Extension and Improvement Patent Application for Breech-Loading Firearm by Casimir Lefaucheux, No. 5138, 1833

Description

This document details a follow-up patent application filed by Casimir Lefaucheux, aiming to extend and improve upon his original ten-year patent for a breech-loading firearm. The patent, marked No. 5138, was initially granted on January 28, 1833, with this subsequent application filed on December 29, 1832, and processed on March 13, 1833. Lefaucheux, a gunsmith residing in Paris, seeks to enhance his invention, a firearm loaded from the breech, with additional mechanisms that offer greater stability and functionality.

The application includes technical descriptions and illustrations of a new mechanism that affixes the barrel more securely in place when the firearm is in its natural, closed position. This mechanism features a hook and a rotating piece that locks the barrel via a key-like handle, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of mechanical design and a commitment to improving firearm safety and efficiency.

The application process involved a review of a descriptive memorandum and accompanying drawings, ensuring compliance with the laws of January 7 and May 25, 1791, governing patents in France at the time. The Ministry of Commerce and Manufactures' approval indicates that all legal formalities were observed, with the final patent award contingent on the government's decree and publication in the official bulletin.

This document underscores Lefaucheux's continuous dedication to firearm innovation, reflecting the broader historical context of industrial advancement in 19th-century Europe. It also illustrates the stringent administrative process for patent applications, including the necessity for detailed descriptions and diagrams to support the inventor's claims.