Category: Safety

Britain 637
A.D. 1862, 10th March. N° 637

Breech-loading Fire-arms.

(This Invention received Provisional Protection only.)

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Marc Antoine Francois Mennons at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th March 1862.— A communication from Salloum Dandah (of Lebanon, in Syria), residing at St. Maur (Dept. de la Seine), France.

I, Marc Antoine Franiois Mennons, of the British and Foreign Patent Offices, 39, Rue de l’Echiquier, Paris, in the Empire of France, do hereby declare the nature of thrsaid Invention for “Certain Improvements In Brrech-Loading Fire-Arms,” (a communication,) to be as follows:—

The Invention communicated to me consists in an improved combination of charging and discharging mechanism for breech-loading fire-arms, the object of which is to permit of enlarging the calibre and multiplying the repetitions without undue increase of volume and weight while reducing the escapes and risk of accidental explosion inherent to revolvers and similar arms is at present constructed.

Figure 1 of the annexed Drawing represents the principal details of the improved mechanism opened for the reception of the charge ; Figure 2 represents the position of the same at the moment of the discharge ; Figure 3 is a plan of the same through the line x, x; Figure 4 is a cross section of the cartridge magazine. In all these Figures the corresponding parts are indicated by the same letters of reference.

A is the action chamber of the arm screwing into a barrel of ordinary construction, and forming part of the metallic setting B, B, B, to which is adjusted the stock C. D is a port opening cut through the side of the barrel setting behind the chamber A, to the size and form of the cartridge employed; E, E^1, are two oblong apertures cut through the centre of the barrel setting above and below, and corresponding with the stop bar F, which forms part of the cock G; H, H, is a piston through which is pierced a similar aperture I, I, also corresponding with the stop bar F. In the fore extremity of this piston is pierced a curved passage J communicating when the mechanism is closed with the cap pillar K, and terminated by a tubular cartridge piercer L. M is a metallic bridle articulated by one end to the head of the cock G and by the other to the horizontal connecting rod N, the free extremity of which is in its turn articulated to the back of the piston H. Between the points O and P a longitudinal groove is cut through the stock and mountings to serve as slide way for the connecting rod in its to-and-fro motion. Q is the cartridge magazine, seen apart in the cross section, Figure 4. This magazine, constructed on the same principle as the well known percussion cap primer, is composed of a metallic cylinder R, R, partitioned internally to form a spiral canal, and fitted with a steel spring coiled in a barrel S, on which is mounted an extending lever T. The cylinder is closed by the discs V, W, one of which is moveable at will for the introduction or withdrawal of the cartridges X. The latter are ranged side by side in the spiral canal, the mouth of which corresponds with the port D of the barrel setting when the magazine is secured in position by the clasp U, as seen in Figures 1, 2, 3. Y, Z, indicate the position of the lockwork, which, if so desired, may be constructed to raise the hammer by the trigger pull, as in ordinary repeating arms.

The caps may be supplied to the pillar K either by the hand or by a primer of any convenient description mounted on the barrel setting. On cocking the arm constructed as above the piston H is drawn back by the bridle M and connecting rod N to the position shewn in Figure 1, leaving the apertures D, E, and El completely open. At this moment the cartridge X^1 nearest the mouth of the magazine canal is forced by the action of the coiled spring on the lever T to pass through the port D into the barrel setting, its place being at once occupied by the second cartridge X^2 of the same range. On pulling the trigger, the cock G in its down stroke carries forward the piston, which in its turn forces the cartridge into the action chamber A. At this point the apertures I, E, and E’ of the piston and settings correspond exactly with each other, and are traversed together by the stop bar F, by which the piston is keyed firmly into the position shewn in Figure 2, thus forming the breech piece of the arm. Simultaneously with the completion of the transit of the stop bar the face of the cock strikes the cap on the pillar K, and ignites the charge of the cartridge already pierced by the tubular point L during its passage from the entry port to the action chamber. On re-cocking the arm, the second cartridge (X^2) of the magazine passing through the port under the continued tension of the coiled spring takes up the first position of the one just discharged, and the further series of movements, above described, is repeated until the supply of ammunition is exhausted.

