NAVAL ORDNANCE.
AUSTRIA.
A = Calibre.
B = Over all.
C = Rifled Bore.
D = Powder Chamber.
E = Number of Grooves.
F = Twist of Rifling.
G = Gun, including Breech-block.
H = Breech-block.
I = Preponderance.
---------------+-----+---------------+----+------+------------+-----
NAME, NATURE, | | LENGTH. | | | WEIGHT. |
AND | +---+-----+-----+ | +------+-----+
CLASSIFICATION.| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I
---------------+-----+---+-----+-----+----+------+------+-----+-----
| In.|In.| In. | In. | |Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm |11 |240|170.7|36.41| 64 | 45 |60,500|2,266|
26 ” |10.24|225|148.4|46.06| 32 | 70 |48,400|1,947|
24 ” | 9.27|206|136 |41.7 | 32 | 70 |34,100|1,408|
24 ” | 9.27|185|115.3|41.7 | 32 | 64.7 |32,450|1,419|
21 ” | 8.24|165|105 |37 | 30 | 59 |19,400|1,078|
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 5.87|152|112.4|22.6 | 36 | 45 | 8,800| 321|248
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.|
23 ” | 9 |156|104 |20.9 | 6 | 45 |27,900| |255
18 ” | 7 |130| 85.5|18.7 | 3 | 35 |14,500| |394
Cast-Iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 5.87|121| 89.8|16.9 | 30 | 63 | 6,300| 178|299
12 ” | 4.74|109| 84.4|12.4 | 24 | 52 | 3,300| 106|273
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | 3.43| 81| 57.5|16.5 | 24 | 45 | 1,070| 55|103
7 ” | 2.6 | 39| 23.8|11 | 18 | 30 | 196| 49| 48.4
AUSTRIAN ORDNANCE—(CONTINUED)
A = Carriage.
B = Slide.
C = Height of Axis of Bore above Deck.
D = Steel.
E = Chilled.
F = Common.
---------------+-------------+---------------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, | CARRIAGES. | PROJECTILES.
AND +------+------+----+-----------------+----------------
CLASSIFICATION.| | | | Full Weight. |Bursting Charge.
| | | +-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | D | E | F
---------------+------+------+----+-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | In.| Lbs.| Lbs.|Lbs. |Lbs.|Lbs.| Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. |29,260|29,260| 53 |559 | 574 |473 |14.3|7.7 | 25.3
26 ” | 6,140|12,617| 46 |395 | |354 | 8.8| | 20.2
24 ” | 4,900| 9,845| 46 |292 | |263 | 6.6|3.7 | 14.9
24 ” | 5,814| 7,528| 45 |292 | 308 |263 | 6.6|3.7 | 14.9
21 ” | 6,194|10,412| 45 |206 | 196 |172 | 4.4|3.1 | 14.9
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 1,878| 3,740| 39 | 84.7| | 69 | 2.1| | 5.1
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 4,188| 6,917| 44 | | 249 |257 | |5.9 | 18.5
18 ” | 2,956| 3,757| 45 | | 114 |118 | |1.1 | 7.9
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 1,047| 1,207| 39 | | | 61 | | | 1.9
12 ” | 715| | 32 | | | 32 | | | 1.1
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | 836| | 38 | | | 14 | | | .4
7 ” | 294| | 21 | | | 6.4| | | .16
---------------+------+------+----+-----+-----+-----+----+----+------
G = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
H = For Common Shell.
-------------------+---------------
NAME, NATURE, | POWDER CHARGE.
AND +------+--------
CLASSIFICATION. | G | H
-------------------+------+--------
| Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | 121 |121
26 ” | 70.4| 59.4
24 ” | 52.8| 44
24 ” | 52.8| 44
21 ” | 37.4| 30.8
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 17.6| 14.3
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 50.6| 30.8
18 ” | 28.6| 13.2
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | | 4.7
12 ” | | 2.4
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | | .9
7 ” | | .35
-------------------+---------------
AUSTRIAN ORDNANCE—(CONTINUED)
A = Ordinary.
B = Saluting.
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
---------------+-------------+-----------------------
NAME, NATURE, | POWDER | INITIAL VELOCITY.
AND | CHARGE. |
CLASSIFICATION.+------+------+-------+-------+-------
| A | B | C | D | E
---------------+------+------+-------+-------+-------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Ft. | Ft. | Ft.
| | | | |
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | | | | 1,542 | 1,673
26 ” | 59.4 | 19.8 | 1,404 | | 1,378
24 ” | 44 | 15.4 | 1,420 | | 1,378
24 ” | 44 | 15.4 | 1,378 | 1,345 | 1,329
21 ” | 30.8 | 8.8 | 1,394 | 1,253 | 1,345
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 14.3 | 4.7 | 1,608 | | 1,509
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | 30.8 | 15.4 | | 1,411 | 1,000
18 ” | 13.2 | 8.8 | | 1,493 | 1,066
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | 4.7 | 4.7 | | | 1,017
12 ” | 2.4 | 2.4 | | | 1,000
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | .9 | .9 | | | 1,469
7 ” | .35| .35| | | 977
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Penetrating Power.
---------------+-----------------------+------
NAME, NATURE, | WORKING EFFECT. |
AND | |
CLASSIFICATION.+-------+-------+-------+
| C | D | E | F
---------------+-------+-------+-------+------
| Foot | Foot | Foot | In.
| Tons. | Tons. | Tons. |
Krupp Pattern Steel Breech-loaders.
28 cm. | | 9,473 | | 14.8
26 ” | 5,404 | | 4,666 | 11.6
24 ” | 4,087 | | 3,464 | 10.6
24 ” | 3,838 | 3,223 | 3,867 | 10.25
21 ” | 2,781 | 2,198 | 2,153 | 9.3
Wahrendorff Breech-loader.
15 ” | 1,379 | | 1,060 | 7.8
Armstrong Muzzle-loaders.
23 ” | | 3,429 | 1,788 | 9.9
18 ” | | 1,766 | 928 | 8.1
Cast-iron Breech-loaders.
15 ” | | | 438 |
12 ” | | | 222 |
Bronze Breech-loaders.
9 ” | | | 209 |
7 ” | | | 42 |
The first type of rifled ordnance regularly introduced into the
Austrian naval service was the old-type Armstrong muzzle-loader. In
addition there are still found a few guns of present obsolete types
which never passed the experimental stage. Within the past five years
(1876) the Krupp breech-loader has been adopted as the standard
pattern, and all guns of a higher calibre than 15-cm. are now of
this type, although many complete Armstrong batteries are now found
on board ship in the wooden fleet. The boat-guns are of the Krupp
type breech-loaders, but are all manufactured of bronze, or what is
generally known as Uchatius metal from its method of manufacture.
_The Uchatius Construction._
The peculiarity of the Uchatius construction is the method of
manipulating the bronze of which the gun is made, by which the metal
is given all the advantageous qualities of steel. The body of the gun
is cast in a chill mould, by which the cooling is so rapid that the
mechanical mixture of tin and copper has no opportunity of separating
and forming tin spots as is the case with ordinary bronze castings.
After boring the gun, a succession of steel mandrels is driven through
the bore, putting the whole casing in a condition of extreme tension
on the exterior and compression on the interior, so that the different
strata of metal are in proper condition for resisting tangential
strains.
ARGENTINE ORDNANCE.
In the Argentine navy the heavy calibres (used on gun-boats of the
Andes class) are Armstrong muzzle-loaders of the modified pattern (see
page 195), the medium calibres are divided between old-type Armstrong
muzzle-loaders and Krupp breech-loaders. The machine-guns used are
Gatlings (see page 308). There is no regular gun factory in the
country, the armament being entirely purchased abroad.
BRAZILIAN ORDNANCE.
The standard ordnance adopted in the Brazilian navy is the Whitworth
(see page 218), both muzzle and breech-loaders. Machine-guns are of the
Gatling type (see page 308).
CHILIAN ORDNANCE.
There is no standard ordnance in the Chilian navy, although the
iron-clads are provided with Krupp guns, whilst the wooden fleet is
armed with Armstrong muzzle-loaders. It is probable that the Krupp
breech-loader will gradually supersede other types. The machine-guns
are of the Gatling type.
CHINESE ORDNANCE.
The greater part of the rifled ordnance used in China is of the
Armstrong muzzle-loading pattern. Some of their wooden vessels carry
batteries of Krupp guns, and others Vavasseurs (see page 219). The
Gatling machine-gun has been introduced into this service.
DANISH ORDNANCE.
There are three separate patterns of rifled ordnance found in the
Danish navy. The favorite appears to be the Krupp breech-loader, whilst
there are many guns of the Finspong pattern (see page 276, “Swedish
Ordnance”). The Armstrong muzzle-loader has apparently the numerical
superiority.
ENGLISH ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Rifled Bore.
C = Powder Chamber.
D = Number of Grooves.
---------------------------+-------------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | LENGTH. |
CLASSIFICATION. +-----+-------+-----+
| A | B | C | D
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
| In. | In. | In. |
17-inch, 100-ton |392 | 308 | 55 | 27
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |321 | 231.5 | 56.5|
12.5-in., 38-ton |230 | 170.5 | 27.5| 9
12-inch, 35-ton |195 | 135 | 27.5| 9
12-inch, 25-ton |182.5| 127 | 18 | 9
11-inch, 25-ton |180 | 119 | 26 | 9
10-inch, 18-ton |180 | 119 | 26.5| 7
9-inch, 12-ton |156 | 104 | 21 | 6
8-inch, 9-ton |144 | 99.5 | 18.5| 4
7-inch, 90-cwt |131 | 95.5 | 15.5| 3
7-inch, 6½-ton |133 | 95.5 | 15.5| 3
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell |118 | 90 | 7.5| 3
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt | 72 | 59.8 | 3.7| 3
9-pdr., 6-cwt | 61 | 49.3 | 3.7| 3
7 pdr., 200-lb., steel| 41 | 34 | 2 | 3
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted|122.7| 96.27| 7 | 3
---------------------------------+-------+-----+----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82 cwt. |126 | 83.5 | 16 | 76
40-pdr., 32-cwt. |126 | 92.87| 13.5| 56
40-pdr., 35-cwt. |127 | 92.87| 13.5| 56
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 72 | 43.12| 11 | 44
20-pdr., 18-cwt. | 72 | 43.12| 11 | 44
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 68 | 45.5 | 7 | 38
6-pdr., 8-cwt. | 66 | 46 | 7 | 32
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 78 | 52.87| 8.5| 38
---------------------------+-----+-------+-----+----
E = Twist of Rifling.
F = Weight of Guns.
G = Preponderance.
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | |
CLASSIFICATION. | | |
| E | F | G
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
| Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.
17-inch, 100-ton | 0/40 | 229,000 | 8,960
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton | | 179,200 |
12.5-in., 38-ton | 0/35 | 85,120 |
12-inch, 35-ton | 0/35 | 78,400 | 120
12-inch, 25-ton | 100/50| 56,000 | 616
11-inch, 25-ton | 0/35 | 56,000 | 168
10-inch, 18-ton | 100/40| 40,300 | 952
9-inch, 12-ton | 0/45 | 26,900 | 560
8-inch, 9-ton | 0/40 | 20,100 | 448
7-inch, 90-cwt | 35 | 10,100 | 560
7-inch, 6½-ton | 35 | 14,500 | 336
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | 40 | 7,160 | 336
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt | 30 | 896 | 7
9-pdr., 6-cwt | 30 | 672 | 29.5
7 pdr., 200-lb., steel| 20 | 200 | 5
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted| 40 | 7,950 | 714
---------------------------+-------+---------+---------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82 cwt. | 37 | 9,184 | 776
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | 36.5 | 3,584 | 607
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | 36.5 | 3,920 | 532
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 38 | 1,680 | 108
20-pdr., 18-cwt. | 38 | 1,456 | 164
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 38 | 672 | 82
6-pdr., 8-cwt. | 30 | 886 | 55
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 38 | 896 | 199
---------------------------+-------+---------+--------
A = Carriages.
B = Slide.
C = Height of Axis of Bore above Deck.
-------------------------------+------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | CARRIAGES.
CLASSIFICATION. +-------------+----
| Weight. |
+------+------+
| A | B | C
-------------------------------+------+------+----
| Lbs. | Lbs. | In.
