2-995-832 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Electric Target invented by Lieut. Chevalier, 1860. Self-recording target invented by Lieutenant Chevalier of the 1st West India Regiment, '...in use by Lord Ranelagh and the officers of the corps at Walham Green - his Lordship standing by the side of the indicator, resting his hand upon it, one of the corps being in the act of firing at the target in the distance. The position of the bullet is instantly known by the deflection of a needle on the face of the indicator...This indicator is connected to the target by means of one or two small electric wires. Each of the divisions of the target is in a state of insulation from a galvanic battery until hit, when immediately a 'circuit' or electric connection is made, and a current of electricity traverses the wire corresponding with the division hit, and it instantly causes one of the needles on the indicator to deflect and point which part of the target has been hit. Thus no markers, iron mantlets, poles, flags, &c., are required, and every one sees, by merely glancing at the indicator, which part of the target has been struck. Practice may be carried on with great rapidity, and without having to cease firing occasionally to recolour the target'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.