Gun Collectors Dream Auction #86 Collector Auction
Lot 1003:
Description
This lot features a vintage two-piece green cardboard ammunition box containing a total of 50 rounds of .38 Long Colt caliber cartridges. Manufactured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the box is a collectible example intended for use in period double-action revolvers. The cartridges consist of brass casings and lead round-nose bullets. This is a mixed lot of vintage ammunition with various headstamps visible on the included rounds. The primary green top label is printed in black ink and identifies the contents as 50 .38 CAL. LONG, COLT’S CENTRAL-FIRE CARTRIDGES and includes the manufacturer attribution MANUFACTURED BY THE UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN., U.S.A. Prominent markings include a script endorsement from Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co. stating These Cartridges are expressly adapted to the .38 calibre Colt’s Double Action Revolver. Further markings on the side labels specify the ammunition is Adapted to Colt’s and other Revolvers. Visible headstamps on the individual cartridges include U.M.C. .38 LONG, W.R.A. CO. .38 L. for Winchester Repeating Arms Co., and PETERS .38 LONG. The underside of the box features a printed guarantee for the ammunition’s use in firearms from makers including Colt, Winchester, Marlin, Smith & Wesson, and Remington. Note – As an antique or black powder firearm, this item does not require a background check.
Condition report:
The cardboard box is in fair to good condition for its age, displaying typical surface staining, edge scuffing, and two significant vertical strips of paper loss on the top label which partially obscure the text. The side labels remain mostly intact with some minor tearing at the edges. The 50 cartridges exhibit varying degrees of natural patination and oxidation to the lead bullets and brass casings consistent with long-term storage. The ammunition appears to be live but is sold strictly as a collectible item with no guarantee of functionality.
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