Gun Collectors Dream Auction #87 General Gun Auction
Lot 544:
Description
This lot consists of 47 rounds of vintage .38 S&W factory ammo manufactured by the United States Cartridge Company (USCCO). These centerfire pistol cartridges feature round-nose lead bullets seated in brass casings. The ammunition is housed in a white styrofoam tray within a plain white corrugated cardboard outer box. The rounds are primarily arranged head-up in the tray, with one complete cartridge displayed horizontally. Verbatim markings on the headstamps identify the manufacturer and caliber, reading U.S.C. CO. at the top and 38 S&W at the bottom. The components show significant signs of age, including a dark patina on the brass and grayish-white oxidation on the lead projectiles. This collection of cartridges serves as a notable example of early 20th-century production from a prominent defunct American manufacturer.
Condition report:
The brass casings exhibit a heavy dark patina and surface tarnish throughout. Several primers show visible signs of surface corrosion and discoloration. The lead bullets have developed a thick layer of grayish-white oxidation consistent with long-term storage and age. The styrofoam tray and cardboard box remain in stable condition with minor edge wear and light staining. While the cartridges appear to be live factory-loaded ammunition, we have not function-tested these rounds and they are sold for collecting purposes only.
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