1873-WWII
Black Powder
1873-1874
Black Powder
One of at least three known examples; For less than a year this was a Milbank primed cartridge, However...this box and one other box actually contain unheadstamped boxer primed cartridges patented in 1874. It was reported that the third box only had eight to ten unheadstamped boxer primed cartridges. Interesting how a manufactured "dimpled" primer would look just like a "spent" primer as noted on the bullet photo on the label. It is also reported that a second order of Winchester rifles were put on hold until the new boxer primed cartridges could be available to the customers.
First style cartridge box. Box is unsealed with only a top label. NOTE the Milbank Primer on the picture
Although this is the first style box with Milbank primers on box photo, cartridges in the box are boxer primed and without a headstamp.
1874-1876
Black Powder
(top label wraps around right side top)
The Second Box "Green Label" wraps around the right side of the box but remains on the lid. These boxes were not sealed.
This Green Label contains the "Raised" unheadstamped cartridges. The only information that shows what rifle the cartridge is used is the typical wording on the cartridge photo, "Model Winchester 1873". This changed slighter later on.
1876-1877
Black Powder
(Label on top side only, with addition of side seal label)
Factory boxes were not sealed until the mid 1870's according to Giles and Shuey. This run of labels were the same as the 1874-1876 labels with the exception that the label does not wrap around the right. Added is the side label that also acted as a seal.
Second style box, first variation with top label and sealed side label.
This is the first style side seal used on Winchester's 44 WCF boxes. They wrap around both sides and each end as one piece.
1877-1883
Black Powder
The third label was used and stayed fairly unchanged with the exception of some small details until the late 1890's. One obvious feature was the unheadstamped cartridge photo.
1884-1890's
Black Powder
1884 is the year Winchester started headstamping their cartridge cases with the initials "W.R.A. Co. 44 W.C.F." which can be seen on the cartridge photo on the box. The word "Model" on the cartridge photo was replaced with the number "44". Note the Serifs on the W's on the headstamps. A clue of the earliest headstamp fonts. Another option was the rare Blue Label.
ORIGINAL EARLY WINCHESTER 44-40 WOODEN AMMUNITION CRATES WITH 40 TWO PIECE BOXES OF AMMO. Cal. 44-40. 14.5" X 11.5" X 8" Dovetailed. Same as above but this is for two crates, I think were to be shipped to a Doctor Cuba. I have the information and photos on file somewhere. I will update when I get to them. James D Julian Auctions
**UPDATE 11-26-2023
I want to share a little detail I found out about the ammunition crates sold by James D Julian Auctions a couple of years ago.
As per the auctioneer the letter on the box transcribe to:
"Metallic Cartridges Manufactured By The WINCHESTER Repeating Arms Co New Haven, Conn. U.S.A.” on both long sides
Ends are embossed “WINCHESTER” “2000” “44 W.C.F.”
Top is stenciled “GOBIERNO” (?) “DE” “NICARAGUA” “Dr. Sacasa. # 22”
The first two points are clear I guess. But the last one is interesting.
"GOBIERNO DE NICARAGUA" translates to GOVERNMENT OF NICARAGUA. No need for a "?" there.
"Dr. Sacasa" might be Roberto Sacasa y Sarria who was a doctor and president of Nicaragua, two times: 5th of August 1889 to 1st of January 1891. And shortly after from 1st of March 1891 till 1st Juni 1893.
His presidentship was ended with a revolt. Did he see it coming and ordered at least 2,000, perhaps 44,000 cartridges? Perhaps 44,000 if #22 means "crate number twenty two of at least twenty two crates"?
I don't know if this is reasonable, but at least it sounds okay to me.
All the best and so long, (a.k.a.) "Suitcase-Bronco"
The "44" replaced the word "Model" during 1884
1884-1890's
Black Powder
The very rare Blue Label.
If under any box lid one finds the blue label with the words "...Anson Mills Woven Cartridge Belt", this should rule out a manufacture date before 1880.
Anson Mills Cartridge Belt - This is an original 44-40 belt. Current price on ebay (2021, been there a while) is $585.
