Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1475:
Description
This is a fantastic example of a vintage wooden ammunition crate from the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. (U.M.C.), based in Bridgeport, Conn., U.S.A. The finger-jointed box is stenciled with “U.M.C.,” “2,000,” “.38 S.&W. S.H.,” and “INSIDE LUBRICANT,” along with a stamped production date of “MAR. 26 97,” indicating March 26, 1897. This makes it an exceptional pre-20th-century piece of ammunition and advertising history. The side also clearly states “METALLIC CARTRIDGES MANUFACTURED BY THE UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. U.S.A.” The original paper label on the lid is a remarkable feature, advertising the “Percov’s Gun and Fur House” in Oshkosh, Wis., with images of guns and hair clippers, though it is significantly deteriorated and faded. The box has an internal divider and currently contains a collection of vintage blue paper shotgun shells (appearing to be 12-gauge) and a small box of what look like gun parts or wads. The overall condition is good, showing significant age and use appropriate for its 125+ years, with darkening, scratches, wear to the wood, and significant fading/deterioration of the paper label. H 8″, W 10″, D 10″. See photos. From the Western display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
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