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Historical packaging
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DEEREHART
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September 29, 2026 - 3:47 am
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Lou’s big score on the wooden crate got me wondering as to how individual rifles were shipped in the 1860s up until “cardboard” became the norm.

I have seen wooden crates for quantities of 10 for 1892s and 1894s. I would assume cardboard became the go to in the 20s to 30s unless it was a heavy or special.

 Assume that rifles when in the warehouse were stored in upright racks until sent to shipping. From there they would be packaged and shipped to the necessary destination.

Was there a simple wooden crate made for each rifle? What would they have used to protect the finish (felt, canvas)? How did they protect from moisture.

There must be at least a few that have survived.

 Thoughts

 Doug

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Bert H.
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September 29, 2026 - 4:03 am
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Wood crates were used well into the 1950s for the 10-gun shipments.

This crate held (10) Model 94 Carbines in the 1.73-million serial number range.

GBtTNQv6uGncsgN7seZmCmzJ.jpegkSA95CYsgSOPljECACR02sKd.jpegModel-94-Case-No.-7457Y.jpegNddwXmREiFrlw00EoCxl3f8F.jpegQQrUi2dShsQGiJfPkU99xss8.jpegqUfV8v8kmNnChO-BPvthYHDK.jpeg

 

Bert

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JWA
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September 29, 2026 - 4:09 am
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Bert is correct, I have a Model 69A Match rifle 10-gun crate from circa 1951 that came with 10 Model 69’s in individual cardboard boxes, shipped together in the 10-gun crate with a similar label as Bert’s.  

I see your point though as anything pre-1890 was mostly in crates and curious to hear some of the other answers.

FWIW, here is a first year 1890 (solid frame) with the original (single) shipping crate.

Best Regards,

pix039937287.jpgpix179985810.jpgpix595408826.jpgpix736274640.jpgpix956195616.jpgpix968694725.jpg

WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire

http://rimfirepublications.com/  

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Brad Dunbar
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September 29, 2026 - 6:09 pm
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Here is a photo from the Model 1895 book that we received from the National History Museum of Latvia.

This information was intially provided, and I think we found out a little more for the caption:

Soldiers of the First Daugavgrīva Latvian Riflemen Battalion receiving cases of ten each Winchester Model 1895 Muskets, ca. 1915, photographer unknown, holdings of National History Museum of Latvia.

DSCN7309.jpg

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Brad Dunbar

http://1895book.com/

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