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Want any info on these W. R. A. Co. cartridges. Got them with a pile of junk. Note the left one has a W on primer, right one has a dimple on primer. I doubt that is a misfire but not 
sure.
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The shell with the copper primer has the No. 2 Improved primer and along with having a head stamp dates its any where from 1885-1894. It could be a reload and the dimple in the primer is from it being seated by a loading tool. But hard to say for certain.
The other shell having the primer marked with a ‘W’ makes it post 1894. I would need to research further but I believe they changed some details on the head stamp after 1932 with the Western take over. So I don’t think its any later than then. There may also be something about the head stamp that would further date it.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Thank you maverick. I don’t know if you caught the 44 numeral with serifs as opposed to the one without. Does that affect dating? Don
I’ll have to dig out Shuey’s Head Stamp book to see if he mentions anything about it.
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
I’m having a hard time seeing the serifs, as I was looking for them, specifically for the reason I think that you might have mentioned it.
I am in agreement with Maverick, as the time period that it appears you’re cartridges are from. He is definitely very knowledgeable on Cartridges and Loading tools.
Here’s a link that Was posted here by another member, Bryan Austin, who has done a lot of research and time spent on these cartridges. It’s very interesting, in itself!
https://www.44-40.org/w-c-f-history
Anthony
Anthony, thank you for the link. Maybe serif is the wrong word. I was referring to the little base line across the bottom of the 4s.
As to the link I think my cartridges are #35 & 55 (with my old eyes and magnifying glass).
Hope for more cmments, nDon
Don,
I think you’re choice is pretty good on the two cartridges you picked out in, #35, and #55.
It is my understanding that the serif term is a pretty accurate term, used for those lines at the bottom of the caliber .44 numeral on you’re cartridges.
It noticeable that they we’re used in more than one illustration, of the .44 WCF cartridges.
There is still more ongoing research and sought out information, on this early cartridge, and it’s more later .44 caliber development cartridges.
Anthony
Good morning Anthony,
I noticed the other cartridges with same headstamp but the bullets didn’t seem to match. I sat with my magnifying glass last night and they seemed to match those in the link.
Also. I am going to bring a box of odds and ends cartridges to Cody to dispose of along with a buttstock, hammer and trigger for a model 1890.
I will probably bring my 9422 casecolored trapper.
Hope to see you there along with others. Don
Don,
Unfortunately I can’t make Cody this year, but it looks and sounds like a great gathering of note worthy collectors are planning on the trek!
I’m sure more than Several will be on hand, to help you out in you’re quest to either find out more, and or dispose of any thing that you have and want to part with.
Anthony
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