April 5, 1887.
Application filed April 7, 1886. Serial No. 198,100. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that we, GILBERT H. HARRINGTON and WILLIAM. A. RICHARDSON, both citizens of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Arms, of which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is a specification sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable persons skilled in art to which this invention appertains to make and use the same.

The object of our present invention is to render fire-arms of the class referred to safer and more convenient for carrying, handling, and use; also, to provide a safety-hammer for fire-arms, particularly applicable to pocket pistols, and especially those known as “double acting,” or in which the “cocking” or raising of the hammer is effected by the trigger mechanism, as well as by drawing the hammer back with the thumb in ordinary manner, and to afford facilities for manipulating said safety hammer without inconvenience, as desired.

Our invention consists in the pistol-hammer of peculiar shape and its arrangement with the frame for operation, as set forth, the hammer being constructed so as to conform in its general outline with the outline of the pistol-frame, and without the usual projection or thumb-piece, the portion of the hammer contiguous to the hammer-seat in the frame being made of such convenient form and properly grooved or checked that the operator can obtain sufficient hold thereon to effect the raising of the hammer when necessary to do so with the thumb, but with no projections that can tend to catch upon the clothing or any extraneous object, and thereby cause an accidental discharge of the fire-arm. The lock frame we also make of such convenient form as facilitates the manipulation of the hammer, such as described, and obviates liability of pinching or injuring the thumb when cocking or letting down the hammer.

The advantages resulting from the construction as herein shown and described are greater safety and convenience in carrying, handling, and use.

The particular subject-matter claimed is hereinafter definitely specified.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of a fire-arm having its frame and hammer constructed in accordance with our invention. Fig. 2 is a top view of the same, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the hammer separate from the other parts.

Referring to parts, A denotes the frame of the fire-arm; B, the pistol hilt or handle; C, the cylinder, and D the trigger, which works in connection with lock mechanism of well known or suitable construction, operating on the “double-action’ principle, and which is not herein shown, as its construction is not a feature of the present invention.

The back of the frame A, where it extends upward from the hilt to the top part above the cylinder, is made with a gradually concave curve, as at a, and said curved portion is recessed for the hammer H, which is pivoted in the frame at m, and projects up through this part of the frame, and swings back and forth in its action to and from its striking-seat s at the back of the cylinder in the ordinary manner, when worked by the lock or trigger mechanism.

The upper portion of the hammer, along its back at h, is formed with a concave curve, to substantially conform to the curve of the frame at a, and said hammer is arranged to project So but a short distance out of the frame when it is down, or in normal position with its face resting on the striking-seat s. The top of the hammer terminates in a small rounded end, as at f, which is located at a position below the top line of the upper part, a’, of the frame, and said rounded tip or end f is checked, grooved, or roughened, as indicated, so as to give a good holding-surface on the slight rounded extremity f for the thumb.

The frame A is made with a cutaway or depression, I, at the angle between the curved portion a and the top portion, a’, the metal at that position being formed, as indicated, to meet the rounded end f of the hammer in such manner that the thumb will be warded off from the seat s, so that it will not be pinched between the seat and the face of the hammer when working or letting down the hammer with the thumb on the end f thereof,

In the construction of the several parts of the fire-arm other than those herein specifically defined no novelty is herein claimed, and such parts may therefore be made in any convenient and suitable manner, as preferred.

We are aware that heretofore revolvers have been constructed with hammers having convex backs without the usual thumb projections, and closing on line with the top of the frame, and also with rounded grooved tops projecting above the frame. Such constructions we do not therefore herein claim.

What we claim as of our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is–

1. In a revolver, the hammer H, made in the shape shown and described, with the back concaved to substantially conform to the outline of the frame A, its upper end terminating below the top line of the frame in a small rounded end, the top surface of which is checked or grooved, the frame being cut away or beveled adjacent to the top of the hammer-striking seat, as and for the purpose herein before set forth.

2. In a revolver capable of self-cocking action, having the frame concaved on its upper side in rear of the cylinder, the hammer H, shaped to conform substantially to the contour of the frame, and having its top end terminating in a small rounded apex, as shown at f, below the sighting-line along the top-level of the frame.

Witness our hands this 6th day of April, A. D. 1886.

GILBERT H. HARRINGTON,
WILLIAM. A. RICHARDSON.

Witnesses:
CHAS. H. BURLEIGH,
HERBERT. P. BARTON.

