#51 • .50-70 Musket Government Cartridge

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

High bid $10.00

Status: Sold

Single antique .50-70 Musket Government cartridge featuring a long brass case with a deep warm patina, a pronounced rim at the base bearing no manufacturer's headstamp, and a heavy conical lead bullet with a rough, pitted, oxidized surface typical of period cast lead projectiles. Introduced in 1866 as the first standard metallic cartridge adopted by the U.S. Army, it was chambered in the Springfield trapdoor rifles converted from Civil War muzzleloaders and saw extensive service during the Indian Wars. It fired a 450-grain lead bullet propelled by 70 grains of black powder before being replaced by the .45-70 Government in 1873, though civilians continued using it heavily for bison hunting across the Great Plains. Cartridge measurements are OAL 2.23in CL 1.72 MW .51