17-inch, 100-ton | |Turret|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing. | | |
16-inch, 80-ton | |Turret|
12.5-in., 38-ton | |Turret|
12-inch, 35-ton |25,000|Turret| 45
-------------------------------+------+------+----
12-inch, 25-ton |11,800|19,712| 60
|23,100|Turret|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
11-inch, 25-ton |21,120|Turret| 49
|10,700|18,500|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
10-inch, 18-ton |21,000|Turret| 49
| 8,940| 8,680|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
9-inch, 12-ton | 4,800| 7,400| 44
8-inch, 9-ton | 4,780| 6,710| 44
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 2,700| 3,900| 41
7-inch, 6½-ton | 3,500| 4,700| 41
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | 1,430| 2,600|41.5
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | 532| 356|41.5
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 532| 336|
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | 112| 252|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | 1,600| 2,700|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82-cwt. | 1,760| 2,796|42.5
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | 1,595| 1,425| 42
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | 1,595| 1,425| 42
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | 616| 977| 29
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | 616| 977| 29
Boat. | | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | 298| 504|
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | 560| |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | 364| 336|
-------------------------------+------+------+----
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Shrapnel.
G = Burster for Chilled.
H = Burster for Common.
-------------------------------+---------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | PROJECTILES.
CLASSIFICATION. +---------------------+-----------
| Entire Weight. | Weight.
+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| D | E | F | G | H
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| Lbs.|Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.
17-inch, 100-ton |2,000| | |11.25|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |1,700| | | 9.9 |
12.5-in., 38-ton | 800|843 | |14 |43
12-inch, 35-ton | 700|615 | 612 | 6.5 |40
12-inch, 25-ton | 600|497 | 497 | 6.9 |37.7
11-inch, 25-ton | 535|536 | | 5.5 |29.7
10-inch, 18-ton | 400|398 | 404 | 4.5 |20.25
9-inch, 12-ton | 250|250 | 255 | 2.5 |19
8-inch, 9-ton | 180|182 | 180 | 2.5 |14.5
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 115|117 | 116 | | 8.75
7-inch, 6½-ton | 115|117 | 116 | | 8.75
64-pdr., 64-cwt., shell | | 64 | 66 | | 7.2
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 9 | 9.75 | | .5
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 9 | 9.75 | | .5
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | | 7 | 7.5 | | .4
+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
| | | 66 | |
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | | 64 |Segment| | 7.2
| | | shell.| |
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Shell.
7-inch, 82-cwt. | | 90 | 102 | | 7.6
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 38 | 40 | | .25
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 38 | 40 | | .25
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 20.5 | 20 | | 1.2
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 20.5 | 20 | | 1.2
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 9.5 | 8.5 | | .4
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | 6 | 5.5 | |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 11.25| 11 | | .5
-------------------------------+-----+-------+-------+-----+-----
A = For Steel and Chilled Shot.
B = For Common Shell.
C = Ordinary Firing.
D = Saluting.
E = Chilled Shot.
F = Common Shell.
---------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE. |INITIAL VELOCITY.
CLASSIFICATION. +----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
| A | B | C | D | E | F
| | | | | |
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
|Lbs.|Lbs. | Lbs. |Lbs. |Ft. | Ft.
17-inch, 100-ton |440 | | | |1,590|
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns.
Woolwich pattern.
Armor-piercing. | | | | | |
16-inch, 80-ton |370 | | | |1,520|
12.5-in., 83-ton |130 | | | |1,451|
12-inch, 35-ton |110 | | 85 | |1,300|
12-inch, 25-ton | 85 |67 | 55 | |1,180|
11-inch, 25-ton | 85 |70 | 60 | |1,315|
10-inch, 18-ton | 70 |60 | 44 | |1,364|
9-inch, 12-ton | 50 |43 | 30 |15 |1,420|
8-inch, 9-ton | 35 |30 | 20 |12 |1,413|
7-inch, 90-cwt | 30 |22 | 14 |10 |1,525|
7-inch, 6½-ton | 30 |22 | 14 |10 | | 1,250
64-pdr., 64-cwt | |10 | 10 | 6 | | 1,383
Boat. | | | | | |
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 1.75| 1.75| 1.5 | | 1,380
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | | 1,390
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel| | .75 | .75| .25| | 968
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted| | 8 | 8 | 6 | | 1,230
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
Breech-loaders.
Armstrong pattern.
Shell. | | | | | |
7-inch, 82 cwt. | |11 | 11 | 7 | | 1,165
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 5 | 5 | 3 | | 1,180
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 5 | 5 | 3 | | 1,180
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | | 1,000
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | | 1,000
Boat.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1 | | 1,035
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | .75| .75| .7 | | 1,046
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | | 1,239
---------------------------+----+-----+------+-----+-----+-----------
------------------------------+---------------+----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | MUZZLE ENERGY.| PENETRATION.
CLASSIFICATION. | | (IRON.)
+-------+-------+-------+--------
|Chilled|Common |At 500 |At 1000
| Shot. | Shell.| Yards.| Yards.
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
| Foot | Foot | In. | In.
| Tons. | Tons. | |
| | | |
17-inch, 100-ton |37,700 | | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |27,213 | | 27.5 | 26.4
12.5-in., 38-ton |11,676 | | 18.7 | 17.7
12-inch, 35-ton | 8,200 | | 15.4 | 14.6
12-inch, 25-ton | 7,030 | | 13.9 | 13.1
11 inch, 25-ton | 6,415 | | 13.8 | 13.1
10-inch, 18-ton | 5,160 | | 12.7 | 12
9-inch, 12-ton | 3,496 | | 10.4 | 9.6
8-inch, 9-ton | 2,492 | | 9.8 | 9.5
+-------+-------+-------+--------
7-inch, 90-cwt. | 1,855 | | 8.8 | 8.6
7-inch, 6½-ton | | 1,246 | 7.7 | 7.1
+-------+-------+-------+--------
64-pdr., 64-cwt shell | | 848 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Boat. | | | |
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 528 | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 120 | |
+-------+-------+-------+--------
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel | | 45.5| |
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted | | 670 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern. | | |
Steel. | | | |
7-inch, 82-cwt. | | 847 | |
40-pdr., 32-cwt. | | 378 | |
40-pdr., 35-cwt. | | 378 | |
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | | 142 | |
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | | 142 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
Boat. | | | |
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | | 64 | |
6-pdr., 3-cwt. | | 45.6| |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. | | 117 | |
------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+--------
----------------------------+-------------------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | REMARKS.
CLASSIFICATION. |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
17-inch, 100-ton |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Muzzle-loading, built-up Guns. Woolwich pattern.
Armor piercing.
16-inch, 80-ton |
12.5-in., 38-ton |
12-inch, 35-ton |
12-inch, 25-ton | Woolwich
11 inch, 25-ton | groove.
10-inch, 18-ton | Increasing
9-inch, 12-ton | twist.
8-inch, 9-ton |
+-------------------------------
7-inch, 90-cwt. | Woolwich groove.
7-inch, 6½-ton | Uniform twist
+-------------------------------
64-pdr., 64-cwt shell | Shunt groove. Uniform twist.
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Boat.
9-pdr., 8-cwt. | Modern French groove.
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | Uniform twist.
+-------------------------------
7-pdr., 200-lb., steel |French groove. Uniform twist.
64-pdr., 71-cwt., converted |Plain groove. Uniform twist.
----------------------------+-------------------------------
Breech-loaders. Armstrong pattern.
Steel.
7-inch, 82-cwt. +-------------------------------
40-pdr., 32-cwt. |
40-pdr., 35-cwt. |
20-pdr., 15-cwt. | Armstrong
20-pdr., 13-cwt. | multigroove.
Boat. | Uniform
9-pdr., 6-cwt. | twist.
6-pdr., 3-cwt. |
12-pdr., 8-cwt. |
----------------------------+-------------------------------
GUNS.
The old cast and wrought iron smooth-bore guns are now obsolete, and
only found in service at dock-yards for saluting and experiment, and
forming the broadside batteries of some of the training ships.
The rifled ordnance consists of the Woolwich muzzle-loader, the
Palliser converted muzzle-loader, the Armstrong breech-loader, and the
Gatling machine-gun.
[Illustration: 7-inch Mark III.]
The Woolwich type is subdivided into marks or patterns of each calibre
corresponding to the gradual improvements in manufacture. Mark I. is
in most cases the original Armstrong pattern, in which the jacket is
composed of a large number of small coils or bands. In the other marks
the number of the coils is decreased, whilst each one is increased in
size.
[Illustration: 10-inch Mark I.]
The Palliser converted type is confined to the 64-pdr. calibre.
The Armstrong breech-loader is no longer manufactured, but there are
many guns of this type in service. These breech-loaders were originally
of two types, known as the screw and the wedge gun. The latter was
designed especially for naval use, but it has been entirely withdrawn
from service, leaving only the screw type. It is not improbable that
another type of breech-loaders will eventually find its way into
service, having a breech-closing arrangement similar to the French type
in principle.
[Illustration: 64-pdr.]
[Illustration: SECTION OF GROOVE FULL SIZE. French Groove.]
[Illustration: French Modified Groove.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Groove.]
[Illustration: Plain Groove.]
Various systems of grooves will be found in these guns, corresponding
to different stages of development. In the 7-pdr. the French groove is
used, having sharp angles, the loading side being at a sharper pitch
than the driving. In the 9-pdrs. appears the modified French groove,
in which the angles are rounded off and the loading side is at right
angles to the driving side. In the 64-pdr. converted gun the plain
groove is used. This groove is almost rectangular, the driving side
being canted but little. In the 64-pdr. of 64 cwt. the shunt groove is
used. This is a double groove, one half being deeper than the other,
the rear end of the groove having a shunt by which the studs are turned
into the shallow half. The 7-inch muzzle-loaders have the Woolwich
groove with a uniform twist. This groove is the final modification
of the original French groove. The higher calibres up to the 16-inch
gun have the Woolwich groove with an increasing twist. The 16-inch
calibre will have the plain multigroove, or the groove ordinarily
used for expanding projectiles. The breech-loaders have the Armstrong
multigroove, a groove which in section is not unlike a saw-tooth.
_7-pdr. Steel R. M. L. 200 lbs._
Introduced into service in 1873. Made of a single block of steel,
having no swell at the muzzle, but a small dispart patch into which the
fore sight screws. Copper vent bouch. The sight is a plain, centre hind
sight set at a permanent angle of deflection of 3°. It seats in a hole
bored in the metal of the gun, having a simple clamp-screw to hold it
in position. Two sight-bars are used with the gun, one graduated to 6°
and the other to 12°, the graduations on both being for intervals of
3´. This gun may be distinguished from the 9-pdr. by the slope at the
junction of the reinforce and chase, which is gradual.
_9-pdr. Wrought Iron R. M. L. 6 and 8 cwt._
Introduced into service in 1871 and 1873. It consists of two parts—a
toughened steel tube, and a jacket composed of two single coils and a
trunnion-ring welded together. The cascabel is cut out of the solid end
of the steel tube, and is recessed to receive the head of the elevating
screw, which is fastened to it by a bolt and keep-pin. The 6 cwt. and 8
cwt. guns differ only in length and weight, the latter being 10½ inches
longer. The 7-pdr. and the 9-pdr. are of the same calibre, but the same
projectiles cannot be used in both, as the twist is different and the
studs on the 7-pdr. projectile are much wider than those of the 9-pdr.
The arrangement of the sights is the same for both guns. It is easily
distinguished by the abrupt step at the forward end of the jacket.
[Illustration: 9-pdr.]
_64-pdr. Wrought Iron R. M. L. 64 cwt._
There are three marks or patterns of this gun. Mark I. was adopted in
1864 to replace the Armstrong wedge breech-loaders. It belongs to the
Armstrong type of construction, and consists of a wrought-iron coiled
A tube, a forged breech-piece, a trunnion-ring, several outer coiled
tubes, and a muzzle-ring. The A tube being bored all the way through,
the joints at the bottom of the bore were closed by means of a heavy
copper gas-check. The calibre is 6.3 inches, in order to permit firing
32-pdr. round shot from it. The greater part of these guns have been
retubed with a steel A tube. In these, the plain groove is found,
whilst the iron-tubed ones have the shunt groove. This gun is easily
recognizable by its raised trunnion-ring and also by the combination
of the stepped breech with the muzzle-ring. Mark II. was adopted in
1866. It is made up of a coiled wrought-iron A tube, double at the
chase, a forged breech-piece, a breech-coil composed of a double coil
and trunnion-hoop welded together, a coil in front of the trunnions,
and a cascabel block. The end of the bore of the A tube is reduced
and forms a gomer chamber. These guns may be recognized either by the
shunt rifling combined with the Woolwich form of gun or by the letter
B marked on the left trunnion. Mark III. is made up of a solid-ended
steel A tube, a breech-coil made up of a triple coil, trunnion-ring and
coil in front of the trunnions welded together, and a forged cascabel
block. These guns are similar in appearance to the 7-inch, but the
sea-service guns of this mark have iron A tubes, and may be recognized
by the shunt rifling.
_64-pdr. R. M. L. 71 cwt. (Converted.)_
[Illustration: 64-pdr. Converted.]
