Casimir Lefaucheux’s Fourth Patent Addition to No. 5138, for Pinfire Cartridge Innovation, 1835

Description

This document signifies a pivotal development in firearm technology with Casimir Lefaucheux's fourth patent of addition, filed on January 8, 1835, under the reference 1BA4039(4). It was officially granted on March 31, 1835. This patent represents a significant enhancement to Lefaucheux's original breech-loading design, introducing the pinfire cartridge system, which was a breakthrough in ammunition technology at the time.

The patent outlines the integration of the primer with the cartridge, eliminating the need for a separate percussion cap. The described design incorporates a pin that extends perpendicularly from the cartridge base, which, when struck by the firearm's hammer, ignites the primer to discharge the firearm. This addition improved the speed and reliability of loading and firing, marking a substantial advancement from the traditional percussion system.

Lefaucheux's innovation extended to the cartridge itself, with a metallic capsule designed to contain the gunpowder and prevent gas leakage upon ignition, improving the ballistic performance of the firearm. The document reveals Lefaucheux's commitment to enhancing firearm safety and functionality, as well as his ingenuity in rethinking the design and operation of ammunition.

The process followed for this patent addition was in strict adherence to the French laws governing patents, illustrating the formal procedure for securing intellectual property rights in 19th-century France. This patent is a testament to Lefaucheux's significant contributions to firearm design, particularly his foresight in developing an early version of the integrated cartridge, which would become a standard in firearms.