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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS COMPANY GREEN LABEL BOX OF .44-90 BN (.44 -2 ¼ INCH) CALIBER CARTRIDGES – “FOR SHARPS RIFLE” – 10 ROUND BOX IN VERY GOOD CONDITION:  Bearing the desirable Winchester Repeating Arms Company green label which includes the bold font “FOR SHARPS RIFLES” callout, this is a rare .44 – 2 ¼” Bottleneck caliber Sharps Rifle ammunition ten round cartridge box.  Introduced by the Sharps Rifle Company in 1875, this cartridge immediately found popularity with the Western hunters on the buffalo range.    

Giles and Shuey, in their definitive work, Winchester Cartridge Boxes, 1856-1956, describe these particular 44-90 BN boxes as fairly rare and having been produced beginning in 1878.  They go on to note that when found, these boxes normally contain the cartridge found in this box which is loaded in a 2 ¼” case which is headstamped “W.R.A. 44-90”.  The paper patched bullet appears to be a 470 grain bullet which is loaded “proud” in the case in order to allow the full 90 grain powder charge.  From all appearances, the cartridge is original to the box.   This packet was made for a very short period of time before being replaced by the vertically packed 20 round boxes. 

The box is in very good condition with a full, legible cover label as can be seen in the photographs below.  The box is full form, and while it has been opened, it shows very little evidence of the normal wear and tear to which these early boxes were subjected.  The end label is still in full form and legible with 99% of the graphics present.  The seams of both the lid and the body are intact and the box holds its full form.  The box retains the Winchester guarantee label pasted on the bottom of the packet, and it is complete and fully legible.  It is very possible with enough time and searching, this packet could be filled with original cartridges. 

This is a very nice specimen of a rare ten round Winchester packet of the .44-2 ¼” BN cartridges bearing the desirable Sharps Rifle reference on the label.  Seldom appearing on the open collector’s market, you should think twice before passing on this opportunity to add this box to your collection to display with your rifle.  (1104)  $550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

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