Adopted in 1864. This gun is the old cast-iron 8-inch gun, which is
bored out and tubed on the Palliser plan. The tube is coiled and double
at the rear, and, being through bored, the bottom joints are closed
by a screw cup. After insertion the tube is held in place by a muzzle
screw-collar and a pin tapped through the casing just forward of the
trunnions. The gun is easily recognized from its old-fashioned shape.
_7-inch R. M. L. 6½ tons and 90 cwt._
Adopted in 1865. There are three patterns of the 6½-ton guns, the first
being of the old Armstrong construction, recognizable by its soda-water
bottle shape. The other two marks are of the improved construction. The
90-cwt. gun was adopted in 1874 for use in the armament of unarmored
vessels. It is similar to the Mark III. 6½-ton gun, except that it is
lighter, the outside being turned down to get the required lightness.
These guns are very similar in build and exterior appearance to the
64-pdr.
_8-inch R. M. L. 9 Tons._
Introduced in 1866. There are three marks of this gun, similar to the
7-inch patterns. The only way in which the 8-inch can be distinguished
from the 7-inch without measuring the diameter of the bore is by the
fact of its having four grooves in place of three.
_9-inch R. M. L. 12 Tons._
Introduced in 1865. There are five marks of this gun, the first one
being of the old Armstrong construction, and the others of the Woolwich
developments. The distinctive mark of this calibre is the grooving,
there being six grooves.
_10-inch R. M. L. 18 Tons._
Introduced in 1868. There are two patterns of this gun, both of the
Woolwich design. The distinguishing marks are the nine grooves.
_11-inch R. M. L. 25 Tons._
Introduced in 1867. There are two patterns of this calibre, both
Woolwich. But few of them are used in the navy. This calibre cannot be
distinguished from the 12-inch, except by measurement.
_12-inch R. M. L. 25 Tons and 35 Tons._
The 25-ton gun was introduced in 1864. There are two patterns, the
first built on the old Armstrong pattern, there being but four in
service. The second mark is Woolwich. The 35-ton gun was introduced in
1871. There is but one mark of this gun corresponding to the Woolwich.
[Illustration: 12-inch Mark I.]
_12½-inch R. M. L. 38 Tons._
Introduced in 1875. There is but one mark of this calibre, and it
exactly resembles the 35-ton 12-inch.
_16-inch R. M. L. 80 Tons._
Introduced in 1878. There is but one mark of this calibre. These guns
have a chamber one inch greater in diameter than the bore, and the form
of rifling is that used with expanding projectiles, being multigroove
with shallow grooves. The construction corresponds to the latest
development of the Woolwich pattern.
[Illustration: 16-inch.]
_Armstrong Construction._
The first type of rifled guns introduced into the English naval service
was the Armstrong, for both breech and muzzle loaders. Fabrication of
original breech-loader ceased in 1864, but many of this type still
remain in service. The original construction of the muzzle-loader
was modified in 1864, but the general type and principles were
preserved and are still used. The present type of modified Armstrong
construction is used by many foreign services, and the 100-ton gun
has been introduced in the English service. The modified Armstrong
breech-loading system for the 100-ton gun has been adopted in Italy.
The grooves of the breech-loader (original) are saw-toothed in shape,
vanishing at the shot-chamber for use with a lead-coated projectile.
[Illustration: Armstrong Groove for Breech-Loader.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Shunt Groove for Muzzle-Loaders.]
[Illustration: Armstrong 100-ton Gun (Improved Construction).]
The grooves of the muzzle-loader (original) are of the shunt or double
type, being cut to the full depth for the entire length and _one
half the width_ of the groove. The other half of the width is cut on
an incline from the muzzle towards the chamber, this half being the
driving side. The loading edge of the groove near the bottom is cut at
a sharp angle so as to throw the studs of the projectile against the
driving edges of the groove, and give it a close bearing. In coming
out the studs ride up the incline of the driving side and are pinched,
centring the projectile. This groove is now obsolete. The groove of the
improved muzzle and breech-loaders is the plain groove.
BREECH-LOADING GUNS (ORIGINAL).
_7-inch B. L. R. 82 cwt._
This calibre has been totally withdrawn from service, and has been
replaced by the muzzle-loader. The body of the gun consists of an A
tube, a breech-piece and B tube, a trunnion-ring and six coils. A
vertical slot pierces the gun at the base of the chamber, into which
fits a block called the vent-piece. This block is quite light and is
easily lifted out or replaced by means of handles. The forward face
of the block fits the rear of the chamber, and the escape of gas is
prevented by means of a tin-cup gas-check. This vent-piece is held in
position when in the gun by a block termed a breech-screw. This block
is provided with a full screw-thread, and works longitudinally, the
forward end of the block seating against the back of the vent-piece.
This breech-screw is provided with a handle for turning, the handle
being weighted at the end, and having a lost-motion movement by which
the block may be driven close home when screwed up. The vent is bored
in the vent-piece, piercing it vertically to the centre, and then
turning at right angles. The breech-screw is hollow, the hole being of
slightly less diameter than the powder-chamber. When the vent-piece is
out, the gun is cleaned and loaded through the breech-screw.
[Illustration: Armstrong Breech-Loader.]
[Illustration: Vent-Piece.]
[Illustration: Breech-Screw.]
_40-pdr. B. L. R. 32 and 35 cwt._
The same general type as the larger calibre. In this and smaller
calibres there is no separate gas-check, the joint consisting of two
bevelled copper facings, one on the vent-piece and the other in the
powder-chamber, which form a close contact and seal the joint by
expansion.
_20-pdr. B. L. R., 15 and 13 cwt.; 12-pdr. B. L. R., 8 cwt.; 9-pdr. B.
L. R., 6 cwt.; 6-pdr. B. L. R., 3 cwt._
Same construction as the 40-pdr., except that the coils are fewer.
_Modified Breech-Loaders._
Although these guns are not yet introduced into service, they probably
will be. The construction is the same in principle for the body of the
gun as in the old breech-loaders, with slight modifications. The breech
mechanism is almost identical with the French, the modifications being
in the gas-check, which is of the general Broadwell type.
MUZZLE-LOADERS (ORIGINAL).
[Illustration: Armstrong 10-inch Muzzle-Loader (Original Construction).]
These guns consist of a steel solid-ended tube, reinforced by a number
of coils connected by hook-joints. The coils are of wrought-iron
bars, rolled into hollow cylinders and the turns welded in order to
give a circumferential direction to the grain. Over the breech and
powder-chamber a forged breech-piece fits, the grain of the iron
running longitudinally. The base of the A tube is supported by a solid
wrought-iron piece screwing into the forged breech-piece. A narrow
spiral gutter is cut around the A tube throughout its length, and
carried out at the cascabel screw-thread. By means of this, in case
that the steel tube gets cracked through, the leakage of gas gives
warning by blowing out at the breech. Some of these guns (7-inch) have
the shunt groove, and the later ones the Woolwich groove.
_Modified._
The modified construction consists in abolishing the forged
breech-piece, giving the steel tube a greater thickness over the
powder-chamber, and decreasing the number of coils, whilst their
thickness is increased individually. The guns are also given a greatly
increased length of bore, and the powder-chamber is enlarged in
diameter to permit the insertion of a heavier charge. Plain grooves.
At present the Elswick Company is engaged in supplying the Italian
Government with breech-loading 100-ton guns. The breech-block is of the
French type, and arrangements are made for moving the block as well as
loading by hydraulic or steam power. The 100-ton gun has no carriage
proper, its trunnions resting in heavy blocks on the fixed slide, being
connected in rear with hydraulic recoil pistons which are themselves
connected in such a manner as to equalize the strain of recoil. The
movements of running out and in and loading are all performed by
hydraulic power. The vent of the 100-ton gun is axial both in the
breech and muzzle loader.
_Armstrong Projectiles_ (see page 209). _Armstrong Fuze_ (see page 211).
_Armstrong Breech Mechanism and Rotating Belt._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The points of peculiarity of the Armstrong breech mechanism are: 1st.
The face of the breech-block is made slightly convex so that the
gas-check springs back when the pressure comes on it, throwing the
edge outwards, and making a wedged joint. This comes free again the
moment that the block is started. 2d. The rear of the shaft holding the
gas-check in place is held by a spiral spring, so that in turning the
block to lock it the gas-check is not revolved in its seat.
CARRIAGES.
Naval gun carriages and slides, as a rule, are built of plate-iron,
although many of the wooden ones are still retained in service for
the lighter calibres. The lighter carriages are worked by tackles,
and the heavy ones by gearing. Breechings are no longer used with
slide carriages, the recoil being checked by friction compressors or
hydraulic recoil cylinders and buffers.
Wooden carriages are furnished for all smooth-bores and breech-loading
rifles, and for 64-pdr. muzzle-loaders. Iron carriages may be furnished
for these guns, but wooden ones are never furnished for others.
The wooden standing carriage is the old-fashioned four-truck one. The
wooden rear-chock carriage is similar to what is known elsewhere as
the Marsilly. Breechings are rove through holes in these carriages,
and are not attached to the guns. The wooden slide-carriages and their
slides are of the ordinary old-fashioned type. The compressor for these
carriages consists on each bracket of the carriage of two iron plates
with hinged pieces on their lower ends. They are suspended on iron
bolts passing through the bracket so that their lower ends hang down
and overlap the side of the slide. Through the upper ends of the plates
and the bracket an iron screw and lever passes, whose motion separates
or approaches the pieces, allowing them to release or grip the slide.
Some slide-carriages are provided with hydraulic recoil cylinders.
_Iron Field-Carriage._
This carriage consists of two ¼-inch plate-iron brackets recessed to
receive the axle-tree. These plates are strengthened by angle-irons
riveted along the upper edge on the outer side from the trunnion-holes
to the point. The brackets are lightened as much as possible by
having pieces cut out of them. A front transom of plate-iron, having
angle-irons riveted to it each side to connect it with the brackets; a
similar transom about half way down the brackets; an iron trail-plate
and axle-tree, and wooden wheels. The carriage makes a load for a mule,
and the wheels another load. The elevating-gear consists of an iron
stool-bed formed in front to hook loosely over a cross-bar, while the
rear end, provided with two small studs, rests in racks riveted to the
brackets. This is for getting rapid elevations. For fine sighting a
sliding quoin is fitted to the stool-bed by clips, and is worked by a
hand-wheel. Check-ropes are applied to the trail-eye and lashed to the
wheels in firing. The Gatling gun is provided with a curved ratchet
projecting down from the bottom of the gun-case, giving elevations by
means of a hand-wheel and pinion.
[Illustration: 7-pdr. Field-Carriage.]
_Iron Boat-Carriage._
[Illustration: 9-pdr. Boat-Carriage.]
The boat-carriage is made up of two ⅝-inch plate brackets, having
narrow stiffening pieces along the front and upper edges. The brackets
are riveted to a bottom plate by angle-irons on the outer sides, and
are connected in front by a transom of plate riveted to angle-irons,
and in rear by another transom. It has two outside holding-down clips
on each side. The elevating-screw admits of 10° elevation and 2°
depression. The slide consists of two sides of girder-iron, 6½ inches
deep, and are joined by a connecting plate, three bottom plates,
and a rear transom. These bottom plates have metal friction-plates
attached beneath them. The centre as well as the front is fitted
with a pivot-bolt. The transporting axle bolts beneath the slide. The
hydraulic buffer lies upon the centre and rear transoms, to each of
which it is secured by a band. This buffer is nothing more than the
ordinary type of long cylinder and piston.[3] The cylinder is nearly
filled with oil through a hole in the upper rear part. In case it is
desired to empty the cylinder, there is a hole for the purpose in the
lower forward end. Holes of a certain diameter are bored through the
piston, and the recoil is checked in proportion to the resistance of
the oil in passing through these holes. The cylinder not being quite
full leaves an air-cushion to ease the strain. The piston-rod is
secured to the carriage, and a slight vertical play is allowed in its
fastenings to prevent the jump of the gun from bending it.
[3] See cut, page 203.
_Carriage for Light Upper-Deck Guns._
[Illustration: Slide for Light Upper-Deck Guns.]
The carriage consists of two ½-inch plate brackets connected by a
bottom plate and transom. This carriage has no rollers. It is fitted
with the elevating hand-wheel, pinion, and ratchet in use with the
heavier calibre.[4] The toothed ratchet bolts to the side of the breech
of the gun. The toothed edge of the ratchet gears to a pinion, while
the back is supported by a friction-roller attached to the bracket.
The pinion being inside the bracket connects with a hand-wheel on the
outside, which is held by a friction-brake. The peculiarity of the
slide is that it slopes to the front at an angle of 10°. It is provided
with a hydraulic recoil buffer (see Boat-Carriage), and also with plate
compressors. There are two rubber buffers at the front of the slide to
catch the gun in running out, and an in-tackle is fitted underneath
the slide. A pivot-flap projects from the front of the slide, the
pivot-bolt being close to the gun-port.
[4] See cut, page 199.
