Questions about 32-44 Target ammo box

[valbehaved]

Hello everyone:
I was told to repost this in the "antique" section..
About 12 years ago I bought this sealed box together with a 32-44 target new model #3.
I have not been able to find a similar example online.
Are they rare?
What is the approximate value of a box like this one?
Thank you!

 

[glowe]

The caliber is found in New Model 3 Target revolvers, but was rare. There was also a 38-44 Target round as well, but neither ammo shows up very often. I would guess that box is from maybe 1880 or later, but they are found for sale so seldom that value is a big question mark. A full box would be scarce to rare, but demand might be low so tough to estimate what a box would be worth.

This site might help. International Ammunition Association Web Forum

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I have several boxes of Remington .32/44's. I bought them over 20 years ago. I know I paid $150.00 a box. They were all full a couple were sealed and almost mint condition. Your box would bring $300.00 to $400.00 today.

 

[BMur]

Collectable Ammo

I can only say what I have seen in the collectable market regarding Antique Ammo?

Prices have gone pretty high on the rare stuff. Supply and demand! Zero supply means high demand if the market is interested? It's amazing what collectors are paying for Empty boxes!!!

I've watched a few early picture boxes sell recently for over $200 empty! but I have to agree that it's a very hard market to follow and predict. It really depends on collector interest? I'm not sure how many ammo collectors would get into a bidding war for this rare box of TARGET ammo. They seem to go crazy for "Picture" boxes. By that I mean a picture of a gun on the box? Like a Colt lightning or Baby Russian?

Most antique ammo boxes that are full and factory sealed go for no less that what Don mentioned. If it was me and I wanted to sell this box I would put it up on one of the Antique ammo sites and let it ride at a high dollar fixed price listing for a while to see if any collector bites on it. That way a lot of collectors see the box.

*** Also, I'm not sure I agree that this is an early box? The target 32-44 was introduced in 1888 and Winchester boxes of that time had a different label. This might be around the turn of the century based on the label design. By the early 1900's the NM3's were becoming obsolete in favor of the smokeless target double actions. So, that might not help value? Advanced Antique Ammo collectors would know this for sure. So you need to date the box in my opinion.


Murph

 

[valbehaved]

Thank you, fellows!
I have no intentions of selling it as it goes well with my boxed Mod #3 Target...

 

[singleshot1891]

I regularly watch and participate on one of the more well known antique ammunition auction websites.
Don is right on the money for this particular box in the very above average and sealed condition yours is in. $300 - $400 all day long.

WB

 

[iby]

I think it is very cool.
I would like to see the revolver

 

[BMur]

The Big 3

The big 3 Ammo providers of the late 19th century were Winchester, UMC, and U.S. Cartridge Co. Honorable mention to Peters, American, and several others in Canada and Europe.

UMC offered many loads for Target revolvers. Their boxes are pretty easily dated as seen in the photo's. From early to post 1900 Smokeless.

The late 1890's boxes seem similar to your Winchester label. That would be my guess.

I would recommend you include at least one period field loading tool in the .323 caliber to accent your Target gun.

Murph

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Here are my 3 boxes. The one on top is full of one fired brass. The other two are full.

 

[dingomann]

There is one on Ward's Auction which ended on 3/5/21. It is the exact same box, with an overlabel 'PRIMED CASES' and stamped 'SMOKELESS'.
Early 20th century box.

 

[AJ]

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