Gun Collectors Dream Auction #86 Collector Auction
Lot 1087:
Description
A lot of 50 vintage Winchester .44 Winchester (.44-40 WCF) centerfire cartridges featuring 200-grain smokeless soft-point bullets. This ammunition was manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in New Haven, Connecticut, and is specifically chambered for use in Winchester Model 73 and 92 rifles along with other compatible rifles and revolvers. The lot consists of 50 cartridges featuring brass cases and copper-colored primers. Verbatim markings on the front of the red paper label include “50 .44 WINCHESTER SMOKELESS SOFT POINT,” “Center Fire Cartridges,” “200 Gr. Soft Point Bullets,” and “For Winchester Model 73 and 92 and other Rifles and Revolvers,” followed by the manufacturer name and “MADE IN U.S.A.” The box labels are marked with the codes “9-20” and “705 2-21,” likely indicating production and packaging dates. The cartridge headstamps are explicitly marked “W.R.A.CO. .44 W.C.F.” surrounding the primers. The cartridges are seated in an alternating pattern within the cardboard divider of the box.
Condition report:
The original two-piece red-labeled cardboard box is in poor to fair condition, exhibiting heavy wear, fraying, and significant paper loss at the corners and edges. Structural reinforcement has been added in the form of transparent adhesive tape applied horizontally and vertically across the box. The labels show surface abrasions, soiling, and fading but remain largely legible. The ammunition shows a varied aged patina across the brass casings and significant white oxidation (lead carbonate) on the exposed lead bullet tips. The cartridges appear to be live and suitable for display.
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