#50 • .50-70 Musket (.50 Gov't) R 89 W 3 Cartridge

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

High bid $14.00

Status: Sold

Single antique .50-70 Musket cartridge, also known as the .50 Government, head stamped "R 89 W 3" indicating it was manufactured in 1889, making it an early production example of the first standard issue centerfire metallic cartridge adopted by the U.S. military for the Springfield trapdoor musket following the Civil War. The brass case shows considerable age related spotting and patina across its surface, with the headstamp displaying the manufacturer mark, date, and a small centerfire primer that retains its original appearance. The large round nosed lead bullet protrudes well above the case mouth and displays heavy surface oxidation and crazing, showing the full character of a cartridge that is now over 155 years old. Cartridge measurements are OAL 2.18in CL 1.75in MW .52in