Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Photo Gallery

James Burton Drawings

Drawings of James H. Burton

Back-Action Lock

Back-Action Lock with Maynard Tape System. This drawing exhibits a breech-block mechanism similar in appearance to that found on a Sharps rifle. Year: 1850. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10706; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13639.

Burton
Barrel Chamber

Rifle barrel chamber mechanism. This drawing show a cup mechanism (top) and a needlepoint which were designed to expand the base of the bullet into the barrel rifling. Year: 1850. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10730; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13646.

Burton
Barrel Machine

Machine for milling and chambering musket barrels, by James H. Burton, August 24, 1852. There are three spindles geared together, the center one driven by a belt and pulley. Year: 1852. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10752CT; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13635.

Burton
Belt Hammer

Belt hammer for bending barrel plates, by James H. Burton, April 17, 1852. Using a handle or lever, a workman could engage or disengage the machine to insert and remove his work. Year: 1852. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10750CT; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13637.

Burton
Drilling Machine

Drilling machine with three spindles, by James H. Burton, August 16, 1852. The drilling mechanism, which is belt-fed and stands upright, was probably used for locks and the like. Year: 1852. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10753CT; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13655.

Burton
Minie Rifle Bullet

Minie rifle bullet and Bullet for a la tige musket. The bullet on the left has a cup that fit into a hallowed out recess, designed to expand the bullet into the barrel rifling. Year: 1850. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10746CT; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13643.

Burton
Rifle Musket Ball

New rifle musket ball caliber 58-inch. This final version of the Minie bullet resulted from experiments conducted by James H. Burton at the Harpers Ferry Armory during the early 1850s. Year: 1855. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10712; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13645.

Burton
Stock House

Stock House showing proposed alteration for converting it into a workshop with the arrangement of water wheel, flume, main shafting etc., by Master Machinist A.M. Ball, July 17, 1858. Year: 1858. Image Credit: Smithsonian Neg. No. 91-10748CT; Harpers Ferry NHP Cat. No. 13694.

Burton

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James Burton Drawings

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