Casimir Lefaucheux’s Second Improvement and Addition Patent for Breech-Loading Firearm Mechanism, No. 5138, 1834

Description

This historical document represents Casimir Lefaucheux's second application for a patent extension and improvement, filed on June 23, 1834, under the reference 1BA4039(2). It builds upon his previous ten-year patent granted on January 28, 1833, for the advancement of a breech-loading gun. This particular patent application focuses on a refined mechanism designed to maintain the gun’s natural alignment during the loading process.

The innovation detailed in this patent involves a mechanism that allows the gun's stock to slide along the barrel's axis, thereby avoiding any need to break or hinge the barrel to load ammunition. This new design features a sturdy base at the barrel's end that aligns with a corresponding base on the gun stock. A significant part of this mechanism is a long rod that connects with the stock, maintaining the gun's integrity and direction during operation. The rod passes through an elliptical opening in the base, ensuring a linear motion essential for the new loading technique.

The detailed patent application was carefully reviewed and deemed to comply with the stringent requirements of the French patent laws of January 7 and May 25, 1791. The Ministry of Commerce and Public Works provisionally accepted Lefaucheux’s application, pending finalization by a royal ordinance and subsequent publication in the official bulletin.

This document underscores Lefaucheux's persistent dedication to refining his breech-loading gun, a firearm that significantly influenced the development of modern weaponry. His contributions to the evolution of firearms technology were foundational, and the meticulous process of securing a patent reflects the era's blend of innovation, legal framework, and governmental support for industrial advancement.