#80 • Antique 40-50 Sharps Necked UMC Creedmoor Paper Patch

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

High bid $12.00

Status: Sold

Antique 40-50 Sharps Necked centerfire cartridge produced by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, identified as a Creedmoor paper patch load featuring a large black oxidized lead bullet wrapped in a distinctive aged paper patch seated in a brass centerfire case with a plain unmarked primer pocket, displaying exceptional age appropriate patina and character throughout. The paper patch bullet was a precision technique used to improve accuracy by wrapping the lead projectile in paper that engaged the rifling and fell away upon leaving the muzzle, a method favored by competitive long range target shooters of the 1870s and 1880s at events like the famous Creedmoor matches held on Long Island, New York. UMC produced some of the finest metallic cartridges of the post Civil War era from their factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Sharps Creedmoor cartridges represent the pinnacle of that period's precision ammunition development. Cartridges measurements are OAL 2.32in CL 1.70in MW .42in