Lot 112:
A Lot of 161 Rounds of Montgomery Ward Wards Brand .22 Caliber Rimfire Ammunition
Sold for: $45
Description
This lot comprises a collection of 161 rounds of vintage Montgomery Ward Wards brand .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. The grouping includes four period boxes and sleeves featuring variants for .22 Short Long Range and .22 Long Rifle in both Hollow Point and Long Range configurations, all specified as lead lubricated. The packaging features the classic red, black, and tan Montgomery Ward U.S.A. design. Key markings transcribed from the boxes include Wards Long Range, Montgomery Ward U.S.A., and catalog numbers 60-1045, 60-907, and 60-905 on the end flaps. One item is presented as an empty outer sleeve for .22 Short. The cartridges themselves exhibit two distinct headstamp markings: a stylized M over W and a monogram appearing as EP or CP. The ammunition features brass casings and lead projectiles, with the hollow point variant featuring a recessed cavity in the bullet nose. This collection represents private-label ammunition manufactured for the prominent American retailer during the mid-20th century.
Condition report:
The cardboard boxes and sleeves are in fair vintage condition, showing typical shelf wear, corner crushing, edge fraying, and surface staining. The .22 Short sleeve has clear tape residue and reinforcement. One .22 Long Rifle box is an empty outer sleeve. The ammunition appears well-preserved for its age, with the brass casings showing a natural aged patina and the lead bullets exhibiting localized white oxidation or lead bloom. The ammunition is sold as a vintage collectible; while the rounds appear live, their functionality and reliability cannot be guaranteed.
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