Ammo Collectors

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Ballistic Therapy
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Ammo Collectors

#1

Post by Ballistic Therapy »

Does anyone here collect old ammo ?
I have these boxes of old .22 ammo and am looking to see if anyone can tell me what it might be worth.
The ones that look like they have tape on them have just been wrapped in plastic wrap.
I looked on gunbroker and found some prices.
Another person suggested I look at Wards Auction site https://www.wardscollectibles.com/viewc ... category=2
I find it hard to believe people are paying some of the prices I see there.

Anyway I was wondering what it might be worth in the real world ( Arizona ).
Does anyone have a clue.
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Vinnie B
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#2

Post by Vinnie B »

I have no idea on actual worth but they are pretty cool for sure. I have been saving old ammo for years as I have found them at yard sales and people giving me stuff they didn't want. Definitely a cool old stash you have
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xerts1191
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#3

Post by xerts1191 »

Great collection
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High Standard
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#4

Post by High Standard »

Too bad, there used to be a site: http://22box-id.com/ that you could look up every box you have and get the date of manufacture and a basic value. Their library of old boxes was equal to none. Unfortunately, they recently just closed down their website.

You have a nice collection of the old Remington Standard Velocity Dog Bone boxes.

I collect old .22 boxes. I used to collect the ammo inside as well but I couldn’t bring the ammo with me when I moved. I kept the boxes and brought them with me. I’m going to make a display for them one of these days.
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Ballistic Therapy
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#5

Post by Ballistic Therapy »

I have more. I just haven't got to it yet.
I am not a collector of ammo , unless it is to shoot.
I shoot lots of 22 and have always picked it up when I found it.
These are just some of what I picked up through the years.
I don't want to shoot it up if it might be worth something to someone.
I would just like to get a ballpark figure of what it might be worth and put it up for sale or trade.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#6

Post by 792mauser »

Neat collection.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#7

Post by cat-mechanic »

This should give you an idea. I once ended up with a S&W Chief box at an estate auction. Didn't think much of it and just glanced at eBay. Found some similar boxes selling for $30 to $100. So I listed mine and they bid it up to over $50. So I was happy with that. I know there's no way I could have listed locally and got that. So sometimes you have to go where the collectors are.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Vintage-Coll ... 7675.l2557
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Ballistic Therapy
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#8

Post by Ballistic Therapy »

The thing about Ebay is that I can't sell ammo.
I can sell the boxes , but not the ammo.
All these boxes are full.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#9

Post by High Standard »

Ballistic Therapy wrote: August 3rd, 2020, 5:59 am The thing about Ebay is that I can't sell ammo.
I can sell the boxes , but not the ammo.
All these boxes are full.
Have you checked the ammo in those older boxes? Some, not all of the ammo that were in my boxes had lube which had completely dried out and made the ammo unshootable.
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Ballistic Therapy
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#10

Post by Ballistic Therapy »

It looks like old ammo , but I have shot worse looking stuff.
Most of it looks fine.
I don't want to start shooting it up if the boxes are worth more when they are full of ammo.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#11

Post by cat-mechanic »

From everything I have ever seen, people have just collected the boxes, not the ammo and boxes.

You might try searching around on ebay and gunbroker to see if there is any similar to what you have.

If it were me, I would probably shoot the ammo, if it is shootable and sell the boxes.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#12

Post by Harrier »

A full box is usually worth way more than just the box, some even complain if its partially shot up... the ingrates.
To find the era, look for ads in old magazines. Seems like 22 boxes are more in demand than other calibers.
Many times the difference of one word on the box can make the difference between common and rare. Companies changed the boxes often, so don't rely on similar color combos... pretty much have to look at the product number and then at all the words, manufacture address etc.
I have a few references I picked up off the net over the years (save my own copy in case their site goes away), just browsing a Remington file, I notice...
Those Remington Kleen-Bore with R17L could be from the 30's catalog ID LR-1
"LR-l .22 LONG RIFLE. Green and white box with red and white printing. One-piece box with end flaps. Product code R17L on top. "U-3" h/s on a copper, brass or steel case. Lead bullets with 3K, lS. Variations noted:
(a) "A" bottom. #2 flap. Copper cases.
(b) "A" bottom. #7 flap. Copper cases.
(c) "A" bottom. #8 flap. Copper cases.
(d) "A" bottom. #9 flap. Copper cases.
(e) "AA" bottom. #7 flap. Copper cases.
(f) "B" bottom. #9 flap. Copper cases. Left hand thumb cut.
(g) "B" bottom. #9 flap. Copper cases. Right hand thumb cut
(h) "B" bottom. #9 flap. Brass cases.
(i) "B" bottom. #9 flap. Copper washed steel cases.
(j) "B" bottom. #11 flap. Copper cases.
(k) "B" bottom. #11 flap. Brass cases.
Note: LR-l can be collected by army lot numbers which are generally stamped on the bottom of the box. The U.S. Military purchased this box for training purposes."


6122 KleenBore boxes look to be LR-5 from late 30's early 40's and might also be military training lots. Note that there is another 6122 that is different- since it is much more plain looking I would guess wartime production.

The one marked R16 is listed as 1939?

The Red/White Hi-Speed boxes are from 1967 but which depends on the wording on the back.

hope that helps...
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#13

Post by jls in az »

List it on Gunbroker. I've sold "historic" ammo on there before for good prices.
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Re: Ammo Collectors

#14

Post by cat-mechanic »

Who knows, with 22 ammo going between 20 and 50 cents a round, you might make some decent money from somebody buying it to just shoot it.

Over at castboolits forum, they have a section for antique ammo. You might see if they can help with pricing or what it's worth. Just an idea.
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