Box of British Revolver Ammunition

[BrodieBartfast]

Hello folks.

A recent acquisition, and one which I've been seeking out for a while to compliment my collection of British service revolvers.

An original box of twelve .38/200 cartridges (known as .38 S&W across the pond). Original boxes are rather hard to find, as few have survived to the present day, and many convincing reproductions exist. This one is far from mint condition. It's falling apart, with most of its corners torn and loose. The only thing missing is the date stamp on the lid, which would indicate when the ammunition was packed at the factory.

All the cartridges have matching dates (1942) and are all marked 'R /l\ L' for Royal Laboratory, Woolwich Arsenal.



The .38/200 cartridge was used in the Smith & Wesson Victory, Enfield No.2 and Webley MkIV revolvers:



Regards, B.B.

[08SMLE48]

I’ve also been trying to find a box to go with my no2 mk1*.
Nice find B.B.!

[Jb4046]

Really nice mate!

I think collecting ammo boxes is quite addictive

[BrodieBartfast]

Really nice mate!

I think collecting ammo boxes is quite addictive

The little cardboard ones are addictive! They don't take up much space, and they aren't all that expensive.

B.B.

[BodhiEtheridge]

A great addition to a great collection, I personally am trying to get hold of some German boxed 8mm and some 303 for my lee enfield.

-Bodhi

[BrodieBartfast]

I should perhaps add one important caveat, that I forgot to mention in my original post. These rounds are inert. All propellant has been removed, and the primers were soaked in oil to neutralize them. Just in case anyone was thinking of giving the Old Bill a call!

B.B.

[08SMLE48]

I was wondering if they were live. But they are a good addition regardless

[Bill Grist]

Very nice. I like these small boxes I have a few from South Africa. BILL

[Martin Bull]

That's a great 'find' - I've never even seen one !

[vegetius]

I must have disposed of several hundred full boxes of these and about the same .455 In, (oh and quite a few .450 in!) over the years. If you then add the complete German and British WW1 and 2 (Rifle, Pistol and Cannon) probably in the 10's of thousand.

Unfortunately the rules say they are incinerated so down the shoot they go! Before anyone says anything, I know all the reasons that is not good, but it is the law. However as per the last Arms Amnesty (1989) a lot of the historically important items if we found them went to the National Museums as appropriate. We do try our best!