US 306596
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
CARL J. EHBETS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE COLTS PATENT FIRE ARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.
LOCK FOR FIRE-ARMS.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 306,596, dated October 14, 1884.
Application filed June 23, 1884. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CARL J. EHBETS, of Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented new Improvements in Revolvers; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with 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 of so much of a revolver as will illustrate the invention, and showing the hammer in its forward position; Fig. 2, same side view, showing the hammer in its extreme rear position; Fig. 3, top view, looking down upon the hammer and showing the hinge-joint between the nose and body portion.

This invention relates to an improvement in revolving fire-arms, with special reference to the hammer. In the more general construction of revolvers, the hammer extends up through the frame, and is provided with a thumb-piece, by which, if occasion requires, the hammer may be turned. Accidents frequently occur in the use of these arms, due chiefly to the exposure of this projecting part of the hammer. If in the usual construction of hammer the thumb piece or extension be dispensed with it is impractical to inclose the hammer within the frame–as, for illustration, the arc described by the nose of the hammer. turning upon its pivot would be as indicated in broken line, Fig. 1. To increase the extent of the frame so as to permit this arc to be described within it would not only make the frame cumbersome, but would detract materially from the graceful appearance of the arm.

The object of my invention is to conceal the hammer and yet permit it to swing upon its pivot in the usual manner; and it consists in constructing the hammer in two parts–a body portion and nose portion–the nose part hinged to the body portion of the hammer, so that the nose may turn upon its hinge in a plane at right angles to the pivot on which the hammer turns, said hammer constructed with an extension in rear of its hinge and a bearing in the frame above the nose-piece, serving to direct the nose of the hinged portion in its forward movement, as more fully hereinafter described.

A represents the frame of the revolver in the usual shape, except that, instead of the recess within which the operative mechanism is arranged being open at the top, the top of the recess is closed.

B represents the usual recoil-plate, in which is an opening, a, through which the nose of the hammer may pass to strike the cartridge; C, the trigger; D, the body of the hammer hung upon a pivot, b, in the usual method of hanging the hammer of revolvers. The hammer is turned rearward upon its pivot by means of the trigger, which may be connected with the hammer by any of the usual mechanism for so doing, such mechanism constituting no part of my present invention.

As illustrated, the hammer is turned by means of a strut, d, hinged to the trigger, as at e, and in rear of the pivot of the trigger, the upper end or nose of the said strut arranged to engage a notch, f, on the hammer forward of its pivot, whereby when the trigger is pulled the hammer is thrown rearward until such time as the strut may escape from the notch; then the hammer will fly forward under the reaction of the main spring unless a sear, g, or its equivalent, be a ranged to engage a notch on the hub of the hammer, say, when at full-cock, as seen in Fig. 2, which engagement occurs just before the strut d would escape from the notch f of the hammer. In such case the trigger is constructed with a shoulder, h, which, when the trigger is further pulled, will strike the seal and turn it from its engagement with the hammer, so that the hammer will escape and be thrown forward under the reaction of the mainspring.

Instead of making the hammer in a single piece throughout, the nose portion E is made separate from the body, hinged thereto above the pivot of the hammer and as at l, and so as to swing on its pivot in a plane at right angles to the axis or pivot on which the hammer turns, the nose being free to swing upon its hinge l and so as to be turned from its forward position, as seen in Fig. 1, to the position of full-cock, as seen in Fig. 2, approaching the pivot of the hammer as the hammer is thrown rearward. This movement contracts the extent of the hammer–that is, the radius from the nose to the pivot of the hammer is contracted by so much as the nose portion is turned toward or approaches the pivot of the hammer. The nose is provided with the usual point, i, to pass through the aperture a in the recoil-plate to strike the cartridge, and has an extension, F, in rear of its pivot.

The top of the recess in which the hammer works is constructed to form a bearing, m, against which, when the hammer is in its forward position, the extension F of the hammer will rest, and in so resting the nose of the hammer is thrown up to its proper striking-position and there held.

From the bearing-point m in the top of the recess the surface inclines from or is made eccentric to the pivot b of the hammer, and so that as the hammer is turned backward the projection F may turn outward to permit the nose portion to turn downward, the back of the nose portion riding over the bearing m to cause it to thus turn, and the curvature of the top of the recess in rear of the bearing m should be made so that the projection F may ride thereon, while the back of the nose-piece rides upon the bearing-point m, and so that the nose-piece will be supported by the two points, one in the rear and the other forward of its hinge, and thereby be prevented from play. When the hammer has been thrown back to full-cock, as seen in Fig. 2, the nose is far below the aperture through which it is to strike. As the hammer escapes from the strut or from the sear, as the case maybe, under the reaction of the mainspring, it is thrown forward in the usual manner, and in such movement the extension F rides upon the upper surface of the recess and causes the nose of the hammer to turn forward, until arriving at its extreme forward position it has reached the bearing m and the hammer is in its proper position to strike the blow. The connection between the nose-piece and the body is simply tongues on the one setting into a groove in the other, as seen in Fig. 3. The shoulder on the tongue part should take a bearing on the corresponding edge of the other part, so as to form a strong support or connection between the two in imparting the blow.

