Lord's patent loading-chamber, 1862. Creator: Unknown

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

Lord's patent loading-chamber, 1862. Creator: Unknown

Lord's patent loading-chamber, 1862....a most simple, durable, and inexpensive little contrivance recently invented and patented by Mr. W. B. Lord, of the Royal Artillery. It has for its object the deposition of the charge of powder used in either rifles or smooth-bored guns directly within the chamber of the arm, without allowing the interior of the barrel to be strewed with loose grains, as is inevitably the case when loading in the ordinary way...Every grain of gunpowder crushed between the internal surface of the barrel and the exterior of the projectile or wad serves, with the grease, wax, or condensed moisture, to assist in forming a paste which becomes hardened and condensed by each successive discharge, and, mixed with such particles of lead as are rubbed off during the rapid passage of the charge through the barrel, greatly interfering with the accuracy of the shooting and forming a fruitful cause of "stripping." In addition to a clean gun, which it appears to ensure, perfect freedom is secured from the danger of a burst powder-flask from breech ignition taking place. In this age of rifles and riflemen few who take an interest in firearms and their belongings will not see at a glance the value of this simple invention'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 35124707

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Diagram Firearm Firearms Gunpowder Invention Patent Patented Safety Shooting

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Arts > Minimalist artwork > Simple artwork > Black and white artwork

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases Lord's patent loading-chamber, an ingenious invention by W.B. Lord of the Royal Artillery in 1862. The primary objective of this device was to deposit the charge of powder directly within the chamber of rifles or smooth-bored guns, preventing the interior of the barrel from being covered in loose grains of powder. This issue, common in traditional loading methods, resulted in the formation of a paste-like substance that interfered with the accuracy of shooting and caused damage to the barrel. The loading-chamber ensured a clean gun and offered the added benefit of eliminating the risk of a dangerous breech ignition of a powder-flask. The absence of loose powder grains also prevented the formation of a paste that could potentially cause a gun to burst. The simple yet effective design of Lord's patent loading-chamber revolutionized the way guns were loaded, offering significant advantages in terms of cleanliness, accuracy, and safety. The Illustrated London News, in its 1862 edition, praised this invention as a 'most simple, durable, and inexpensive little contrivance' that would undoubtedly be of great value to firearms enthusiasts and military personnel alike. The photograph captures the intricacies of this remarkable invention, showcasing the loading-chamber's sleek design and the precision with which it allowed for the deposition of gunpowder within the chamber. The impact of Lord's patent loading-chamber on the world of firearms was significant, paving the way for more advanced loading mechanisms and contributing to the evolution of military technology.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.