Original Unopened Pack of .44 Caliber Cartridges Made by Johnston & Dow for the M1860 Colt Army Revolver

Original Unopened Pack of .44 Caliber Cartridges Made by Johnston & Dow for the M1860 Colt Army Revolver – With the onset of war in 1861, the Federal Government began to rely on arsenal and private contractor production of the millions of needed pistol cartridges. Unlike today, between 1861 and 1865, with production of pistol ammunition produced by multiply different sources, there would be a significant variety in the cartridge powder charges, overall design of the actual bullet and type of wrapper. Algernon Johnston and Lorenzo Dow initiated the successful production of a patented, “waterproof” cartridge with a unique bullet design. Their innovative designs included a water resistant, collodion coated powder compartment (often misidentified as a “skin cartridge”), affixed to an equally innovative long-heeled bullet; unfortunately, the collodion, although providing water resistance, tended to produce high powder fouling in the pistols utilizing the cartridges. Ultimately, before the Federal Government suspended their contract with Johnston & Dow in 1864, due to the powder fouling problems, the company would provide approximately ten million cartridges to the government, for both .36 and .44 caliber revolvers of a variety of makes.

This packet of cartridges remains in superb condition and has never been opened; the paper wrapping and label are in excellent condition.