_Carriage and Slide for 7-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 7-inch Carriage.]
The carriage is a single-plate one, having two brackets, two
transoms, and a bottom plate assembled by angle-irons. The bottom
plate is slotted for the Elswick compressor.[5] This compressor is a
modification of the American 15-inch one. It is made up of six bars of
plate-iron, all of which are movable and which are placed lengthwise
in the slide like the wooden balks in the American type. Seven plates
hang through the slot in the bottom plate of the carriage, being
loosely secured to it. The plates and bars are pressed together by
rocking levers worked by screw-shafts, the shafts being worked by
levers. The screws on the shafts are of different pitch. That on the
right is called the compressing, having a quick pitch; when it is
moved it presses the plates against the other lever, which, having a
finer-pitched screw, is called the adjusting. The lower end of the
adjusting lever is prolonged to form a trip-stop so that the recoil of
the gun will throw the lever down automatically.
[5] See cut, page 201.
[Illustration: 7-inch Slide.]
The front rollers of the carriage are permanently in action, whilst
the rear ones are on eccentrics. The elevating-gear is the wheel and
ratchet. The slide has a slope to the front of 3°. The slide-rollers
are on eccentric axles. Attached to the rear of the slide is a simple
system of winch-gear for running in and training. This is nothing more
than a spur-wheel and windlass revolved by a pinion and crank. In using
it, the fall of the in-tackle or training-tackle is caught over the
windlass which is turned by the crank. In revolving slides, or slides
which shift from one port to another, there is a separate attachment
under the forward end, which is nothing more than a centre roller which
when thrown into action raises the forward rollers clear of the deck;
the after-end of the slide being held by a pivot-bolt, the forward
one is swung to a new pivot-centre. This centre roller is thrown into
action by gearing. Two ordinary bollard-heads are attached to the rear
of the slide, so that the carriage may be held back or veered out in a
seaway by turns of the in-tackle falls about them.
_Carriage and Slide for 8-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 8-inch Slide.]
The carriage is similar to the 7-inch, except that instead of being
fitted for tackles it is provided with Scott’s nipping-gear and endless
chain.[6] The chain is a slide attachment. The nipping-gear consists of
a heavy iron stirrup, movable in a vertical direction by means of an
eccentric and lever. The chain passes freely through this stirrup when
it is down, but on throwing it up the links of the chain are caught
in the teeth of a sprocket-plate fastened to the bed-plate of the
carriage, so that the movement of the chain carries the carriage with
it. The slide is similar to the 7-inch, except that the Scott chain and
gearing is used, which also traverses the slide. There are two chains,
one at each side of the slide, which are revolved by pinions at either
end. At the rear end the pinions are on a heavy axle, which is revolved
by a crank and gearing. For training, this gearing is connected to
a short shaft, having a pinion at its forward end, which gears in a
metal rack on the deck; this shaft may be revolved or fixed at will by
means of a pawl-wheel and screw-break, so that in training the slide
can be traversed or fixed as desired. When the slide is a shifting one,
the same gearing is used to swing the forward end of it around, by
means of another pinion which is shipped just in front of the forward
end of the slide. The compressor is the Elswick pattern.
[6] See cut, page 202.
[Illustration: Elswick Compressor.]
_Carriage and Slide for 9-inch M. L. R._
The broadside 9-inch carriage is the same as the 8-inch; that for
ships of the Sultan class differs in several particulars. The carriage
is very low, its bottom plate coming well down inside of the slide.
It is a double-plate carriage built on a cast-iron frame, the outer
plate coming to the top of the slide, whilst the inner one is carried
down inside. The rollers are completely hidden in their recesses, the
forward ones being permanently in action, whilst the rear ones are on
eccentrics. The rear axle between the rollers is bent down so as to
give room for the breech of the gun in elevating.
[Illustration: 9-inch Elevating-Gear.]
The compressor fitted to this carriage is called the bow-compressor.
It consists, on each side, of a bow or cramp pivoted at the centre,
so that one arm projects inside the carriage through the bracket. A
hinged plate is secured to the inner end, while the outer one holds
an adjusting-screw which is worked by a hand-wheel, the latter having
a pawl to hold it in any desired position. A brass arc near the face
of this wheel graduated up to 17° shows the amount of compression. Two
projecting pieces are attached to the side of the carriage to support
the compressor-plates which hang upon them. These plates are three
in number, the two inner ones being tapered, whilst the outer one is
square-faced and much heavier. When the carriage is mounted on the
slide, these tapering plates lie between the outer side of the slide
(the T of which is filled out with wood) and two compressor-bars, which
are tapered to correspond with the plates. The adjusting-screw takes
against the outer plate, and by turning it the plates and bars are
jammed together. The advantage of this compressor is that when once
set it is self-acting, going out of action when the carriage is raised
on its rear rollers, and coming into action by the weight of gun and
carriage when the rollers are down.
[Illustration: Bow-Compressor.]
[Illustration: Scott Nipping-Gear.]
The Scott nipping-gear is used, but it is single, the chain traversing
the middle of the slide. The slide has no peculiarities except its
height, which is greater than that of the 8-inch.
_Carriage and Slide for 10-inch M. L. R._
The carriages for ships of the Sultan class are the same as those
for the 9-inch, except that the rear rollers are thrown in action by
means of a hydraulic jack attached to the left bracket, there being a
capstan-head arrangement at the other end of the axle for use in case
the jack should break down. (For turret-carriage, see turret-carriage
of 11-inch.) The slide is similar to that of the 9-inch, except that
instead of the bow-compressor two hydraulic recoil cylinders are used,
one at each side of the slide.
[Illustration: Hydraulic Recoil Compressor.]
_Carriage and Slide for 11-inch M. L. R._
[Illustration: 11-inch Small-Port Carriage.]
The carriages for ships of the Temeraire or Hotspur class are the same
as the 9-inch ones. The turret-carriage is of the muzzle-pivoting
type. This carriage presents the peculiarity of having one bracket
larger than the other, in order to allow for the circular shape of
the turret. The general frame of the carriage is similar in shape to
the ordinary type, being double plate on a cast-iron frame, with an
interior wrought-iron frame which serves as a guide for the saddle. The
gun is supported by the trunnions in a saddle which is nothing more
than a massive fork, the leg of which is a hydraulic piston-rod. The
arms, containing the trunnion-holes, are supported in the framework of
the brackets. The hydraulic cylinder projects through and is secured to
the bottom plate of the carriage, and the double-acting pump-brake is
attached to a spindle passing through the bracket.
The gun does not rest permanently on the hydraulic, but when at the
middle or top of its elevation the saddle-arms are supported by iron
blocks, which are put in place through slits in the brackets. When the
gun is down the saddle rests on the bottom of its slots. At the low
level the gun gets 13° elevation, and at the high level 6° depression.
The rear rollers are thrown in action by means of a double-acting
hydraulic. The elevating-gear for this gun is different from that of
the smaller calibres. Instead of having a curved ratchet attached to
the gun, the ratchet in this case is pivoted to the carriage, and a
gearing and traveller being clamped to the cascabel of the gun, the
breech elevates or depresses up and down the stationary ratchet. This
carriage is provided with Scott’s nipping-gear and the bow-compressor,
the latter being heavier and double, working on both sides of the
slide-plates. These carriages are provided with breechings which pass
around a fitting bolted to the inside of the front transom. Additional
hydraulic jacks are placed underneath the arms of the saddle for use in
case the central one gives out. The slide is similar to the 10-inch,
where traversing slides are used. In turrets the slide is a fixture.
(See 12-inch slide.)
_Carriage and Slide for 12-inch and 12½-inch M. L. R._
The carriage for turrets of the Devastation class is similar in general
to that of the 11-inch. The hydraulic lift for the saddle is not a part
of the carriage, however, but a part of the ship, there being two rams,
one for raising the gun when run out, and one for raising it when run
in. The elevating-gear is also different, in having an arrangement for
altering the height of the stationary ratchet to correspond with the
different levels of the trunnions. The slide is provided with hydraulic
recoil cylinders, which also act as the running in and out power. The
piston-head has no holes bored in it, but when the gun recoils the oil
is driven out of the cylinder, the flow being regulated by a balanced
valve. The pump to move the hydraulic is worked by steam, the direction
of the movement being controlled by a lever in the turret.
_Carriage and Slide for 16-inch M. L. R._
There is no carriage proper for the 16-inch gun, the trunnions resting
in saddles on beams fixed in the turret. Hydraulic piston-rods are
attached to each saddle, the two cylinders being connected by a pipe to
equalize the strain. The breech of the gun rests on a third block which
travels in guides. These guides are hinged at the rear, the forward
ends resting by means of a cross-head on the piston of a vertical
hydraulic cylinder. By means of this the gun is elevated or depressed.
The gun is run in or out, elevated, and loaded by hydraulic power.
_Loading Arrangements._
[Illustration: 81-ton Gun-Slide and Trunnion Saddles—Hydraulic Loading
Arrangements.]
With the lighter calibres and broadside guns the usual loading methods
are used, the heavy charges and projectiles being transported by means
of railways either on deck or under the beams (the projectile in the
latter case being slung to a traveller), and raised to the muzzle of
the gun by a small davit shipped at the proper point on the slide. With
the heavy turret-guns, automatic loading is resorted to. To accomplish
this, a hole the size of the bore of the gun is worked in the turret
underneath the port. Athwartship openings are left in the turret casing
of the main-deck, in front of which are placed a hydraulic lift and
the hydraulic extension rammer. The gun being run in, the turret is
revoved until the port comes over the station of the rammer. The
muzzle is then depressed, and the gun started out until it rests at
the loading-hole. The rammer, which is also the sponge, being fixed
permanently at the proper angle, is started ahead by a lever and is
pushed to the bottom of the bore. On bringing up, a small spring at
one side of the rammer-head is pressed, which opens a valve and turns
on a stream of water. The rammer being withdrawn, the charge is run up
in a hand-car on to the hydraulic lift, by which it is raised to the
muzzle. A wad is shipped on the head of the rammer, and the latter,
being started ahead, pushes the charge home. Owing to the shape of the
rammer-head, the valve-spring cannot be pressed in pushing the charge
down, so there is no danger of turning on the water. The position of
the rammer-head in the bore is denoted by a simple pointer worked by
a string, the other end being attached to the rammer-head. This crude
arrangement is frequently out of order, and but little attention was
paid to it until its importance was brought forcibly into notice by
the double loading and consequent explosion of one of the Thunderer’s
guns. One drawback to this system of loading is the care necessary to
put the projectile on its car in one exact position, in order that the
studs may come opposite their grooves. The car itself must be built at
a certain fixed angle to bring the charge exactly in line for loading.
[Illustration: Hydraulic Recoil Press.]
GUNPOWDER.
Gunpowder is graduated, according to size of grain and type, into seven
distinct classes.
_Service Pistol Powder_ is used for Colts’ and Adams’ pistols and for
the bursting charges of shrapnel. It passes through a 44 and rests on a
72 mesh sieve.
_Service R. F. G. Powder_ is used for rifled small-arms, except the
Martini-Henry, Gatling guns, and pistols. It passes through a 12 and
rests on a 20 mesh sieve. Density, 1.6.
_Service R. F. G.² Powder_ is used for Martini-Henry rifles and Gatling
guns. It is of the same size as the R. F. G., but greater density—1.72.
_L. G. Powder_ is used in smooth-bores, and in rifled guns below 7
inches. This powder is being withdrawn as of inferior quality.
_R. L. G. Powder_ is used for full charges in guns of 7 inches and
upward where the weight of charge does not exceed forty pounds. It
passes through the 4 and rests on the 8 mesh sieve.
_P. Powder_ is used for battering-charges of all rifled guns of 7
inches and above, up to 12½ inches, and for all service charges of
forty pounds and upward. The grain is cubical, ⅝ of an inch on a side.
_P.² Powder_ is used with the 12½-inch and upward. This powder is
cubical, 1½ inches on a side.
Gunpowder is graduated according to its fitness for use into six
classes:
Class I. _Service._—All new powder. All returned powder found to be
uninjured.
Class II. _Blank._—Powder from broken-up cannon-charges too dusty for
Class I. Powder from broken-up small-arm ammunition. Service powder
found too dusty for use in cartridges.
Class III. _Shell._—Powder found too dusty for Class II.
Class IV. _Doubtful._—All powder returned into store and waiting
examination.
Class V. _Condemned for Sale._—Powder too much deteriorated for the
higher classes.
Class VI. _Condemned for Extraction._—Powder obtained from shells, and
powder found to have been too much damaged for any use except for the
extraction of the saltpetre.
CARTRIDGES.
Cartridge-bags are made either of serge or of silk cloth.
Serge is used in all smooth-bores and breech-loading rifles, except for
the blank cartridges of smooth-bores, which are of silk.
Silk is used for all muzzle-loading rifles.