If so desired, the cartridge magazine, above described, may be replaced by other analogous arrangements, such, for instance, as a conical recipient adjusted to and rising vertically or obliquely from the side port through which the cartridges fall by their own weight after each shot. Or, again, by a partitioned cylinder revolving on an arbor below the barrel setting, and so arranged as to present the cartridges successively to the piston through a cavity formed underneath in front of the trigger guard. The general construction of the arm may also be varied according to the calibre, weight, and number of shots required.

Britain 370
LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of “IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE-ARMS.” — A communication.

Sealed the 5th August 1856, and dated the 13th February 1856.

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Newton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 13th February 1856.

I, William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, 5 in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE-ARMS,” to be as follows:—

In the efforts heretofore made to apply the repeating principle to that class of arms which are fired from the shoulder, it has thus far not been found practicable to avoid the danger, to which all of them are more or less liable, of premature explosion, either of the magazine containing the powder for the successive charges, or of the chambers contiguous to the one discharged, by which serious accidents have occurred to those making use of them, resulting in loss of limb and life. To avoid entirely this danger, and to make the musket or the rifle, when constructed upon the repeating principle, as safe to those discharging them as the repeating pistol, is the object of the present Invention, which consists in bringing up the chambers separately and successively into a line with the gun barrel, while all the others remain in a vertical position, each one at the instant of its discharge being so far removed from the others as to avoid the possibility of communicating combustion from one tube to another.

Another improvement consists in closing the joint between the barrel and the charge chamber by means of a sliding ring, which is made to cover the joint at the instant of the discharge, and is moved forward out of the way of the charge chamber whenever it becomes necessary to bring up a new chamber into line with the barrel. The discharge of the piece is prevented by means of a lever, which keeps the hammer from falling whenever the joint between the barrel and the charge chamber is not closed by the sliding ring, and the movements of the sliding ring are effected at the moment required by means of mechanism acting in concert with the moving parts of the lock. The charges are inserted in a series of chambers, which are attached by a pivot or hinge to a revolving plate, from which they bang in a vertical position, until by the revolution of the plate they are elevated, and brought in succession one at a time into a line with the barrel, in a position to be discharged. After a tube is discharged, it is lowered by the revolution of the plate to its original position, at the same instant that the next in order is brought up in a line with the barrel, and so on through the whole series until all the chambers are discharged, when they may be removed for the purpose of reloading; or where a great number of discharges are required in immediate succession, as in action upon a field of battle, the set of discharged chambers may be replaced by another set, one or more sets of chambers being carried about the person for a the purpose.

SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 13th August 1856.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM EDWARD Newton, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.

WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters Patent, bearing date the 13th day of February, in the year of our Lord 1856, in the nineteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said William Edward Newton, Her special license, that I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for “IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE-ARMS,” being a communication from abroad, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Edward Newton, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calender months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.

NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Edward Newton, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the 20 following statement, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):—

In the efforts heretofore made to apply the repeating principle to that class of arms which are fired from the shoulder, it has thus far not been found practicable to avoid the danger to which all of them are more or less liable of premature explosion, either of the magazine containing the powder for the successive charges, or of the chambers contiguous to the one discharged, by which serious accidents have occurred to those making use of them, resulting in loss of limb and life. To avoid entirely this danger, and to make the musket or the rifle, when constructed upon the repeating principle, as safe to those discharging them as the repeating pistol, is the object of the present Invention, which consists in bringing up the chambers separately and successively into a line with the gun barrel, while all the others remain in a vertical position, each one at the instant of its discharge being so far removed from the others as to avoid the possibility of communicating combustion from one tube to another.

The 2nd part of this Invention consists in closing the joint between the barrel and the charge chamber, by means of a sliding ring, which is made to cover the joint at the instant of the discharge, and is moved forward out of the way of the charge chamber whenever it becomes necessary to bring up a new chamber into line with the barrel.

The 3rd part of this Invention consists in an improved method of preventing the discharge of the piece whenever the joint between the barrel and the charge chamber is not closed by the sliding ring.