If you are interested in a replica for about $85, call or email David Carrico. Comes with either the US or Remington Dog buckle. Mine is like this but with the dog and thumb cut-outs...see photos below
Carrico's Leatherworks LLC, 811 5000 Road, Edna, KS 67342, 620-922-7222, www.carricoleather.com
Carrico's Leatherworks LLC, 811 5000 Road, Edna, KS 67342, 620-922-7222, www.carricoleather.com
1891-1892
Black Powder
For Colt's Revolver
For whatever reason Winchester offered this 44 Caliber for Colt's revolver between 1891 and 1892. Valued at between $10,000 and $15,000
Those Colorful Winchester Cartridge Box Lables
Before we continue I wanted to insert a little information on the box top labels. To keep folks from getting confused on what was what, they ingeniously colored the labels. The following is from Giles & Shuey
Green - Black Powder - Lead
Red - Smokeless - Lead or Soft Point
Orange - Smokeless - Full Patch
Yellow - Smokeless - Soft Point - High Velocity
Lavender/Pink - Smokeless - Full Patch - High Velocity
Gray/Gray-Green - Lesmok - Any
Tan, red print - Smokeless - Any Blank or Proof Loadings
Tan, black print - Black Powder / New Primed Empties - Blank, Military, Special order loadings
1900-1905
Black Powder
Winchester made some very noticeable call-out and design changes to the black powder labels. Only the word "Cartridges" remains in an arc design. Another change was the "Central Fire" call-out was changed to "Center Fire" , and the addition of the trade-mark info.
1906-1909
Black Powder
The top label appears unchanged but the end labels change a little during this time. Winchester brings back the "WRACo" logo on one end and later adds the "Trade Mark" (not shown here) inserted between Winchester and the cartridge on the other end. Winchester was reported to start dating their labels in 1906 but I do not see a date on this offering...top or sides.
This 1907 dated label shows some more changes. The "Cartridges" call-out is no longer arched and other fancy designs are nearly gone.
The Red "W" is now stamped over the cartridge photo on the end labels and the Trade Mark can be seen un the "Winchester" name.
1910-1912
Black Powder
This great example from Wade Payne's collection shows yet more changes and additions to the call-outs.
Top Label Oct 1911
Side Label Oct 1912, one year apart
Another Oct 1911 top label
By the time the top label is dated 1912, the call-outs have changed
1911-1912
"Lesmok"
By 1912 the call-outs have gone crazy and are now very "busy" with all the legal mumbo jumbo. Also offered was the black powder/smokeless powder known as "Lesmok". Lesmok was tailored more for black powder firearms. Cleaner burning at about the same pressures.
April 1911
Feb 1912
1913-1919
Black Powder
A very nice example showing a Nov 1915 top label and Oct 1915 side label.
The end labels show the red W and cartridge with a "44 Winchester" call-out.
This Nov 1915 top label has a Jan 1919 side label.
Jan 1919 side label.
This Jan 1919 top label has the same date as the above 1915's side label.
1920-WWII
Black Powder
K4406T and Export Boxes
Black powder boxes were reported advertised until I think the 1930's but were still sold up to WWII. During WWI, smokeless powder boxes were shipped to England but during WWII, the K4406T boxes should be black powder. It was reported that all black powder loads were export options only. All export options are still a bit confusing to me. These export options still confuse me because they were smokeless powder during WWI to the British military and I really don't know why black powder options would be exported during WWII. Military use, Civilian use??
This black powder box top label is dated Feb 1926 but we don't have a side label to confirm a "packaged" date.
This could be an undated 1920's era top label and side label BUT has a 1927 era "Oilproof" call-out on the side label.
Typically a 1920's era black powder box. The "Oilproof" call-out was reported not seen until at least 1927.
Meanwhile this undated 1920's era top label has a K Code side label as well as a 1927 era "Oilproof" call-out. The K4406T should confirm black powder and not a WWI smokeless powder export.
The K Code should be after 1920. The K4406T was for black powder loads. The "Oilproof" was reported not reported seen until at least 1927 and
It would appear that black powder loads were no longer advertised after the 30's or so but were sold up until WWII, The export of black powder loads may have continued through WWII, I just can not confirm such information after the WWI smokeless option. The K Code, K4406T is in the lower right corner of these top labels.
1928-1958 Winchester began dating their boxes in a code format and repeated the code every ten years. This code was typically stamped in ink on the inside of the flap.
Pre-"1959" - Some of these "Design Dates" had names and below are some of those names.
"1928", "1932", "1939", "1945" and "1946". The Western "Bullseye" box style closes out the pre-1960 style boxes.