Cartridges are always filled by weight and not by measure.
All cartridges are both choked and hooped, the number of hoops
depending on the length of the cartridge. These hoops are either of
twine or braid, according to the size and weight of cartridge and the
stiffness required.
All cartridges are marked in black with the nature of the gun for
which they are intended, the weight of powder, and the monogram of the
station where they were filled.
Cartridges are packed in magazines, in corrugated brass tanks which are
either rectangular or pentagonal.
Cartridges for calibres above 8 inches are not transported about the
ship’s decks in passing-boxes, but in zinc cylinders with a lock cover.
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used are shot, shell, shrapnel, and case-shot.
[Illustration: Woolwich Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Common Shell.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Case-Shot.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Double Shell.]
The Palliser chilled shot is used with the muzzle-loading guns of
7 inches and upward. It is of cast-iron, the head as far as the
shoulder being cast in a chill, while the rest is in a sand-mould.
This shot is never solid, but a space is left large enough to contain
a bursting-charge if desirable. By this means a better casting is
obtained. With the larger calibres, the cylindrical part of the
shot is reduced slightly in diameter to allow for setting up when
the projectile first starts. There are four kinds of shells: the
segment, common, double, and Palliser. The segment shells are only
used with breech-loaders. This shell consists of a thin cast-iron
cylindro-conoidal case lined with cast-iron segments built up in layers
and leaving a cylindrical powder-chamber in the centre. The base is
closed by a cast-iron disc. It is provided with a thin jacket of alloy,
which takes in the rifling and gives the twist to the projectile.
The common shell is the ordinary cast-iron projectile. In addition
to its fuse-hole it is provided with a loading-hole opening on the
shoulder.
The double shell is similar to the common shell, except that it is
nearly four calibres long and its chamber is provided with longitudinal
strengthening ribs. It is only used in the 7-inch gun.
[Illustration: Zinc Passing-Box.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Segment Shell.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Shrapnel.]
[Illustration: Woolwich Cartridge.]
The Palliser shell is similar to the Palliser shot, except that it is
slightly longer and has a larger chamber. Fuses are never used with the
Palliser shot or shell.
The shrapnel consists of two main parts—the cast-iron body and the
wooden head. The body is nearly as thick as that of the common shell,
and is scored longitudinally in order to permit it to break up easily.
The wooden head is covered with a light sheet-iron case which rivets
to the body. The bottom of the chamber is the powder-chamber proper,
over the mouth of which rests a wrought-iron disc having a hole in
the centre, tapped to take a wrought-iron tube. The upper chamber is
filled with lead bullets which are set fast with resin. The fuse screws
into a hole in the head, and projects into the wrought-iron tube
communicating with the powder-chamber. Both the chamber and the tube
are filled with powder.
Case-shot are of the ordinary form. Up to the 7-inch calibre the body
is made of tin, beyond that it is of tinned sheet-iron. For the smaller
calibres the bottom is of tin, for the larger it is a wrought-iron
disc. The top is in all cases tinned iron. The contents of the case are
packed in clay and sand, and there is an interior lining made up of
three loose-fitting wrought-iron segments.
Shot and shell used with muzzle-loading rifles are now provided with
a copper disc attached to the base, called a gas-check. This disc is
slightly convex to the rear to enable it to spread and stop the windage
on firing. It is attached to the projectile by means of a screw-plug
and nut. On firing, it is expanded into the rifling and completely
stops the windage. It gains a grip on the base of the shell by means
of an undercut rim, whilst radial scores on the base prevent it from
gaining an independent rotary motion, and enable it to assist in
rotating the projectile.
[Illustration: Palliser Shot.]
[Illustration: Papier-maché Wad.]
[Illustration: Brass Gas-Check for Projectiles.]
All muzzle-loading projectiles are provided with studs for rotation.
They are of gun-metal, swedged into countersunk holes, in two rows. The
loading side of all grooves is cut back so as to double the width of
the groove at the muzzle, in order to facilitate the insertion of the
projectile.
Papier-maché wads are used in front of the heavier projectiles to keep
them from slipping forward out of place. These wads are very slightly
less than the calibre of the gun, and about an inch in thickness. A
hole is bored through the centre, large enough to leave a clear space
for the fuse. A short papier-maché tube projects from the forward side
of the wad, which serves to attach it to the rammer when loading, and
hold it vertical while the charge is going home.
Shell-charges for Palliser projectiles are introduced in serge bags to
prevent premature explosions.
FUSES.
Both time and percussion fuses are used in the navy. The time-fuses are
the Boxer and the Armstrong; the latter used only with breech-loading
segment shell. The percussion fuse is the Pettman.
The Boxer time-fuse has a beech-wood body and is conical in shape. The
fuse composition is a vertical column in a centre channel which is not
bored entirely through the bottom, a base being left to receive the
set-back of the column on firing. Two side channels are bored from the
bottom nearly to the top, and are filled with mealed powder. Holes are
bored from the outside into these channels one tenth of an inch apart,
and the composition burns at the rate of one inch in five seconds, so
that each hole represents a half-second. The head of the fuse is closed
by a safety-cap, which is removed before loading. The time of burning
is set by boring through the desired hole into the composition. The
bottom hole is always bored through.
[Illustration: Boxer Time-Fuse.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Time-Fuse.]
[Illustration: Armstrong Percussion Fuse.]
The Armstrong time-fuse is made of gun-metal. A ring of fuse
composition similar to that of the old Bormann fuse is pressed in a
channel whose outer wall is marked in inches and tenths. This fuse
composition is covered by a movable collar which is kept in place by
a nut. Attached to this movable collar is a small chamber containing
a detonator. When the gun is fired, this detonator ignites the
composition at the point at which it is set, and the flame travels
around until it meets the magazine, or blowing-chamber, which
communicates the flame to the shell-charge.
The Pettman percussion fuse is made up of seven principal parts—the
body, top plug, steady plug, detonating ball, cone plug, lead cap,
and bottom plug. The top and bottom plugs are set fast; the shock of
firing sets back all the other parts, crushing the lead cap over the
cone and bottom plugs, which by their shape are all held fast when
jammed together. The detonating ball, whose surface is covered with a
detonating composition, is carried straight back and prevented from
coming in contact with the sides of the chamber by the steady plug.
When the projectile strikes, however, the steady plug starts forward
and releases the ball, which, coming in contact with the sides of the
fuse, explodes the detonating powder and the flame is carried by holes
through the lower plugs to the charge.
[Illustration: Pettman Percussion Fuse.]
[Illustration: Laboratory Percussion Fuse.]
PRIMERS.
[Illustration: Electrical Primer.]
[Illustration: Quill Friction Primer.]
Gun-locks are no longer used in the navy. Guns are fired by means of
either the friction or the electric tube. The quill friction-tube is
used exclusively for the navy. This tube is of two sizes, the short and
the long, the latter being used with the heavy calibres. The quill is
driven with mealed powder, and a hole is pierced through the centre.
The top and bottom are stopped with shellac putty. In the upper part of
the tube an iron-wire friction-bar is inserted, having a sprinkling of
detonating composition and mealed powder on one side. The top of the
tube is strengthened by a thread woolding and a leather loop, which
slip over a pin placed forward of the vent.
The naval electric tube consists of a quill body and a xylonite
bottom, the quill being of a diameter to slip completely into the
vent. Within this quill are insulated terminals of wire connected
by a platinum-silver wire bridge surrounded by priming composition.
The whole tube goes into the vent, a stop on the insulating wires
preventing it from going too far.
[Illustration: Centre Hind-Sight—Muzzle-Loaders.]
[Illustration: Wood Scale.]
SIGHTS.
[Illustration: Sliding Leaf Tangent Sight—Muzzle-Loaders.]
All muzzle-loading guns, except turret-guns and boat-guns, have six
sights—three hind-sights (two tangent and one centre) and three
trunnion-sights. Boat-guns have one centre hind and one fore sight, and
turret-guns have turret-sights. All guns except boat-guns have wood
scales, and all guns in covered batteries, except turret-guns, have
graduated arcs on the pivot-circles.
[Illustration: Barrel-Head Tangent-Sight—Breech-Loaders.]
[Illustration: (Screw.)]
[Illustration: (Drop.) Fore-Sight.]
[Illustration: Sliding-Leaf Tangent-Sight—Breech-Loaders.]
The tangent-sight is a rectangular steel bar rounded off on two
sides, and having a gun-metal head in which slides a gun-metal leaf.
The gun-metal leaf slides in a socket, and is provided with a simple
clamp-screw. These sights are graduated on the four sides. In general,
the forward side is graduated to 10´ from 0 up to 12°. The right side
is marked from 100 up to 4000 yards, and for seconds of fuse from 1
to 30—both graduations for common shell with the full charge; the
rear side from 100 to 4800 yards for Palliser shot or shell with the
battering-charge; the left side from 100 to 4800 yards, and from 1
second to 34 seconds, for common shell with battering-charge.
The centre hind-sight is a hexagonal gun-metal bar with the sliding
leaf marked like the tangent-sights, but shorter.
All hind-sights are set at a permanent angle of deflection.
The fore or trunnion sights consist of a pillar and collar of
gun-metal, a small steel leaf, and a screw for fixing the leaf. A
gun-metal socket is fixed in the gun, and the sight secured in this
socket by a double bayonet-joint, so that it may be readily removed or
replaced without requiring a special adjustment.
With turret-guns the sights are placed on top of the turret. Each
turret is provided with a number of man-holes large enough to admit the
head and shoulders. For each man-hole a pair of sights is adjusted, the
line of sight being parallel to the axis of the gun. In some turrets,
in order to prevent exposure, mirrors are arranged so that these sights
may be used by persons in the turret.
The wood scale is a wooden bar used in connection with marks on the
rear face of the cascabel. This face is marked from 0 to 3½° for both
elevation and depression. The wood scale is a square bar having its
four sides marked to yards for different charges. When the gun is
placed in position aboard ship, this scale is cut so that its zero and
the cascabel zero shall coincide with the guns at level, on an even
keel.
The sights for breech-loaders are similar to those of muzzle-loaders,
except that what is known as the barrel-headed sliding leaf is used,
and there are no centre-sights.
DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF PROJECTILES.
The common shell is known from its carrying a fuse in the point which
is cut off for that purpose.
The double shell is known by its disproportion of length to diameter.
The Palliser projectile is known from its sharp point.
The shrapnel is known from the joint which connects the head to the
body.
Fragments of a copper disc would denote that Palliser projectiles were
used, and a fragment of the head of a Palliser projectile is easily
recognizable by the grain of the iron.
PALLISER CONSTRUCTION.
[Illustration: Palliser Converted Gun. (10-inch Rodman Smooth-Bore
converted to an 8-inch Rifle.)]
The Palliser construction is entirely applied to the conversion of old
cast-iron smooth-bore guns into efficient rifles. In this system the
bore of the gun is reamed out to a sufficient diameter to permit the
insertion of a coiled wrought-iron tube. This tube is made up of a
number of short coiled sections end-welded together. The rear of the
tube is planed down, and a jacket (coiled with the spirals opposite
in direction to the tube) is shrunk on. The breech end of the tube is
closed by a wrought-iron disc screwed into place. The surface of the
tube is then turned to a snug but not tight fit in the casing or gun,
and is inserted, being held in place by a muzzle screw-collar. A screw
is tapped through the chase into the tube to keep it from turning.
The old vent is bored through and the gun is submitted to a course of
proof-firing with full charges, to expand the tube against the wall of
the casing, making a snug fit. A spiral slot is cut around the tube
from front to rear, and carried through the cascabel as a tell-tale
for the escape of gas in case the tube is split or cracked through
at a weld. These guns are extraordinarily long-lived, and have been
extensively used by the governments of Great Britain and the United
States.
_Palliser Projectiles._ See Pages 208-210.
WHITWORTH CONSTRUCTION.
[Illustration: Whitworth Muzzle-Loader.]
Whitworth ordnance is used almost exclusively in the Brazilian Navy,
and is the regulation type. The Whitworth construction belongs to
the all-steel type, and differs in almost every particular from the
other types. The guns are both muzzle and breech-loaders. The body of
the gun consists of a steel tube reinforced by steel hoops. The tube
is cast solid and submitted to a heavy hydraulic pressure while in a
molten state, giving the metal as it solidifies a perfectly homogeneous
crystallization throughout. This tube is bored completely through, and
in the muzzle-loaders the breech end is closed by a steel screw-plug.
The hoops are hollow cast and forged on a mandrel, the lengths in the
different layers being accurately turned and screwed together; the
layers are then put on the gun _cold_ and forced home (from the muzzle
end) by hydraulic pressure, the forcing being carefully gauged so as
not to crush the metal of the tube.
[Illustration: Whitworth Breech-Loader.]