The 4th part of this Invention consists in a combination of parts whereby the exact movements of the sliding ring are effected at the moment required, as will be hereafter more fully explained.

In the accompanying Drawing, Fig. 1 is a view from beneath, of a rifle with the improvements attached; Fig. 2, a vertical section through the centre of the same; Fig. 3, a detached view of the chambers, showing the manner in which they are hinged to the revolving plate which carries them; Fig. 4, detail, which will be referred to hereafter.

The charges are inserted in a series of chambers, which are attached by a pivot or hinge to a revolving plate, from which they hang in a vertical position, until by the revolution of the plate they are elevated, and brought in succession, one at a time, into a line with the barrel, in a position to be discharged. After a tube is discharged, it is lowered by the revolution of the plate to its original position, at the same instant that the next in order is brought up in line with the barrel, and so on through the whole series until all the chambers are discharged, when they may be removed for the purpose of reloading; or where a great number of discharges are required in immediate succession, as in action upon a field of battle, the set of discharged chambers may be replaced by another set, one or more sets of chambers being carried about the person for the purpose.

A, in the Drawings, represents the chambers, which are hinged to the plate B at C, and which may be turned up into a horizontal position, as seen at A^1 in all the Figures. The plate B is adapted to and revolves upon the pin D, which projects downwards from the body of the gun; this plate with its charge chambers is held in position by a button or catch a upon the end of the lever E; this button is operated by the knob F, and enters a notch in the pin D, as seen in Fig. 2 at c. The lever E is pivoted at b, and when in place, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, serves to throw up the chambers one by one as the plate B is revolved, the spring d holding them up against a firm bearing above until they are securely locked with the barrel, as will be hereafter explained. When the plate B with its chambers is to be removed from the gun, the catch a is turned and the lever E depressed, which leaves the plate B with its charge chambers free to be separated from the gun. The chambers are revolved and raised into line with the barrel in the following manner:— G is the “guard,” which in lieu of being attached permanently to the gun is pivoted at k, as seen in Fig. 2; the short arm of this lever is connected by means of the link m with the slide n; this slide n carries a spring dog p, which engages with the teeth 1, projecting from the upper side of the plate B. As now the guard is thrown forward into the position represented in red in Fig. 2, the dog p engages with one of the teeth 1 (the number of which corresponds to that of the charge chambers), and revolves the plate sufficiently to bring the next succeeding chamber into line with the barrel; this is effected by the lever E, against which the chamber A strikes as it revolves, and by which the latter is thrown up into the position represented in Figs. 1 and 2 in line with the barrel and rearly to be discharged. The charge chamber is secured to the barrel of the gun at the instant of the discharge, and a tight joint between the two insured in the following manner:— The forward end of each chamber is turned down, as seen at r, the rear end of 15 the barrel H being furnished with a corresponding offset s; upon this latter is fitted a ring t, which previous to the discharge is made to pass over the joint between the chamber and the barrel, in a manner which will be hereafter explained. The piece is cocked and discharged in the following manner:— As the guard G is depressed, for the purpose of rotating the charge chambers, its short arm a^2 strikes against the hammer b^2, and throws it back, until the point c^2 catches over a shoulder upon the trigger f^2, as seen in Fig. 2; the hammer is thus retained cocked until the trigger is pulled, so as to release the hammer, when the latter is thrown by its spring O against the hammer rod P, the opposite end of which is projected against the nipple 9 (Fig. 2), for the purpose of exploding the cap and discharging the piece. Whenever the piece is not cocked, the trigger is thrown up and concealed from view by its spring g^2. The ring t, which covers and closes the joint between the charge chamber and the barrel, is operated as follows:— It is attached to the rod h^3, to which is hinged at i^2 the arm k^2, which is pivoted to the lock plate at 12. This arm passes through a slot in the hammer rod P, so formed, that when the hammer rod is projected by the blow of the hammer it shall advance without moving the arm k^3; but when the hammer rod is relieved of the pressure of the hammer, it is thrown back by the spring m^2, until the shoulder n^2 of the slot rests against the arm k^3. When the guard G is depressed and the slide n is drawn back, the latter strikes against the pin o^2, projecting from the hammer rod, by which the latter is drawn back slightly, by which means the shoulder p^2 upon the ring t is caused to arrest the motion of the charge chamber at the instant when it is in line with the barrel. The ring t is drawn over the joint between the chamber and the barrel by the return of the guard to its place, as follows:— q^2is a pin projecting from the slide n, which strikes against the lever k^3, and thus draws back the ring as required. The following device is employed for the purpose of throwing forward the ring from off the charge chamber before the latter is moved: r^3 is a hooked dog, which is pivoted to the link m, and is thrown forward as the guard is returned to its place, being held up by the pin s^2, as seen in Fig. 2, so that its hook t^2 shall catch the end of the arm k^2 when the guard first commences to move, by which means the arm k^3 is moved upon its fulcrum l^2, and, through the connections already explained, the ring t is thrown forward, and the chamber A^1 is left free to be moved by the continued motion of the guard. So soon as the ring is thrown sufficiently far forward to release the chamber, the dog r^3 is thrown off the lever k^2 by the the pin x^2 the pins s^2 and x^3 project sufficiently far from the lock plate to operate the dog. In order to prevent the piece from being discharged until the joint between the charge chamber and the barrel is covered by the ring t, the following device is employed: y^2 is a bent lever pivoted to the lock plate, one end of which is borne up against the arm k^2 by the spring z^2, the other end entering a mortice or slot q^2 through the hammer; when the ring t is thrown forward, the long arm of the lever y^2 is raised out of the slot q^2, so as to rest against the shoulder w^2 of the hammer, by which the latter is prevented from being thrown forward. When, however, the guard G is brought home to its place, and the ring t has covered the joint between the chamber and the barrel, the end of the lever y^3 is depressed, so as to enter the slot q^2 in the hammer, and the latter is left free to fall.