While I prefer to govern the movement of the nose portion of the hammer by the top of the recess in the frame, the nose may be guided in its forward movement by the bottom n of the passage to the aperture i, the bottom of this passage being inclined upward and forward toward the aperture, as shown, and so that the point of the hammer may strike this inclined surface as the hammer is forced forward and ride up thereon, and so as to pass through the aperture.

It will be readily understood that in the class of revolvers in which a firing-pin is employed against which the hammer strikes, the point on the nose of the hammer in this case will be dispensed with, the hinged portion striking the firing-pin as does the hammer in the usual construction. In fact, the operation of the hammer is precisely the same as that of the hammer of usual construction, save only that the nose portion is hinged to permit it to approach the pivot on which the hammer turns in its rear movement, and recede therefrom as it is thrown forward.

I have described and illustrated my invention as applied to a revolver, and it is to this class of fire-arms to which my invention is particularly adapted; but it may be applied to other arms in which a concealed hammer is desirable.

I claim–

The combination of the body portion D, and the nose portion E, hinged thereto above the pivot on which the hammer turns, and so as to swing in a plane at right angles to the pivot on which the hammer turns, the said nose piece constructed with an extension, F, in rear of its hinge-pivot, the recess in the frame constructed with a bearing, m, above the nose-piece, and in rear of the hinge-pivot when the hammer is in its forward position, and against which the extension F will strike, with mechanism substantially such as described, to turn the said hammer upon its pivot, substantially as specified.

CARL J. EHBETS.

Witnesses:
HORACE LORD,
EDWD. J. MURPHY.


US 33382-RE1938
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
WM. H. ELLIOT, OF PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 33,382, dated October 1, 1861 Reissue No. 1,938, dated April 18, 1865.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, W. H. ELLIOT, of Plattsburg, in the county of Clinton and State of New York, 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 same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, which I designate as Division No. 3.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a vertical section of my improved arm, showing the lock in elevation and as it appears after being snapped. Fig.2 is a similar section, but with the trigger pushed forward preparatory to firing. Fig. 3 is an elevation of a breech-plate. Fig. 4 is an elevation of the end of a series of barrels, showing the chambers filled with exploded cartridges. Fig. 5 is an elevation of a hammer and cartridge, the red lines showing the direction of certain forces at the moment of discharge. Fig. 6 is an elevation of the rear end of a series of barrels, showing projections or anvils. Fig. 7 is a side elevation ot’ the same. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the arm with revolving-ratchet on the rear end of the barrels, as shown in my patent of May 29, 1860. Fig. 9 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same, showing a revolving-pawl attached to the trigger in an equivalent way to that shown in my patent of May 29, 1860. Figs. 10, 11, and l2 show the mode of revolving the barrels by a pawl and ratchet, as in my patent of August, 1858. The pawl here, however, is attached to the hammer, as is most common. Figs. 13, 14, and 15 show details of the arm represented by Figs. 8 and 9, the hammer, cocking-pawl, revolving-pawl, and trigger being shown in the three positions that they assume during the process of firing the arm. Fig. 16 is a vertical longitudinal section of a modification of my invention. Fig. 17 is a rear end elevation of the same. Figs. 18 and 19 are a section and end elevation of a cartridge used with this modification.

The same letters of reference in the different figures designate corresponding parts or similar parts.

The nature of this division of my invention consists in resisting the recoil of a cartridge case by means of a hammer which is pivoted underneath and forward of the rear end of a chamber or chambers, as will be hereinafter described.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention and comprehend the same, I will proceed to describe it with references to the drawings.

a is the lock-frame, or frame of the breech, being that portion of the arm to which the lock is pivoted or otherwise properly attached. This frame may be in one piece or several pieces.

b is the barrel or barrels.

c represents the chambers with cartridges in them. These chambers are bored through at their rear ends and left open for the purpose of being charged in the rear.

c’ shows the position of the two lower cartridges in relation to the breech-plate. One of these at a time is fired by the hammer.