The breech-loaders are slotted across the rear face in such a manner
that the rear face of the block is entirely exposed, thus saving in
length of breech of gun. The breech-block is cubical, and is traversed
along the upper and lower surfaces by heavy threads set at an angle
with the face of the block. These threads travel in heavy male threads
in the slot, the system forming the support for the thrust on the
block. Attached to the rear face of the block is a weighted crank which
revolves a cogged wheel housed in the block and travelling in a rack in
the rear of the lower side of the block-seat. In guns of heavy calibre
the system is reversed, the crank and wheel housing in the rear of the
gun and the rack in the block. By means of this gearing the block is
moved transversely, masking and unmasking the bore, the left end of the
block being cut for a loading-hole. A stop on the face of the breech
locks the block when home and catches it at the proper point when open.
[Illustration]
The Whitworth groove is of a peculiar nature, being almost a perfect
hexagon, and having an extremely sharp twist of from one turn in 2 feet
in the 2-pdr. to one turn in 13 feet in the 9-inch.
The projectiles are cut to fit the grooves, the armor-punching ones
being of compressed steel.
[Illustration: Whitworth Projectiles.]
THE VAVASSEUR CONSTRUCTION.
Vavasseur ordnance is used considerably in China, and has found some
use in other quarters of the world. The gun belongs to the steel
type. It consists of a mild-steel oil-tempered tube, reinforced by
steel hoops, the hoops being narrow and numerous and shrunk on. The
trunnion-hoop is of wrought iron. The gun has, properly speaking, ribs
instead of grooves, the grooves being cut in the projectiles. The twist
is a constant one.
[Illustration}]
[Illustration: Vavasseur Gun and Carriage.]
The gun-carriage possesses a peculiar recoil arrangement, consisting
of a heavy screw-shaft traversing the middle of the slide and carrying
at its forward end a wrought-iron friction-wheel with a metal strap
worked by a lever, by which any desired amount of friction may be
applied. Attached to the carriage is a sleeve or clutch grasping the
screw-shaft. When the gun recoils, the motion of the sleeve along the
shaft causes the latter to revolve, the friction being regulated by
the friction-band. For running in and out a large cog-wheel is fixed
to the inside of each carriage-bracket, the cogs taking in racks along
the sides of the slide. In starting the gun out, the motion of starting
slacks the friction-band on the screw-shaft, allowing the gun to run
freely; for controlling the motion in a seaway, a small friction-brake
on the rear of the slide is used. The carriage is mounted on eccentric
rollers, and the movement of throwing them out of or into action
ungears or gears the running-out cranks outside of the brackets, so
that in recoiling the cranks are not thrown around. The chamber of the
Vavasseur gun, as originally constructed, is smaller than the bore,
being in this a reversal of the present accepted true principle, and
limiting the guns to small charges and low velocities.
FRENCH ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Bore.
C = Number of Grooves.
-----------------------+--------+---------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | | LENGTH. |
CLASSIFICATION. | +-------+-------+
|Calibre.| A | B | C
-----------------------+--------+-------+-------+----
| In. | In. | In. |
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | |
32 cm. | 12.6 | 264 | 244 | 32
27 ” | 10.8 | 212 | 194 | 28
24 ” | 9.46 | 195 | 179 | 24
19 ” | 7.64 | 164 | 151 | 20
16 ” | 6.49 | 146 | 135 | 16
14 ” | 5.46 | 123 | 115 | 14
Model of 1864-67. | | | |
27 ” | 10.8 | 184 | 167 | 5
24 ” | 9.46 | 180 | 165 | 5
19 ” | 7.64 | 150 | 138 | 5
16 ” | 6.49 | 133 | 124 | 3
14 ” | 5.46 | 81 | 73.6 | 3
Bronze Muzzle-loaders. | | | |
12 cm. | 4.78 | 81.4 | 71.5 | 6
4 ” | 3.41 | 37.8 | 31.7 | 6
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | 1.46 | 51.2 | 29.1 |
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | |
16 ” | | | |
14 ” | | | |
-----------------------+--------+-------+-------+----
D = Twist of Rifling.
E = Gun, including Breech-block.
F = Breech-block.
G = Preponderance.
-----------------------+------+----------------+----
NAME, NATURE, AND | | WEIGHT. |
CLASSIFICATION. | +--------+-------+
| D | E | F | G
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
| Cal. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | |
32 cm. | 0/45 | 85,800 | 1,540 | 396
27 ” | 0/45 | 51,040 | 1,100 | 88
24 ” | 0/45 | 34,400 | 726 | 88
19 ” | 0/45 | 17,500 | 352 | 88
16 ” | 0/30 | 12,000 | | 103
14 ” | 0/30 | 5,900 | 176 | 103
Model of 1864-67. | | | |
27 ” | 0/30 | 45,100 | 704 |
24 ” | 0/30 | 31,900 | 567 |
19 ” | 0/30 | 17,610 | 295 |
16 ” | 0/30 | 11,000 | 191 | 330
14 ” | 0/30 | 4,100 | 103 | 165
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
Bronze Muzzle-loaders. | | | |
12 cm. | | 1,360 | | 176
4 ” | | 220 | | 33
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | | 440 | |
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | |
16 ” | | | |
14 ” | | | |
-----------------------+------+--------+-------+----
A = Carriage.
B = Slide.
C = Steel.
D = Chilled.
E = Common.
F = Canister.
G = Bursting Charge Common Shell.
------------------+-------------+-----------------------+--------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | Carriage. | Projectiles. |
CLASSIFICATION. +-------------+-----------------------+--------------
| Weight. | Complete Weight. | Weight.
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------------
| Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.| Lbs.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870.
32 cm. | | | 770 | 770 |630 | | 37.4
27 ” |10,230|12,960| 475 | 475 |396 | 317 | 24
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
24 ” | 7,304| 8,140| 317 | 317 |264 | 220 | 17
| 5,720| | | | | |
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| 4,664|11,550| | | | |
19 ” | 4,400| 3,410| 165 | 165 |137.5| 114| 7
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
16 ” | 3,520| 9,460| 99 | 99 | 84 | 69|
14 ” | 2,085| 1,287| | | 46 | 41| 2.4
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” |10,230|12,980| | 475 | 317 | 321| 14.6
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| | | | | | 211|
24 ” | 5,720| 8,140| | 817 | 220 | 220| 10.3
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
19 ” | 4,400| 3,410| | 165 | 115 | 105| 4.8
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
16 ” | 3,520| 9,460| | | | |
| 2,639| 1,260| | 99 | 69 | 66| 3
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
14 ” | 1,540| 1,100| | | 41 | 27 | 2.1
| | | | | | 39.6|
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | 1,023| | | | 25 | 24.6| 1.1
| 385| | | | | |
+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| 352| | | | | |
4 ” | 319|231 | | | 10 | 10| .17
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+------
Hotchkiss Machine-gun.
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | | | |
16 ” | | | | | | |
14 ” | | | | | | |
------------------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
A = Steel and Chilled Shot.
B = Common Shell.
C = Ordinary.
D = Saluting.
E = Steel.
F = Chilled.
G = Common.
------------------+------------------------+--------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | POWDER CHARGE. | INITIAL VELOCITY.
CLASSIFICATION. +-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
|Lbs. |Lbs. |Lbs. | Lbs.|Feet.| Feet.| Feet.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870. | | | | | | |
32 cm. |132 |132 | | |1,394| 1,394 | 1,496
27 ” | 92.4| 92.4 |52.8 |19.8 |1,417| 1,417 | 1,542
24 ” | 61.6| 61.6 |35.2 |13.2 |1,443| 1,443 | 1,555
19 ” | 33 | 33 |17.6 | 7.7 |1,456| 1,456 | 1,726
16 ” | 20.9| 20.9 | | |1,575| 1,575 | 1,660
14 ” | | 9 | 9 | 3.3 | | | 1,493
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” | 79.2| 52.8 |52.8 |19.8 | | 1,086 | 1,188
24 ” | 52.8| 35.2 |35.2 |13.2 | | 1,115 | 1,188
19 ” | 27.5| 17.6 |17.6 | 7.7 | | 1,128 | 1,168
16 ” | 16.5| 11 |11 | 5.5 | | 1,132 | 1,197
14 ” | | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | | | 1,053
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | | | 1,007
4 ” | | .66| .66| .66| | | 738
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | .18| | | | | 1,318
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | | | |
16 ” | | | | | | |
14 ” | | | | | | |
------------------+-----+------+-----+-----+-----+-------+------
-------------------+------------------------------+-----------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | MUZZLE ENERGY. | PENETRATION.
CLASSIFICATION. +---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
| Steel. | Chilled. |Common. | Steel.| Chilled.
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
|Ft. Tons.| Ft. Tons.|Ft. Tons.| In. | In.
French pattern, cast-iron, steel-lined Breech-loaders.
Model of 1870.
32 cm. | 10,390 | 10,390 |9,730 | 14.5 | 14.5
27 ” | 6,596 | 6,596 |6,506 | 12.5 | 12.5
24 ” | 4,561 | 4,561 |4,414 | 11.1 | 11.1
19 ” | 2,330 | 2,330 |1,828 | 9 | 9
16 ” | 1,698 | 1,698 |1,598 | 8.2 | 8.2
14 ” | | | 712 | |
Model of 1864-67.
27 ” | | 3,871 |3,088 | | 9.6
24 ” | | 2,821 |2,144 | | 8.75
19 ” | | 1,451 |1,081 | | 7.0
16 ” | | 876 | 687 | | 5.87
14 ” | | | 314 | |
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
Bronze Muzzle-loaders.
12 cm. | | | 176 | |
4 ” | | | 39 | |
Hotchkiss Machine-gun. | | | | .94
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
Model of 1858-60 Muzzle-loaders.
22 cm. | | | | |
16 ” | | | | |
14 ” | | | | |
-------------------+---------+----------+---------+-------+---------
GUNS.
Smooth-bore guns are entirely obsolete, except for saluting purposes at
dock-yards.
The rifled ordnance consists of the cast-iron breech-loader, model
1870, the cast-iron breech-loader, model 1864-67, the cast-iron
muzzle-loader, model 1858-60, the bronze muzzle-loader, the
mitrailleuse, and the Hotchkiss machine-gun. A new all-steel pattern is
being introduced into the service, whose attachments are quite similar
to the model of 1870.
The two models of breech-loaders differ radically in the style of
rifling, and although the breech mechanism is the same in principle in
both types, it is quite different in detail.
_Breech-Loader, Model 1870._
Guns of this type consist of a cast-iron body strengthened by a steel
tube and steel hoops. The steel tube, which is about one quarter of
a calibre in thickness, is inserted into the bore from the rear, and
is set fast by a heavy male screw-thread worked at its rear end. It
extends a short distance forward of the trunnions. The steel hoops are
shrunk on over the cast-iron body, and cover all that part occupied by
the tube. For the 14-cm. calibre there is but one row of hoops; for the
higher calibres two rows breaking joints. The trunnions form a part of
the hoop next to the forward one. In all calibres above 16-cm. this
trunnion-hoop is thicker than the others, and forms a salient on the
surface of the gun.
[Illustration: 27-cm. French Gun, Model 1870.]
The bore is rifled on the multigroove system, with an increasing
twist of from 0° at the breech to 4° at the muzzle, the direction of
the twist being from right to left (contrary to the invariable rule
in other countries). The chamber proper is divided into four parts:
the shot-chamber, the powder-chamber, the gas-check seat, and the
breech-block seat.
The shot-chamber is conical in shape, small end forward, the rifling
vanishing at this point in an easy slope. The diameter of this end is
the same as that of the bore measured across the grooves. The rear end
is joined to the powder-chamber by a second small cone, against which
the rear ring of the projectile takes when home.
The powder-chamber is cylindrical, and of a diameter slightly greater
than that of the bore.
The gas-check seat is of considerably greater diameter than the
powder-chamber. It is conical in shape, small end forward.
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Gun open).]
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Gun closed).]
The breech-block seat is cylindrical, having a heavy screw-thread
around its wall, which is cut into three equal sectors, leaving three
blanks of the same width. One of these blanks comes at the bottom of
the seat, in order to allow the breech-block to slide back and forth.
The breech mechanism consists of two main parts, the block and the
console or bracket, which is hinged to the face of the breech and holds
the block when it is withdrawn from its seat.
[Illustration: Gas-Check (1871).]