Having now set forth the nature of this Invention, and explained the manner of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that under the above recited Letters Patent I claim, bringing the tubes or short barrels in which the charges are placed separately and successively into a horizontal position, so as to form a continuation of the gun barrel, while the others retain a vertical position, as set forth for the purpose specified.

2nd, the ring t, operating in the manner substantially as herein described, for the purpose of closing the joint between the barrel and charge chamber at the instant of discharge, as set forth.

3rd, the lever y^2, in combination with the slot through the hammer, and with the ring t, for the purpose of preventing the discharge of the piece at all times when the joint between the barrel and charge chamber is not closed by its ring.

4th, the combination and arrangement of the parts by which the ring t is operated, as set forth.

In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Newton, have hereunto set my hand and seal, the Eleventh day of August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

(L.S.) W. E. NEWTON.

Witness,
J. W. MOFFATT,
66 , Chancery Lane,

US 685880
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
AUDLEY H. STOW, OF MATEWAN, VEST VIRGINIA.
REVOLVING FIREARM.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 685,880, dated November 5, 1901.
Application filed March 27, 1899. Serial No. 710,709. (No model)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUDLEY H. STOW, a citizen of the United States, residing at Matewan, in the county of Mingo and State of West Virginia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Firearms, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of revolving firearms in which a many-chambered cylinder is made to revolve at the rear of the barrel, particularly revolvers of the breakdown class and the objects of my invention are, first, to provide a firearm which is less liable to be injured by blows or rough usage; second, to provide a firearm in which a spring acting upon a lever by this means depresses the barrel and through the resulting action of the extractor-cam automatically ejects the shells, and, third, to provide at the same time a firearm in which not only the frame may be unlocked, but the shells automatically ejected by a single movement of the thumb or finger of the hand which holds the revolver. I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which—

Figure 1 is a full side view of the cylinder and barrel, with a rearward extension of the latter along and underneath the cylinder in the shape of a lever and herein designated as a barrel-lever, a catch and a portion of the revolver-frame in outline being shown; Fig. 2, a broken front view of the revolver locked in position ready for firing; Fig. 3, a view from above of a portion of the barrel-lever with one form of catch; Fig. 4, a side view of another form of barrel-lever and catch; Fig. 5, a broken side view of still another form of barrel-lever; Fig. 6, a full side view of revolver, the barrel being depressed, and thus exposing the barrel-lever; Fig. 7, a vertical cross-section along the axis of the joint-pivot; Fig. 8, a full side view of revolver, the barrel-lever being on the outside of the usual joint.