d is the breech-plate; e, hammer pivoted at e’ underneath and forward of the rear end of said chambers, and also forward of the breechplate d; g, cocking-pawl; g’, position of cocking-pawl when prepared to fire; o, point on the cooking-pawl which comes in contact with the side of the trigger and trips the hammer.

h is a stirrup. It is shown as furnished with two seats in the hammer; but it never was intended with this arm to use but one seat, although two were shown incidentally. The forward seat may be dispensed with, as it serves no purpose in this arm, as will be evident from Figs. 8 and 9.

i is a notch upon the hammer, into which the cocking-pawl falls. k is a mainspring.

l, Figs. 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15, is a revolving pawl; m, a ratchet or revolving grooves on the end of the barrels; n, opening through the breech-plate for loading the arm; p, base-pin, which supports the barrels and upon which the barrels revolve; r r’, Fig. 5, direction of the recoil; s s’, direction of resistance of the same by the hammer; t t’, plane of the surface upon which the hammer acts; u, cooking and revolving pawl spring; v, a cut through the breech-plate to admit the tiring-point of the hammer.

This arm, as represented in Fig. 1, is loaded by passing the cartridge through the opening n in the breech-plate into the chamber c; and to fire the arm the trigger must first be pushed forward to the position represented in Fig. 2, when the rear end of the pawl g falls into the notch i upon the hammer, and as the trigger is carried back again the hammer is raised until the side of the trigger comes in contact with the cocking-pawl g at o, in which position it is ready to tire, and it is tired by drawing the trigger still farther back, which raises the rear end of the cocking-pawl out of the notch i, and the hammer falls upon the cartridge and explodes it. As the trigger is drawn back for the purpose of firing, the revolving-pawl, which is pivoted to it, is pushed back, and by this means the barrels are caused to revolve one-sixth of a revolution at each motion of the trigger, each time bringing a new cartridge under the firing-point. This is one of the many ways in common use of revolving arms of this description, and constitutes no part of my claim at this date.

When it becomes necessary to pass the trigger back to its place without firing it may be done by pressing upon the lower side of the cocking-pawl, when its rear end will be raised out of the notch i on the hammer, in which position the trigger may be carried back without raising the hammer.

To revolve the barrels for the purpose of loading, it is necessary that the point of the revolving-pawl should be held out of the ratchet, and also that the hammer should be raised a little, (otherwise its firing-point would drag over the heads of the cartridges,) and this may be done as follows: Push the trigger forward and place the end of a pencil through the opening x between the trigger-guard and the trigger above the pawls. Then draw back upon the trigger until the pencil is held fast. By
this means or operation the revolving-pawl will be thrown out of the ratchet, and the hammer partly raised but firmly held, so that it can neither be brought to full cock nor be snapped. While the parts are in this position the barrels may be safely revolved for the purpose of loading and cleaning.

That modification of my invention which is represented by Figs. 16 and 17 may be loaded by turning the breech-plate to the position represented by dotted lines d’, and by partially cocking the hammer this opens the chamber completely for the reception of the cartridge. After the cartridge has been placed in the chamber, the breech-plate returned to its place, and the hammer carefully let down, the arm is ready to fire, which is done by drawing the trigger back against the frame. The trigger may be placed back against the frame without firing by first depressing the fly e2 of the hammer so that the point of the trigger to fire this arm the point of the trigger strikes the point of the fly e2 and raises it, at the same time depresses the free end of the hammer until the trigger passes the fly, when the hammer falls upon the priming. The lock in this modification operates the same as in my patent of August, 1858.

A striking peculiarity of my invention consists in the arrangement of the pivot of the hammer and that portion of the lock-frame to which the hammer is pivoted forward of the rear end of a chamber or chambers, which are bored through and left open for the purpose of being charged in the rear and also forward of the breech-plate, as represented. By “breech-plate” I mean that part of the arm marked d, against which the cartridge finally recoils when the discharge takes place, and which is generally detached from the said chamber. This breech-plate serves the purpose of breech-pin to the barrels, and can only be employed with a chamber or chambers which are bored through at their rear end, as above stated. The breech-plate may be attached to and supported upon the breech of the arm in many different ways. For instance, it may be secured permanently to the frame in the rear of the barrels and the chambers charged through it, as herein represented, and as represented in my patent of May 29, 1860, No. 28,461; or it may be secured with the lock-frame by a joint to the barrels and drop down out of the way of the chambers for the purpose of charging, as represented in my patent of same date, No. 28,460; or the breech-plate may be jointed to the rear portion of the arm, so as to be turned away from before the chamber for the purpose of opening it to receive the charge, as represented in Fig. 16. In whatever way the breech-plate may be applied or supported in relation to the lock-frame or chamber it always serves one purpose–viz., that of finally resisting the backward force of the charge–a function which is the subject of other patents of mine bearing an earlier date than this, but not earlier invented.

