Just wanted to post this photo for members to see. Hopefully the photo is clear enough that the box info can be read.

What era did ammo come in nickel plated shells?

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Western38S&W.jpg (48.7 KB, 185 views)

That box was used from early 1960s to about mid 1970s. Winchester was Nickel plating many calibers at that time, but mostly mid calibers.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

What is the lot number on the end flap?

Indeed that box style was used by Winchester and Western in the 1960s-70s. It's unclear as to exactly when nickeled cases were first offered. Remington makes no mention of nickeled cases in their 1938 ammunition catalog, but does in their 1948 ammunition catalog, at least for .22 and .38 Special. Other makers may have different adoption dates.

I've got several boxes looking that that, only in 38 Special, nickel plated cases - acquired in the early 1970's

I'll add a little more information about nickeled cases.

The 1941 Western price list specifically states .22 S, L, LR, and WRF have nickeled cases. None mentioned for other cartridges.
The 1936 Peters ammunition catalog mentions only the .38 Colt Special (much like the .38 S&W Special, but with a flat point bullet) as having nickeled cases. No other calibers mentioned, not even .38 S&W Special.
The 1948 Peters cartridge catalog is much better, as it has actual color pictures of ammunition, and many calibers with nickel plated cases are evident. Those shown having nickled cases are: .22 S,L,LR; .32 S&W Long (wadcutter only); .38 Special; .357 Magnum; .38 Auto and Super Auto (both!); .45 Colt; and .45 ACP. No other calibers (including .38 S&W) are shown as having nickeled cases.

I'd say that nickeled cases became much more common in the post-WWII era, but were known on a limited scale earlier.

I asked the nickled cases question here recently, and some members felt that they date from the late 1920's. Much more common later.

My grandfather had a top-break copy of an old S&W .38 and his ammo was Western with 200 grain blunt lead bullets. The box was earlier than this one, prob. dated to the 1930's.

I prefer nickel cases. They don't tarnish in use.

Very nostalgic looking!

Very informative responses.

I am away from home for a few days but will post the lot numbers on the box end flap when I return.

The numbers on the end flap are horizontal 31 and below are 36WC13.

Sorry it took so long to make this post

This box was made in 1965

The W is the year code for 1965. It repeats every 20 years, but the box graphics usually change more frequently than that. In this case, the box graphics are from the 1960s-70s.