In revolvers of the breakdown class the strap U, Fig. 1, is formed by the rearward extension of the barrel A, the barrel being also extended downward at its rear end in such a manner and to the end that the barrel and cylinder may be pivotally connected with the revolver-frame, the cylinder being the held in its proper position or relation to the barrel by the center-pin, the said lower part of the barrel forming the usual slotted joint, consisting of the two downward extensions A’ and A”, Fig. 2, and holding the idler or extractor cam. My invention consists in a rearward extension of the barrel along and underneath or on the lower side of the cylinder, the said extension taking the form usually of a lever or levers and herein designated as a “barrel” lever or levers, as a, Figs. 1, 3, 4, &c., a suitable catch B holding or releasing the said barrel-lever at will. A suitable barrel-lever spring S, Figs. 1, 4, and 5, may serve to throw the barrel-lever up quickly when released by the thumb-catch 13, thus depressing the barrel and ejecting the shells through the resulting action of the extractor-cam. The said barrel lever or levers may be of a form, as a, Figs. 1, 3, and 4, adapted to engage with some simple thumb or finger catch that may be operated by the thumb or finger of the hand that holds the revolver, or the said barrel-lever may be constructed solely with a view to giving strength, as a in Fig. 5, or the said barrel-lever may be constructed with a view alone to furnishing a bearing for the said barrel-lever may be formed by the rearward extension of either of the sides A’ or A”, Fig. 2, of the slotted joint which holds the idler or extractor-cam, or both sides of the slotted joint may be extended rearwardly either as separate barrel-levers or as a common barrel-lever, which may take the form of two separate barrel-levers suitably united so as to form a common barrel-lever. The barrel-levers may be of the same form or different, as one to give strength and one to operate the locking device. Where the said barrel-lever is formed by the rearward extension of the slotted joint it may be called an “inside” barrel-lever, as it will lie within the forward portion of the revolver-frame, that underlying the cylinder when the revolver is locked ready for firing. Fig. 6 shows a breakdown revolver with in side barrel-lever, but with a “Colts” frame. When the revolver is ready for firing, the barrel-lever will evidently lie within the revolver frame. The barrel lever or levers, however, instead of being so placed as to lie within the revolver-frame may be so placed as to lie on the outside of and by the side of that portion of the revolver-frame underlying the barrel when in position for firing. The barrel-lever may in the latter case be called an “outside” barrel-lever. Fig. 8 shows a breakdown revolver with outside barrel-lever.

Where the barrel-lever is so constructed and placed as to lie by the side of the revolver-frame, the barrel lever being also adapted to engage with a thumb or finger catch, a suitable recess containing said catch is provided for the rear end of the lever, as shown in Fig. 8. As is also shown in Fig. 8, this recess is preferably extended forwardly in the shape of a shoulder or ledge underlying the lever and intended to protect it, as from blows from below.

Outside barrel-levers may lie either to the right or to the left of the forward portion of the revolver-frame, or two outside barrel-levers may be used in the same revolver, one to the right and one to the left, which may be of the same form or different, as one to give strength and one to operate the locking device. As in the case of the inside barrel-levers, the outside barrel-levers may also be suitably united, so as to form a common barrel-lever.

Various combinations of barrel-levers, as one on either side of the revolver-frame and one within the frame, may be used, although whether the number be one, two, or more they act conjointly and may be described as a single barrel-lever made up of several component parts or pieces acting as a whole or unit. The barrel-lever on the outside of the revolver-frame has the especial advantage of not interfering with the firing and revolving mechanism. It is-also well adapted to give strength, in that in striking an opponent with the revolver the blow on the barrel will be transmitted to the frame instead of tending, as heretofore, to derange the alinement of the cylinder and-strap with the said barrel and may be readily adapted to engage with the said thumb or finger catch. The inside barrel-lever, however, is especially adapted to furnish a bearing for the spring by means of which the barrel is automatically depressed, may incidentally add considerable strength, and has also the special advantage of being concealed within the revolver-frame, except when the barrel is depressed.