The breech-block is a steel cylinder having heavy screw-sectors about
its surface to correspond with those in the seat. The last turn of
screw-thread is left entire in order to relieve the shock of closing
the breech. The forward face is made movable in order that when it
becomes worn and scored by the action of the powder-gas it may be
changed. This face is a steel disc which sets flat against the face
of the block, and is of the same diameter. It seats in the face of
the block by means of a smaller cylinder or trunnion, and projecting
from the rear of this trunnion is a steel rod, which passes completely
through the axis of the block and carries the vent. In order to prevent
the disc from having any independent motion, a small tenon on its rear
face enters a socket in the face of the block. The disc is keyed fast
by a small pin which is screwed radially through the block near the
middle, the end of the pin taking in a score cut in the vent-rod. A
small catch, projecting from the rear lower side of the block, holds
the console in place when the breech is closed. The rear face of the
block is provided with two parallel handles screwed to it, to assist
in moving it, and a long crank-handle between them for revolving the
block. At the end of this crank-handle there is a slight projection
made to receive the blows of any instrument that may be used to drive
the block around when it works stiffly. Along the two lower blanks
of the block slots are cut, in which traverse small projections of
the console to hold the block steady. About the middle of the lower
screw-sector a small hole is cut into which a small stop springs
when the block is withdrawn to its limit on the console. The vent is
provided with a copper bush at its forward end and a steel one at its
rear.
The console is semi-cylindrical, and is hinged to the face of the
breech so that when the breech-block is withdrawn it may be swung to
the right and unmask the bore. It is provided with a spring stop and
two small projections taking in the block, which limit the movement of
the latter and hold it steady when resting on the console.
Two small pins, screwed into the face of the breech, limit the arc of
movement of the crank-handle, one at the vertical point and the other
60° to the right.
A small stop attached to the face of the breech holds the crank-handle
fast when the breech is closed. This stop allows the handle to pass in
closing, but must be raised by hand in opening.
The gas-check is of copper, and is a fixture in its seat. It is a ring
in reality, the centre being cut out to permit the passage of the
charge through it in loading; the edge is turned up, forming a cup, the
outer part being conical to fit the seat. The bend of the rim is quite
thick, and a gutter is cut around it in order to make the powder-gas
seal the joint properly. The bottom of this ring is provided with
three concentric grooves to break the force of the gas that may escape
through the joints. When the breech is closed the face of the block
presses directly on the gas-check, and a copper ring is countersunk in
the face of the block which forms the contact with the check. This ring
has grooves to correspond with the grooves on the back of the gas-check.
The vent is horizontal, and is situated in the axis of the
breech-block. Its outer end is formed in double-cone shape (throughout
the steel bush), the small ends of the cone being joined. Percussion
primers are used in connection with a spring gun-lock. (See Primers.)
_Breech-Loader, Model 1864-67._
These guns are hooped like the model of 1870, but are not tubed.
[Illustration: 14-cm. French Gun.]
The vent is pierced vertically near the bottom of the powder-chamber,
instead of being in the breech-block.
The grooves are of the pattern known as the “basket-handle,” for
mechanical fit projectiles (see French Groove, English Ordnance),
having an increasing twist of from 0° to 6°. The 14-cm. and 16-cm.
guns have three grooves, the others five. The width of the grooves
is the same throughout the length of the bore, being cut back on
the loading side near the powder-chamber to facilitate loading. The
depth of the groove, however, diminishes towards the muzzle in order
to pinch the studs and steady the projectile. At the powder-chamber
and running forward for a short distance in the centre of each band
is a supplementary groove, in which travel the rear studs of the
projectiles, which are made so small as to easily sheer off. These
secondary grooves prevent the projectile from being pushed too far
into the bore. With the 19-cm. gun, the supplementary groove is made
by cutting back the loading side of the regular groove. There is no
shot-chamber proper.
[Illustration: Groove (1864).]
[Illustration: Groove (1871).]
[Illustration: Rear end of Groove (1864), showing Stop for Projectile.]
The powder-chamber is cylindrical, of the same diameter as that of the
bore across the grooves. The bottom groove is produced through the
powder-chamber, to serve as a directing groove for the projectile in
loading.
In rear of the powder-chamber there are two gas-check seats, conical
in shape, with the small diameter forward. The rear and larger one is
intended for service in case of accident to the other.
[Illustration: Gas-Check (1864).]
[Illustration: Breech-Block (Section).]
The breech-plug seat is similar to the model 1870.
The breech-closing mechanism consists of two main parts like that of
the model 1870, the breech-plug and the console or bracket.
The breech-plug differs from the model 1870 in being lighter, by having
the interior cut away as much as possible consistent with strength. It
has two movable faces or discs to correspond with the two gas-check
seats. These discs are secured to the face of the plug in a similar
manner to the model 1870, except that the disc in this case is allowed
to revolve freely. The gas-check is carried on the face of the disc
instead of being a fixture of the gun.
It is quite similar to the model 1870, except that the hole in the
centre is smaller and serves to secure it to the face of the disc.
The centre of the disc being slightly raised carries two ears which
receive the inner edge of the gas-check and centre it. Over these a
solid-headed nut screws, which fixes the gas-check and makes a tight
joint. The gas-check is made of steel.
The console is similar to the model 1870.
_Muzzle-Loader, Model 1858-60._
These guns are hooped, but have no tubes. The trunnions are cast with
the body of the gun, the hoops not coming so far forward. The vent is
vertical near the bottom of the powder-chamber, like the model 1864.
The grooves are of the “basket-handle” type, three in number, with an
increasing twist of from 0° to 6°. These grooves, near the chamber, are
cut back and prolonged to form seats for the rear studs.
All guns of this model are converted from old smooth-bores.
_Bronze Muzzle-Loader._
These guns are of the ordinary bronze type. The 23-pdr. (canon de
12) has six common grooves having a _regular_ twist from _left_ to
_right_. The bottom groove is narrowed on the loading side near the
powder-chamber in order to force the studs into close contact with the
driving side. The 8-pdr. (canon de 4) has six grooves with a regular
twist similar to the 23-pdr.
The vent is pierced vertically near the bottom of the powder-chamber.
_The Mitrailleuse._
The exterior of the mitrailleuse has the appearance of a bronze
cannon. This case encloses 25 rifled tubes brazed together. The rear
part of the cannon presents a vertical cavity, very large and nearly
rectangular in shape. This cavity is called the cage, and is intended
to receive the breech-block and firing mechanism. The breech-block is
a cubical block containing prolongations of the 25 barrels which serve
as chambers for the cartridges. When loaded, this block drops into the
forward part of the cage. The lock mechanism is a box containing 25
firing-pins, arranged with guides and springs on the ordinary system.
This box is movable longitudinally by the motion of a breech-screw,
which also sets up the breech-block when in place. The motion forward
of this box retracts the firing-pins, which are then held until
released in rapid succession by a turn of the crank. After firing, the
breech-screw is backed, the block taken out and a loaded one is put in
its place, the screw is set up retracting the locks, and the piece is
ready for firing again.
_Hotchkiss Machine-Gun._
(See United States Ordnance.) This gun is an American invention, but
was first introduced into the French Navy.
CARRIAGES.
Gun-carriages in the French Navy are classified as follows:
Slide-carriages for heavy broadside-guns.
Turret-carriages and revolving-slide carriages for heavy guns.
Directing-bar carriages for broadside-guns.
Four-truck and rear-chock carriages for broadside-guns.
Gun-boat carriages for bronze guns.
Boat-carriages for bronze guns.
Mountain carriages for bronze guns.
Mitrailleuse saddle or fork for machine-guns.
_Slide-Carriage for 27-cm. and 24-cm. Guns._
[Illustration: Elevating-Gear and Compressor, 24-cm. Gun.]
The rails of the slide are of heavy double =T= iron, connected by
=T= and plate iron transoms. The slide rests on a pair of conical
rollers, with concentric axles forward and a double pair of rear
rollers (concentric) at the rear. The forward pair of the rear rollers
and the front rollers travel on smooth tracks, while the rear pair of
rollers are pinions working in a rack on deck. The slide is traversed
by tackles, except in fine pointing, when levers are shipped on the
rear rollers and the fine traversing is done by heaving on them. A
pawl working on the rear rollers secures the slide in any desired
position. The recoil is checked by friction compressors. There are
eight iron compressor-bars on each side of the slide, just inside of
the rails, resting on the front and rear transoms. On top of the front
transom is a heavy iron dumb-sheave, which receives the bight of a
rope breeching. The carriage is of the ordinary form of double plate,
mounted on rollers, the forward pair being in permanent action and the
rear pair on eccentric axles. Tackles are used for running out and in.
The compressor-plates are nine in number on each side, suspended on an
axle. The outer plates are heavier than the others. The ones next to
the brackets are backed by steel disc-springs. Rocking levers working
in screw-threads on the axle press against the inner plates. The
levers are worked by a ratchet-lever on the exterior right side, this
lever being provided with a trip for throwing it down automatically in
firing. Railway buffers are placed at the rear of the slide to act in
case of over-recoil. The elevating-gear consists of a flat-linked chain
passing underneath and supporting the breech of the gun. The ends of
the chain wind about axles in the carriage-brackets, the axles being
revolved by endless-screw gearing. Levers for turning this gearing
ship outside the brackets. In elevating or depressing, it is necessary
to turn the gearing alike on both sides in order to keep the centre
link, which is marked, in its place under the breech. In elevating, the
gearing must be worked slowly in order to allow the breech to follow
down by its preponderance. With the 24-cm. gun, the compressor-plates,
12 in number, are all in the centre instead of being at the sides.
[Illustration: Slide-Truck for 19-cm. Gun.]
_Slide-Carriage for 19-cm. Gun._
The fixtures for the slide and carriage differ in several particulars
from the heavier ones. The slide travels on four _pairs_ of rollers,
the rear rollers of the rear pairs being cogged for fine pointing as in
the heavier ones. The slide rests on iron pillars with screw-threads
at the upper extremities, the lower ones resting on the axles between
the rollers, forming a pair. The threaded top has a capstan-head, so
that, by turning, the front or rear of the slide may be elevated or
depressed. These rollers are also arranged for transporting the slide
from port to port. For this they may be turned to run in the desired
direction, similar to the principle of chair-rollers (casters). Clamps
are provided to hold them in the desired position.
The carriage has only one in-tackle. The rocking-lever compressor
is changed to the ordinary bow-compressor. (See English Ordnance,
Compressor for wooden-slide carriages.)
_Turret-Carriage and Slide for Heavy Guns._[7]
[Illustration: Additional Gearing for Elevating-Gear of
Turret-Carriage.]
The turret-slide, instead of being provided with rollers for
traversing, is mounted on a centre-pivoting turn-table. The turret
itself is fixed, the gun firing over it “en barbette.” The turn-table
is mounted on sixteen conical rollers, and is revolved by means of a
fixed rack, to which gears a pinion worked by a crank attachment on
the slide. This attachment consists of a horizontal axle revolving in
bearings through the rear of the slide-plates, having a crank at each
end and a chain-wheel in the middle. An endless chain transmits the
motion to gearing at the forward end of the slide, which connects with
the rack on the floor of the turret. A locking arrangement holds the
turn-table in the desired direction. The slide resting on its supports
rises to a much greater height than with broadside-carriages, and is
provided with a short stairway from the turn-table to the slide-top.
The carriage is similar to the ones heretofore described, except
that extra gearing is applied to the elevating apparatus to enable
it to be reached by the men standing on the turn-table. Chain-gear
similar to Scott’s in and out gear is used with the carriage. Instead
of a movable stirrup used to catch the chain, the upper part passes
through a slit in the rear transom of the carriage, so that when the
rear trucks are thrown in action teeth in it catch the chain. The
same style of compressor is used as is found with the 24-cm. carriage
previously described, except for the 19 cm. gun, which has the ordinary
cramp-compressor.
[7] See plate Part IV. French Barbette Turret.
[Illustration: Barbette Turret-Carriage.]
_Revolving-Slide Carriage._
The slide is a centre-pivot resting on a circular track and on four
rollers. It is traversed by a crank revolving gearing which works in a
circular rack around the outside of the roller-circle. The carriage is
similar to the ordinary type, except that it is much higher, in order
to allow a greater angle of depression to the gun. Instead of in and
out tackles, a runner is used which passes over a windlass fixed on the
rear slide-transom. This runner throws the rear trucks in action, and
then, according to its lead, runs the gun in or out. The elevating-gear
for the 16-cm. gun consists of a heavy cross-bar underneath the
breech, having sleeves at the extremities which clasp heavy upright
screws. By revolving these screws, the bar is carried up or down. The
elevating-gear for the 14-cm. gun is the old-fashioned telescopic
elevating-screw.
[Illustration: Training-Gear for Centre-Pivot.]
[Illustration: Elevating-Gear for Centre-Pivot Carriage.]
_Directing-Bar Carriage._
The carriage proper is of the ordinary rear-chock or Marsilly
type, which when run out for firing is lifted from the deck on a
slide or chariot, so that it may be easily and quickly trained.
