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Was wondering if there are any serious Winchester Cartridge Box collectors on the forum?
Or Winchester ammo collectors in general whether single cartridges or full wood crate box collectors on the forum?
Reason I’m asking, was wanting to know more on what the difference in value a Empty Cartridge box holds verses Full boxes verses Partial boxes?
And just wanting to converse on the topic.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 7, 2015
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Awesome “little” collection, Clarence. I’m not an active cartridge or box collector but have accumulated a few over the years. I find both very interesting but I can understand why a collector would prefer one over the other, Maverick. I always thought you were a bit of a cartridge collector.
Mike
Brady,
I collect full boxes, partial boxes, and individual (single) cartridges of “W.R.A.Co.” origin. Full boxes with original cartridges always bring top dollar, followed by partially filled boxes with original cartridges. The higher condition that the boxes and cartridges are in, the better the $$$. That stated, the value is also highly dependent on the specific cartridge, and when they were manufactured. Empty boxes have value, but typically only for the higher condition specimens.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’ve collected mostly full boxes and the bulk of them are in the 73 calibers some 44 flats.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob,
I’ve always admired you’re dedication to the model 73 and it’s accoutrements. Nice ammo collection.
To answer Maverick’s question above, I agree with Bert’s comment whole heatedly, as like many others the Winchester Cartridges in Full Boxes will always bring more especially in the better condition. As many of us can attest to Ward’s auction and what some of those full “Mint”, specimens go for.
Just my two cents, 
Anthony
I have seen full wood crates of early Winchester ammo only a few times at gun shows over the years. These were unopened boxes of black powder 44 in the crate for more money than the sum of the individual boxes. They did not sell quickly and in two cases the party was soon selling single boxes out of the crate. In one case the party was later selling a partial crate for more money the the sum of the boxers inside and it sold. An auction would have been the best way to sell an idem of that value.
As a collector of early Winchesters I understand the value of a nice box of period original ammo to display with a gun, but the full crate is out of my price range. I would sooner buy another gun. I’ll leave the serious ammo purchases to the ammo collectors and they are out there. T/R
Let me add, a crate of vintage shotgun shells doesn’t get quite as high a rating from me, but still very very cool.
With the steady passage of time (and collectors) it seems to me that interest in single cartridge collecting has steadily decreased. More than many other vintage items. When I see cartridge dealers set-up at gunshows with bins of single cartridges, it seems they see very little action. While very rare items still have appeal, the more common vintage cartridges see little interest. Starting as a boy, I began collecting one of everything. I suspect it’s been a long time since boys started on that same path.
I have around 200 vintage boxes of ammunition. Lots of stuff for the 1873 and 1876 models. I also have several wooden crates, .44 WCF, .38WCF and others. I agree with Bert and others. The RARE calibers will always sell well, in my opinion. It used to be that a guy would pass up a box if all the ammo wasn’t native to the box. Now it seems that if the headstamps are the same on all cartridges and proper for the era, it still counts as a full box, even if some of the cartridges were added. This is especially true on the rare calibers.
I don’t have as many boxes as Rick but I do have dozens. I’ve seen empty Henry boxes sell for $4000. With the correct ammo they can bring $10,000. Full 100 round Henry boxes will cost over $25,000 if you could find one. There are a few single cartridges that can cost as much as $1000.
I have a singles collection starting with the Volcanic. The only one I’m missing is a WRACO 50-105. I love to sort through boxes of singles at the gun shows looking for the gems. In Greeley I bought a Franford Arsenal box of 45-55 carbine. It will go with my military Hotchkiss carbine. I also bought 2 partial boxes of Reminton/UMC gamegetter ammo for a friend. He has been trying to fill a box. Now he has a full box, a partial and an empty.
A lot of people never think about how fragile the paper products are. It is hard to find these items in great condition.
TXGunNut said
I’m not an active cartridge or box collector but have accumulated a few over the years. I find both very interesting but I can understand why a collector would prefer one over the other, Maverick. I always thought you were a bit of a cartridge collector.Mike
Well as far as accoutrements go, I’m more into the Reloading Tools and Bullet Molds. And like yourself have accumulated a few over the years, in regards to a few boxes and single cartridges.
That said, I’m tending of late to start to branch more into the cartridge boxes. As I find that other than the real rare stuff, I’ve got a decent handle on the tools.
But don’t get me wrong, I like it all, that is in regard to WINCHESTER!
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
I have about 200 filled Winchester cartridge boxes up to the 40s in my collection. Plus about 100 boxes from other manufacturers. I also have about 50 empty boxes, so I have a small collection of everything. My showpiece is a full box of 44 Henry from the Henry Repeating Arms in good condition.
Greetings from Germany
Steff
I am still looking for an empty box of 32 Winchester Special and a red box for 30-30 full metal jacket, I have the cartridges for it. Maybe someone can help me with that?
November 7, 2015
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Maverick said
TXGunNut said
I’m not an active cartridge or box collector but have accumulated a few over the years. I find both very interesting but I can understand why a collector would prefer one over the other, Maverick. I always thought you were a bit of a cartridge collector.
Mike
Well as far as accoutrements go, I’m more into the Reloading Tools and Bullet Molds. And like yourself have accumulated a few over the years, in regards to a few boxes and single cartridges.
That said, I’m tending of late to start to branch more into the cartridge boxes. As I find that other than the real rare stuff, I’ve got a decent handle on the tools.
But don’t get me wrong, I like it all, that is in regard to WINCHESTER!
Sincerely,
Maverick
I have no idea if my small collection is worth anything to a collector, quite honestly I’m surprised I didn’t shoot it up years ago. Took some old .22’s to the range a year or so ago and my buddy told me my “plinking” ammo was too valuable to shoot. Had no idea.
Is it my imagination or have Winchester moulds and reloading tools gone up dramatically? I used to buy them just for eye candy/conversation pieces but when I see them today they want $150 or better for well-worn specimens. A useable example is often twice that and some are much more.
Mike
TXGunNut said Is it my imagination or have Winchester moulds and reloading tools gone up dramatically? I used to buy them just for eye candy/conversation pieces but when I see them today they want $150 or better for well-worn specimens. A useable example is often twice that and some are much more.
If you’re looking on eBay, you’re correct regarding the Asking Price having gone up. But I’m not so sure the selling price has actually gone up that much.
There are plenty of people on eBay that think they have a Gold bar when all they got is Iron Pyrite. Some of these people just don’t have a clue.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Online
I too am a cartridge box collector / addict. I like to collect vintage W.R.A. Co. ammo to go along with like chamberings of my Winchester rifles. Here are some photos of my collection. I’m picky, so all are full of their correct native cartridges–a few are still factory sealed (which I find amazing being 100+ years old). I especially like the odd calibers, like the .40-75-260 and the .45-85-350, and also the short-range boxes. Also have an addiction to original Winchester catalogs–the one in the photo is my favorite (November, 1894–the first issue offering the “New Model 1894” on the back cover). I have them all displayed in these cases on my coffee table. Photos are a bit fuzzy due to being under glass.
Don
I love the Coffee Table Display idea. That is a nice way to do it.
Just be sure not to spell your coffee onto the table! Those are some dandies.
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
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