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SHARPS RIFLE COMPANY GREEN LABEL 5 ROUND BOX OF .45- 2  6/10 INCH CALIBER PAPER PATCHED CARTRIDGES – COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL CARTRIDGES - FOR SHARPS RIFLES WITH AN EXCELLENT LABEL:  One of the earlier, and highly desirable boxes of cartridges produced by the Sharps Rifle Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this very collectable box for 5 .45-100 caliber, (also known as the 45 - 2 6/10”) cartridges loaded with paper patched bullets bears the desirable Sharps Rifle Company green label.  The Sharps Rifle Company introduced this cartridge in 1877, and this box of cartridges would have been available in the inventory of the dealers and hide buyers supplying the commercial buffalo hunters on the Western Frontier during the buffalo hunting era.   

As often seen on these early Sharps Company labeled boxes, the cartridge caliber and loading data has been crossed out and the caliber has been noted in period script written in pencil.  This practice was likely employed to use up available stocks of the boxes and labels as the company struggled with its financial situation.   

As the company was effectively out of business in early 1881, boxes of this cartridge which bear the Sharps Company label were produced during a fairly narrow window of time and in limited numbers.  In addition, the Sharps Company found it difficult to compete with the larger ammunition manufacturing companies such as Winchester and UMC, and the Sharps Company ammunition production was somewhat limited, accounting for their relative low survival rate and scarcity on the market today.   

This box is in excellent condition with a full, legible cover label.  There is a darkened area on the upper right corner, perhaps gun oil or bullet lubricant.  The five original cartridges are present – four loaded with the original paper patched bullets and one empty primed case.  Three of the cartridges are loaded with bullets that measure 1 ¼” in exposed length and weighing approximately 570 grains.  The fourth loaded cartridge is fitted with a bullet that measures 1” in exposed length and weighs approximately 550 grains.    

The two piece box retains its full form, with all of the corners and edges intact.  These boxes simply do not appear on the market in much better condition than this one presents.   

This is an excellent specimen of a very rare box of paper patched cartridges manufactured by the famous Sharps Rifle Company, one that seldom appears on the collector market, and it will make a special addition to display with your Sharps Rifle.  (0421) $1800

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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