Gun Collectors Dream Auction #87 General Gun Auction
Lot 1573:
Description
This lot consists of a collection of 13 individual pieces of .50 BMG ammunition and brass casings primarily of United States manufacture during the World War II era. The group is comprised of nine loaded rounds and four M1 blank cartridges. The loaded ammunition includes six M2 ball rounds with plain copper-jacketed tips, two M1 tracer rounds featuring red-painted tips, and one M2 armor piercing cartridge identified by a black-painted tip. Verification of the headstamps identifies production from several major facilities, including DM 43 from the Des Moines Ordnance Plant, LC 43 and LC 44 from the Lake City Ordnance Plant, SL 43 and SL 44 from the St. Louis Ordnance Plant, TW 44 and TW 45 from the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, and RA 42 from Remington Arms. The brass cases exhibit varying degrees of surface tarnish, natural patina, and light oxidation consistent with their age, with localized areas of verdigris present on the metal surfaces. All primers remain intact and are seated within the primer pockets, and the lot is presented in loose condition.
Condition report:
The ammunition and casings are in good historical condition, exhibiting signs of age and storage wear appropriate for military surplus. The brass surfaces show a range of oxidation from dull yellow to dark brown patina, with minor verdigris present on several case mouths and bases. The colored lacquer on the tracer and armor-piercing projectiles remains largely intact with some expected surface abrasions and minor flaking. Primers are unspent and appear to be original to the cartridges. As these are vintage cartridges, they are sold for display purposes only and have not been function-tested.
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