I will here state that the description herein given with respect to the use of a breech-plate is not intended as a limitation of my invention to a fire-arm with a breech-plate, but simply to illustrate the superior utility of my invention when such a breech-plate is used. I however, in manufacturing arms, prefer to employ as an auxiliary to my invention a breech-plate of some sort, and hence I have described such ways as I consider the most perfect of employing a breech-plate, but not intending thereby to ever set up any claim under this patent to breechplates, but to show that my invention is capable of being used with various styles of breech-plates without changing the result which it produces.

The arrangement of the pivot or joint of the hammer, as before specified, forward of the rear end of said chambers has many advantages. When such arrangement is employed with a cylinder of revolving barrels or chambers, as herein shown, and with a breech-plate which is located permanently in their rear, the hammer fires most conveniently one of the lower barrels, leaving the whole of the upper part of the breech-plate to be cut away or otherwise disposed of as may be most convenient for loading the arm, the whole of the hammer being at all times entirely out of the way during the process of loading, which would not be the case if it were pivoted in the rear of the chambers. A hammer which is pivoted as herein specified in relation to said chamber, without a breech-plate, or with a breech-plate which is jointed to the breech of the arm for the purpose of being turned away from before the chambers, as represented in Figs. 16 and 17, has the same advantage when cocked of being entirely below the line of the bore, and consequently out of the way during the process of loading; and in any case the employment of a hammer which is pivoted and arranged as herein shown in relation to a breech-plate, or to achamber or chambers constructed as herein described, tends greatly to compact the arm and make it more durable, as well as to render its construction simple and less expensive, whether the arm be large or small or whatever be its external form.

By reference to Figs. 1 and 2, Sheet 1, it may be seen that the hammer, although pivoted forward of the rear end of an open chamber or chambers, strikes up in the rear of said chamber, indenting the cartridge-shell a little, and holds on to it like a hook at the moment of the discharge. A hammer arranged and operating in this way on an arm from which the breech-plate has been removed for the experiment has been found to hold on to a cartridge-shell sufficiently strong to resist the recoil, and when employed as herein shown, with a breech-plate, it performs the additional function of preventing pressure of the cartridge-shell upon the breech-plate after firing, and consequently there is less difficulty in moving the breech -plate away from before the chamber or the chambers from before the breech-plate for the purpose of removing the spent shells and reloading. To enable a hammer so pivoted to perform the function of resisting the recoil to such a degree as to prevent pressure upon a breech-plate after firing, as stated above, it is not essential that the point of the hammer should penetrate the shell to hold it from slipping. The power of the mainspring is sufficient for this purpose, as for this purpose it is only necessary that the hold of the cylindrical portion of the shell upon the inner surface of the chamber should be strong enough so that the pressure of the gases may bulge out the head of the cartridge a little to make it rest against the breech-plate at the moment the pressure of the gases takes place. After the pressure has ceased the head of the cartridge-shell will to some degree return to its original form, and thus relieve the breech-plate of its pressure.

The recoil of the cartridge is rearward parallel with the bore of the barrel, or, as represented in Fig. 5, from r r’ the resistance of the hammer to the recoil of the cartridge being in the direction of s to s’. The firing-point by the force of the blow is embedded into the copper shell, and thus produces a surface upon which it holds, the plane of which is in t t’, exactly at right angles to the line of resistance offered by the hammer. Thus it may be seen that the hammer, without the assistance of the mainspring, would not slip down upon the head of the cartridge. Numerous experiments have proven that either with or without a breech-plate the firing-point of the hammer, when properly constructed and arranged, is never displaced by the recoil of the cartridge.

Having described my invention, I claim under this patent–without confining myself to any method of attaching or supporting the breech-plate upon the arm in the rear of the chambers, or to any breech-plate at all, or to any particular form or size of arm–

Resisting the recoil of a cartridge-case by means of a hammer which is pivoted underneath and forward of the rear end of a chamber or chambers, substantially as herein set forth.

Witness my hand in the matter of my application for a reissue of Letters Patent granted to me on October 1, 1861, for an improved breech-loading fire-arm, this 1st day of December, 1864.

W. H. ELLIOT.

Witnesses:
R. T. CAMPBELL,
E. SCHAFER.

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