#39 • French Military 7.7mm "Balle Ordinaire" Cartridges

Part of Antique Ammunition Online Auction (timed auction by Linkous Auction Group)

High bid $6.00

Status: Sold

Rare original French military pack of 8 cartridges chambered in 7.7mm, labeled "Balle Ordinaire" (standard ball ammunition), manufactured in 1954 under ATE lot number 21-54. The 7.7mm cartridge was used by the French military during the post-World War II colonial era, seeing service in conflicts such as the First Indochina War and the early stages of the Algerian War. The plain kraft cardboard box is entirely utilitarian in design, bearing only a typed specification label listing brass cases, SFM primers, and a powder charge of 2.53 grams, reflecting strict French military production standards. Originally packed as 8 rounds, this box now contains 5 remaining cartridges that are long and slender bottlenecked rifle rounds with bright brass cases, pointed full metal jacket bullets with a black annulus sealant at the case mouth, and large brass primers tinted with a distinctive purple lacquer seal, all in remarkably well-preserved condition for their age.