Winchester Sample?|Winchester Memorabilia|Forum|Winchester Collector

Stan,

What you have is a Winchester Salesman Case for selling Winchester’s line of Paper & Brass Shot Shells, Wads, & Primers. 

I can generally date your case based on what I can make out from the shells that are in in the case and the wording lithographed on the display case. They made this style Blue Salesman Case from anywhere from 1884 to 1894. One fact that puts it in that range is the Winchester “STAR” line brand of Paper Shot Shells. They were made from 1884 – 1894. The “Rival” line brand continued until 1897. But they changed the salesman cases in 1894 when the Leader & Blue Rival shells were introduced replacing the STAR shell.

Your case appears to missing one of the salesman primer tin examples. I’ve seen early cases will have all of the primers with the glass see through covers, as found with your one tin. The other tins with paper labels are most likely original, as I’ve also seen later made cases that have the tins with paper labels as well. Your case is slightly weathered compared to some of the other cases I’ve seen auctioned, but being 130+ years old. The fact it exists at all is a solid plus for it.

There might be some way to date it further based on what details can be determined from the head stamps of the shells. But that is about the gest of it. 

Here is an example in better condition.

Here is an example that was made after the year 1894.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Maverick