The form of the barrel lever or levers, whether inside or outside barrel-levers, may be varied largely—as, for example, the inside barrel-lever, in order to avoid interfering with the revolving and firing mechanism,may be bent out and around the firing and revolving mechanism, or the inside barrel-lever may be flattened very much at the rear end, so as to overlie, and thus avoid interfering with, the firing and revolving mechanism. The length also of the barrel lever or levers may be varied largely. As an extreme the barrel-lever may be shortened until it not only avoids interfering with the firing and revolving mechanism, but until it barely furnishes bearing for the said barrel-lever spring.

The barrel lever or levers, whether inside or outside barrel-levers, or both, are preferably forged in one piece with the barrel, as shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 8, although one or more may be separate parts suitably attached to the barrel and to each other, as may be desirable.

The thumb or finger catch is preferably so constructed and placed in the frame of the revolver that it may be conveniently operated by the thumb or finger of the hand that holds the revolver, or where more than one barrel-lever is used a corresponding number of catches may be used. Three different forms of catches are shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4. In order to release the barrel-lever a, Fig. 1, the catch B is pushed forward by the thumb or finger, when the two corresponding teeth, the one in the catch and the one in the barrel-lever, become disengaged, which leaves the barrel-lever spring S free to throw or push the barrel-lever up quickly. The two teeth or shoulders shown in Fig. 3 are intended to engage horizontally, as it were, instead of vertically, as in Fig. 1. In order to release the barrel-lever, the catch B, Fig. 4, is pushed or pulled backward. The form of catch may be varied largely as the best practice may require and may be pushed or pulled forward or backward or inward in such a manner and direction as its construction may make necessary. Where no form of catch is used in conjunction with the barrel-lever, as where the barrel-lever is intended merely to give strength or to serve as a bearing for the barrel-lever spring, or both, some form of catch may be used in connection with the strap as at present. Where the said thumb or finger catch is used in connection with the barrel-lever, the catch at present used with the strap may be omitted, the rear portion of the strap simply resting in a slot or recess formed by upward projections O, Fig. 2, of the revolver-frame and somewhat similar to the usual catch-posts.

In view of the differences shown or suggested and others which may obviously be made it is to be herein understood that I do not limit myself to the exact construction shown or described, but hold myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.

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

1. In revolving firearms, particularly of the breakdown class, the combination, substantially as aforesaid, of the barrel, and the rearward extension of the said barrel, along and underneath the cylinder, designated as the “barrel-lever,” together with a suitable recess in the revolver-frame adapted to receive the said barrel-lever, when the revolver is closed, whereby blows on the barrel may be transmitted to the frame, instead of as heretofore, tending to derange the alinement of the cylinder and strap, with the barrel.

2. In revolving firearms, particularly of the breakdown class, the combination, substantially as aforesaid, of the barrel, the rearward extension of the barrel along and underneath the cylinder, designated as the “barrel-lever,” together with a suitable recess in the revolver-frame, adapted to receive the said barrel-lever, when the revolver is closed, and the barrel-lever catch, also within the revolver-frame, adapted to engage or release at will the said barrel-lever, whereby blows on the barrel will be transmitted to the frame, without injury to the integrally-attached portions of the barrel, while the said barrel-lever may be released at will by the revolver-hand alone.

3. In revolving firearms, particularly of the breakdown class, the combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the barrel, the rearward extension of the barrel along and underneath the cylinder, designated as the “barrel-lever,” together with a suitable recess in the revolver-frame, adapted to receive the said barrel-lever, the barrel-lever catch also within the revolver-frame and adapted to engage or release at will the said barrel lever, and the barrel-lever spring within the revolver-frame in a suitable position to act upon the said barrel-lever; all of which where by blows on the barrel may be transmitted to the frame, the said barrel-lever may be released at will, and when so released, the barrel may be automatically depressed through the resulting action of the said barrel-lever spring upon the said barrel-lever, all substantially as set forth.

AUDLEY H. STOW.

Witnesses:
R. J. WATTS,
T. D. BURGESS.