Gun Collectors Dream Auction #86 Collector Auction
Lot 475:
Description
This lot consists of 63 rounds of vintage .22 caliber rimfire ammunition manufactured by the United States Cartridge Co. The grouping includes two partial boxes: one originally for 50 .22 Calibre Short smokeless rimfire cartridges and another for 50 .22 Calibre Winchester Auto cartridges designed for the Model 1903 automatic rifle. Both boxes contain copper-cased cartridges with round-nose lead bullets, and each casing features the prominent US headstamp. Key markings on the orange and blue labels include the caliber designations and the manufacturer’s name, transcribed as 50 .22 CALIBRE SHORT SMOKELESS RIM FIRE and UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO LOWELL MASS on the top box, while the bottom box specifies 50 .22 CALIBRE WINCHESTER AUTO FOR MODEL 1903 AUTOMATIC SMOKELESS RIM FIRE and UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO. NEW YORK, N. Y. MADE IN U.S.A. The reverse of the Winchester Auto box contains a guarantee label stating the cartridges were produced by skilled workmen and inspected by experts. The cartridges are loose within the cardboard containers, with the Short box retaining original cotton packing material.
Condition report:
The items exhibit age-appropriate wear throughout. The .22 Short box is in poor condition, showing significant tearing and a missing portion of the top surface. The .22 Winchester Auto box is in fair to good condition, showing edge wear and surface scuffing but remaining largely intact with clear text and graphics. The copper-cased cartridges display a light, aged patina but are free from major corrosion, greening, or damage to the lead projectiles. This ammunition is offered for sale as a collectible only; we have not function-tested these rounds for reliability or safety.
Share this lot:
