WTK: Western .357 Mag ammo?
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DWalt
Member
Do you have a picture clearly showing the readable rear of the box? The main market would be as a go-along for those having a contemporary .357 revolver. If you can see the lot number stamping, it can be dated precisely.
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OP
DWalt
Member
Your box would very likely be from the 1944-46 period. The Division of Olin Industries legend began in mid-1944, and the box graphics style changed in 1946. An earlier pre-war box would be more valuable, but my guess is that someone with a nice pre-war .357 or pre-Model 27 would be willing to go $300-400 as the box is in such good condition. Assuming that it is full. There are numerous antique/collector ammo dealers out there with websites giving their prices. One of them probably has some full boxes of that era. Just google.
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This is Ray Giles' website. He is probably the most knowledgeable collector/dealer around today regarding Winchester boxes. Collectible Antique and Obsolete Ammunition in Original Boxes
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This is Ray Giles' website. He is probably the most knowledgeable collector/dealer around today regarding Winchester boxes. Collectible Antique and Obsolete Ammunition in Original Boxes
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I have a lot of vintage ammo - so much in fact, I have been using it at the Range. Ammo value really depends on what side of the counter you are on. If you are buying, it's "worth" a lot, however when you go to sell it, no one wants to pay you a premium.
A actually have many bricks of 22's I started using, 45acp, 38 spl. 32acp,25acp, 380 acp. shotshells, etc. that I am regularly using now. I know this may sound silly, but I actually get great joy out of shooting it and seeing how perfect it works after 60,70, 80, 90+ years! I can not remember ever having any failures to fire!
Hunting Pheasants and birds successfully with paper hulled shotgun shells from the 1950's thrills me! Shooting really good targets with old ammo just demonstrates how good it was made.
When I am at the Range and old timers bring in pristine unopened boxes of old ammo to target shoot with, I make them an offer to trade them for new ammo - they usually have no issues with that offer. That's where I got a lot of it. Some of the boxes don't even have a scratch or nick on them. After the ammo is used, I usually save the box. I would not go and spend any big bucks on vintage ammo because I have never seen it bring really big bucks, unless a true collector is seeking out a very rare and specific box of ammo. AFAIK, mine is just run of the mill from many years ago. Just looks cool.
A actually have many bricks of 22's I started using, 45acp, 38 spl. 32acp,25acp, 380 acp. shotshells, etc. that I am regularly using now. I know this may sound silly, but I actually get great joy out of shooting it and seeing how perfect it works after 60,70, 80, 90+ years! I can not remember ever having any failures to fire!
Hunting Pheasants and birds successfully with paper hulled shotgun shells from the 1950's thrills me! Shooting really good targets with old ammo just demonstrates how good it was made.
When I am at the Range and old timers bring in pristine unopened boxes of old ammo to target shoot with, I make them an offer to trade them for new ammo - they usually have no issues with that offer. That's where I got a lot of it. Some of the boxes don't even have a scratch or nick on them. After the ammo is used, I usually save the box. I would not go and spend any big bucks on vintage ammo because I have never seen it bring really big bucks, unless a true collector is seeking out a very rare and specific box of ammo. AFAIK, mine is just run of the mill from many years ago. Just looks cool.
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Eddie Southgate
Member
I'd think more like $175 would be close.
I am not a collector. I have purchased individual rounds of antique ammo to have that fit a particular antique gun for illustrative purposes. I would not pay big bucks for a full box to collect dust. Maybe an empty if cheap. But apparently there are people that go for that and you could put it somewhere like on Gunbroker on auction and see what you can get. Most of the people at a gunshow would want it for wholesale price or much cheaper than retail value. The online auction process can get you market value or close. Being aware of any hassles of shipping live ammo, then.
Max.
Ward's Auction is a good place to see actual sales data. Past auctions and sales prices can be viewed.
A Western box doesn't bring as much unless it's a rare caliber, has a bear on it, etc. Condition, graphics, age, and rarity (brand and caliber) determine value.
For comparison, mint .38 special boxes from the same period sale for $50-$70 plus the fees. A standing bear .219 Zipper in mint condition will bring considerably more.
What your box has going for it is condition (assuming it's full-even 1 or 2 missing will affect value). I see a dent in the box and some edge wear, but the color and print are great.
I think $125-$150 is realistic.
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Just another 22 shooter
Member
I like the way you think. Old ammo to me is like fine vintage wine; you can brag and show it off to your friends, but ultimately, it cannot be enjoyed to the fullest extent without consuming it. If you happen to have a firearm from the same place in time to shoot the ammo with, that's just a cherry on top. You still have the boxes to show and you have the experience of firing the ammo to share with your friends.
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