Casimir Lefaucheux’s Fifth Patent Addition for Enhanced Breech-Loading Firearm and Cartridge Design, No. 5138, 1835

Description

This document marks the fifth and final addition to Casimir Lefaucheux's original patent for a breech-loading firearm, filed on April 7, 1835, and issued on June 27, 1835, under the dossier reference 1BA4039(5). This addition further refined the functionality and design of the breech-loading mechanism and the cartridges used within it.

The patent details an innovative approach to the construction of cartridges, emphasizing an improvement in the seal provided by the cartridge base. This design was aimed at enhancing the firearm's power and accuracy by ensuring that no gas escaped during ignition, thus directing all the explosive force to propel the bullet. Lefaucheux's design replaced the traditional wadding with a metal base or cup (culot) that expanded upon firing to create a gas-tight seal within the barrel, a principle that underpins modern ammunition design.

Lefaucheux's ingenuity extended beyond just the mechanics of the firearm; it also encompassed the materials and manufacturing processes involved in creating the ammunition. His persistent pursuit of advancement in firearms technology, as evidenced by the series of patents and additions, showcases his role as a significant innovator in the history of firearms development.

These patents collectively highlight Lefaucheux's contributions to firearms technology in the 19th century, particularly his role in developing the pinfire cartridge system and improving the efficacy of ammunition. The meticulous documentation and legal process illustrated in the patent applications reflect the structured approach to intellectual property rights during the period and underscore the French government's support for technological advancements through its patent system.