The chariot consists of a broad, short front-piece, mounted on two
rollers; projecting forward from it is a pivot-flap which secures
by a pivot-bolt just underneath the port, the rollers being canted
for traversing about the pivot. Projecting to the rear from this
front-piece is a tongue made of =T= iron, which is supported at its
rear end on two trucks which are canted like the forward ones for
traversing. When the carriage is run in, its rear end comes flush with
the end of this tongue, and the forward trucks rest on the deck. In
running out, however, two small rollers on the axle, inside of the
brackets, catch on and mount two inclined planes which slope back from
the top rear of the chariot, thus lifting the carriage completely
from the deck. A breeching is used with this carriage, its bight
going around a =B= block on the front of the chariot. There is also a
friction compressor at the rear of the brackets, the compressor plates
taking against the sides of the =T= iron, which are filled out with
wood for that purpose. The forward edge of the =B= block serves as a
hurter in running out. In all other respects the carriage is similar to
the ordinary broadside rear-chock carriage. It is used on upper decks
of large ships for light guns.
_Four-Truck Carriage and Rear-Chock Carriage._
These are of the general type of old-fashioned wooden carriages.
_Gun-Boat Carriages and Boat-Carriages._
These carriages are of the old-fashioned type. The former is the slide
pattern, its only peculiarity being that its forward and rear rollers
can be revolved for transportation on a vertical pivot. The carriage
has no rear trucks.
[Illustration: Directing-Bar Carriage.]
[Illustration: Boat-Carriage.]
The carriage is provided with holding-down clips, and the recoil is
checked by a breeching whose ends are made fast to the brackets, the
bight passing around a bollard on the forward transom of the slide.
_Mountain-Carriage._
The mountain-carriage is similar to the English field-carriage except
the elevating-gear, which consists of a plain elevating-screw to which
a hand-wheel and pinion gear.
_Mitrailleuse Saddle._
This consists of a pillar whose lower end ships in a socket in the
ship’s rail, and whose upper end branches into a fork to support the
trunnions. A longitudinal support projects from the pillar, which
holds a pivoted arm by means of a clamp. This gives a quick motion for
elevating or depressing. The end of the pivoted arm holds an ordinary
elevating-screw for slow motion.
_Hotchkiss Saddle._ See United States Gun-Carriages.
GUNPOWDER.
The gunpowder used in the French service is classified according to the
size of grain.
_Wetteren powder_, named from the place of manufacture in Belgium, is a
large-grained cubical powder used in guns of the model 1870.
_Ripault powder_, named from its place of manufacture in France, is an
ordinary-sized cannon powder used in all guns, except the above.
_Hunting powder_ is a small-grained, highly-glazed powder used in
revolver cartridges.
_B powder_, of a slightly larger grain than the hunting, is used in
Chassepot rifle cartridges.
_Musket powder_ is used in the manufacture of primers, fuses, and
signals.
CARTRIDGES.
Cartridge-bags are made either of parchment or serge. For the smaller
calibres they are of parchment.
Each cartridge is marked in black with the calibre of the gun for which
it is intended, the weight of charge, monogram of the place where it
was filled, and date of filling.
Cartridges are kept aboard ship in brass or copper tanks of various
forms having water-tight covers.
PROJECTILES.
The projectiles used in the French Navy are shot, shell and case-shot.
There are two kinds of shot, cylindrical and ogivo-cylindrical,
corresponding to the shape of the head; the cylindrical being used only
in the calibres above 19 cm. They are all steel. The ogivo-cylindrical
shot are used in all calibres above 14 cm., and are either of steel or
chilled cast-iron. Shell are of cast-iron, and are similar in shape to
the ogival shot.
[Illustration: Projectiles, Model 1864. Armor-Shot. Shell. Solid Shot.]
[Illustration: Projectiles, Model 1870. Armor-Shot. Shell. Solid Shot.]
These projectiles are differently mounted for the different models.
For the model 1870 the mounting consists of a forward ring of zinc or
cast-iron just back of the shoulder of the shell, slightly smaller than
the diameter of the bore across the lands. Its object is simply to keep
the forward end of the projectile centred. A rear ring of copper, of
a diameter slightly greater than that of the bore across the grooves.
This ring brings up in its seat in the shot-chamber, and on firing the
bands are scored and rotate the projectile. Around the surface of this
ring are two or three grooves, cut to receive the metal displaced by
the lands on firing. These projectiles carry at their base a light wire
grommet to facilitate handling them.
For the model 1864-67 the projectiles are provided with studs, there
being two rows. The forward studs take in the grooves and give the
twist to the projectile; the rear ones hold the base of the projectile
centred, and according to the calibre of the piece they travel in the
grooves or on the lands. For the heavy projectiles, where the rear
studs travel on the lands, there are provided three small intermediate
studs which bring up in false grooves provided for the purpose, keeping
the projectile from going too far forward in the bore when loading.
These studs are sheared off on firing. The studs are made either of
zinc or bronze. Projectiles for the bronze muzzle-loaders are similar
to the model 1864.
Case-shot are of the ordinary type, and have neither studs nor belts.
Sea-weed wads are used with all projectiles except those of the model
1870. These are used in order that the powder-charge may act with a
more gradual effect on the projectile at the start. Placed between the
charge and the projectile, their rapid compression gives room for the
powder to expand and burn more slowly at the first instant.
FUSES.
Percussion fuses are used in all shell except the 25-pdr. and 8-pdr.
boat-guns, which use time-fuses.
The percussion fuse consists of a hollow cylindrical bronze body having
a solid conical head. At the bottom of the cylinder is screwed a copper
firing-pin. The centre of the cylinder is occupied by a brass plunger
carrying a charge of hunting powder. The forward end of this plunger
carries a wooden plug which is hollow and filled with detonating
composition. The plunger is held in position by two iron pins upon
which the base rests, and two leaden stops through the wall of the fuse
entering the shell of the plunger. These stops are not broken by the
start of the projectile, but by its shock on striking an object. The
bottom of the fuse, being covered by shellac-paper, is blown away by
the charge of powder in the plunger, and the flame is communicated to
the charge.
[Illustration: Percussion Fuse.]
[Illustration: Time-Fuse.]
The time-fuse for boat-guns consists of a brass body having two
longitudinal chambers for fuse-composition columns of different times
of burning. For the 23-pdr. the times correspond to 1500 and 3000
metres; for the 8-pdr. they correspond to 1100 and 2200 metres. The
longer column is always uncapped on loading. The different times are
distinguishable by the difference in the caps. That for the long time
is of wire; for the short time it is of leather covered with a red
wafer.
PRIMERS.
The primers are of two kinds, percussion and friction. The former seal
the vent entirely on firing, and are only used in guns having vents
through the breech-block (Model 1870). Friction primers are used in all
guns having vertical vents.
The percussion primer consists of a body of brass or copper, slightly
conical and having a solid head. Into this body screws a small steel
anvil carrying an ordinary percussion-cap, which, when the anvil is
screwed home, bears against the primer-head. The remainder of the body
is filled with fine hunting powder, and the bottom is closed by a
shellacked wafer.
[Illustration: Quill Primer.]
[Illustration: Percussion Primer.]
The friction primer consists of two quill tubes, the lower and larger
one being filled with fine musket powder, the bottom being sealed with
wax. The upper is filled with fulminating composition, and has passing
through its centre a brass friction-wire corrugated along its length.
The exterior of the wire is formed in a loop for hooking on the firing
laniard. The upper part of the primer is closed by a block of wood
forming a fairleader for the friction-wire. A small independent loop is
attached to the head of the primer, by which it may be withdrawn from
the vent without touching the friction-wire.
SIGHTS.
The sights used in the French Navy are all side-sights, and for the
most part the tangent-sights are inclined at a permanent angle.
The front-sights are conical in shape, and are screwed into the
rim-bases.
The tangent-sights are square in section, working in boxes screwed
to the face of the breech. They are graduated to full and half
cable-lengths (200 and 100 metres). As a rule, guns are sighted on the
left side, although provision is made for a right tangent and front
sight. Sights are graduated on the left side for shell and on the right
for shot, the graduations being all carried across the rear face. In
general there is a short and a long sight, the long one being used for
distances greater than 30 cables (6000 metres).
ACCESSORIES.
The loading-plate is a plate which attaches to the breech of the gun
when the breech-block is open; along the bottom of this plate is a
groove which forms a prolongation of the bottom groove of the gun (not
applicable to model 1870); the projectile being hoisted to the level of
the bore is landed on this plate, and is then in position to be rammed
home. For small projectiles this plate serves as a shell-bearer for
transporting projectiles, being provided with side handles.
The shell is brought to the loading-plate on covered decks by means of
a tackle appended to a roller working on a traveller. The projectile
being hoisted from the deck is pushed along on the traveller to the
plate. In turrets the projectile is hoisted and swung by means of a
davit.
The passing-box for the cartridge is made of leather with an ordinary
close leather cover.
The rammer and sponge are of the old-fashioned type.
In calibres of a nature above 16-cm. a leather guard is always used
in loading, to cover the gas-check and prevent injury from shocks in
loading.
A system of guards against firing the gun before the breech-block is
entirely closed is attached to the breech or the breech-block. In guns
of the model 1864 the guard consists of a small hollow cylinder with
funnel-shaped ends, acting as a sort of fairleader for the firing
laniard. On the laniard itself are worked three turk’s-heads which,
when the laniard is rove through the fairleader and hooked to the
primer, come forward of the forward edge. A small spring is attached
to the closing-stop of the handle, which projects into the funnel and
will not permit the laniard to pass. When the breech is closed, the
crank pressing against the closing-stop pushes back the spring and
allows a free passage to the laniard. In guns of the model 1870 the
guard consists of a small disc which slides over the vent when the
breech-block is opened, and remains there so that a primer cannot be
inserted until the block is closed _and locked_.
GERMAN ORDNANCE.
A = Over all.
B = Rifled Bore.
C = Powder Chamber.
---------------------------+--------+--------------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | LENGTH.
CLASSIFICATION. | +-----+-------+------
|Calibre.| A | B | C
| | | |
---------------------------+--------+-----+-------+------
| In. | In. | In. | In.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm. hooped | 12 | 264 | 172 | 54.7
28 cm., hooped and tubed| 11.15 | 240 | 171 | 46.1
28 ” hooped | 10.34 | 240 | 171 | 46.1
26 ” long hooped | 10.24 | 225 | 138.5 | 55.3
26 ” short ” | 10.24 | 205 | 128 | 42.1
24 ” long ” | 9.27 | 206 | 136 | 38.4
24 ” short ” | 9.27 | 185 | 115.4 | 38.4
21 ” long ” | 8.24 | 185 | 124.6 | 33.7
21 ” short ” | 8.24 | 154 | 96.8 | 31.4
17 ” long ” | 6.8 | 167 | 107.5 | 40.8
17 ” short ” | 6.8 | 134 | 92.0 | 24.7
17 ” short, light hooped| 6.8 | 136 | 92.7 | 25.7
15 ” long hooped | 5.87 | 152 | 105.8 | 27
15 ” short ” | 5.87 | 129 | 86.8 | 28.5
15 ” tubed | 5.87 | 128 | 86.8 | 23.5
12 ” hooped | 4.74 | 115 | 85.7 | 14.7
8 ” heavy | 3.19 | 76 | 57.6 | 8.4
8 ” light | 3.19 | 76 | 57.6 | 8.4
8 ” | 2.20 | 62 | 45.9 | 7.7
4 ” | 1.54 | 69 | 54.7 | 9
---------------------------+--------+-----+-------+------
D = Number of Grooves.
E = Twist of Rifling.
F = Gun, including Breech-block.
G = Breech-block.
---------------------------+----+------+------------
NAME, NATURE, AND | | | WEIGHT.
CLASSIFICATION. | | +------+-----
| D | E | F | G
| | | |
---------------------------+----+------+------+------
| |Calib.| Lbs. | Lbs.
Krupp’s pattern steel Breech-loaders.
30½ cm. hooped | 72 | 45 |78,980|2,970
28 cm., hooped and tubed| 36 | 70 |60,500|2,244
28 ” hooped | 36 | 70 |60,500|2,244
26 ” long hooped | 36 | 50 |48,400|1,980
26 ” short ” | 36 | 50 |39,600|1,980
24 ” long ” | 32 | 70 |34,100|1,375
24 ” short ” | 32 | 65 |31,900|1,375
21 ” long ” | 30 | 68 |21,450| 858
21 ” short ” | 30 | 59 |19,800| 858
17 ” long ” | 30 | 45 |12,320| 495
17 ” short ” | 30 | 59 |11,000| 484
17 ” short, light hooped| 30 | 45 | 7,590| 411
15 ” long hooped | 24 | 45 | 8,800| 319
15 ” short ” | 24 | 68 | 7,700| 319
15 ” tubed | 24 | 65 | 7,040| 391
12 ” hooped | 18 | 60 | 3,014| 178
8 ” heavy | 12 | 46 | 714| 64
8 ” light | 12 | 46 | 650| 64
8 ” | 12 | 46 | 500| 55
4 ” | 12 | 70 | 156| 9
---------------------------+----+------+------+-----