Here is what I was able to find regarding the patents:

563157 30/06/1896 GARDNER John Paper shell cartridge
http://www.google.com/patents?id=HIpgAAA...157&f=false

572888 08/12/1896 GARDNER John Primer for cartridges
http://www.google.com/patents/US572888?p...ven&f=false

645546 20/03/1900 BLANCH Herbert J. Shot cartridge
http://www.google.com/patents?id=0jFBAAA...546&f=false

http://damascus-barrels.com/uspatent.html

Pete